Interview with a Concerned Parent

recommended by The Liberation Lab

Put It In A Book

“Wanna hide something from a nigga? Put it in a book.” In 2004, the summer before I attended college, Jadakiss dropped this line in the song “Bring you down” on his album “Kiss of Death.” This lyric hit different and caused me to reflect on my hot and cold relationship with reading and the knowledge I may have left on the shelf. You see, as a kid I would ask my mom to take me to the library every weekend to check out books, take them home and sit in my room and read. As I got older reading became less of a leisure activity and more of a task for completing objectives. I promised myself that I would get back to reading for fun but it has been an ongoing struggle well into adulthood.

In the past 3 years I’ve taken baby steps to read at least one book for fun each year and have accomplished that for the most part (shoutout to audio books). My partner reads for leisure all the time and that is something I admire, and now I have a 10-month-old son who I make a point to read to everyday. Their influence is motivation to rebuild my habit of reading for fun.

When the team from The Liberation Lab suggested doing an online book list, I was hype because it was an opportunity to connect with our community around reading, something I could have used growing up and as an adult. Even better is that our list highlights black authors and narratives that empower our youth and aim to strengthen our families.

I’m proud to say that I have read at least one of the books on this list and plan to complete them all gradually. If you’re working on building a habit of reading in your household or for yourself, checkout our list of book recommendations vetted by our team.

Summer Reading List – The Liberation Lab

Selected Book Content – Black Fortunes

The first book in my journey is “Black Fortunes: The Story of the First Six African Americans Who Escaped Slavery and Became Millionaires”. Written by Shomari Wills, this book tells the story of six African Americans who escaped slavery and became millionaires. The book discusses the origins of the holiday and the significance of the Emancipation Proclamation. “Black Fortunes” is important because it discusses the meaning of freedom and what it means to be free. In the book, the main characters are able to assert their power and find their own sense of freedom.

Black Fortunes begins with the story of Benjamin Banneker, who was born into slavery but was able to purchase his freedom and become a successful farmer and surveyor. He used his skills to help survey the land for the new capital city of Washington, D.C.

Next, the book tells the story of Mary Ellen Pleasant, who was also born into slavery but was able to purchase her freedom and become a successful businesswoman. She used her wealth to help finance the Underground Railroad and support the abolitionist movement.

The third story is that of Harriet Tubman, who was born into slavery but escaped to freedom. She then helped hundreds of other slaves escape to freedom through the Underground Railroad.

Wills continues with a fourth story about Frederick Douglass, who was also born into slavery but was able to escape to freedom. He then became an abolitionist and a leading voice in the fight for civil rights.

The fifth story is that of Booker T. Washington, who was born into slavery but was able to purchase his freedom and become a successful educator. He founded the Tuskegee Institute, which provided education and training for African Americans.

The sixth and final story is that of Madam C.J. Walker, who was born into poverty but was able to become a successful businesswoman. She developed a line of hair care products for African American women and became one of the first black millionaires.

“Black Fortunes” is an important book because it tells the story of the first six African Americans who escaped slavery and became millionaires. The book discusses the meaning of freedom and what it means to be free. In the book, the main characters are able to assert their power and find their own sense of freedom.

5 Books to Connect Children, Parents, and Juneteenth

1. “Juneteenth” by Ralph Ellison

2. “The Story of Juneteenth” by James Haskins

3. “Emancipation Proclamation” by Tonya Bolden

4. “Juneteenth Jamboree” by Carole Boston Weatherford

5. “A Day to Remember” by W.E.B. Du Bois

Why are each of these books important?

“Juneteenth” by Ralph Ellison is important because it tells the story of the holiday from the perspective of a black man living in the South.

“The Story of Juneteenth” by James Haskins is important because it provides a detailed history of the holiday.

“Emancipation Proclamation” by Tonya Bolden is important because it discusses the origins of the holiday and the significance of the Emancipation Proclamation.

“Juneteenth Jamboree” by Carole Boston Weatherford is important because it celebrates the holiday through music and poetry.

“A Day to Remember” by W.E.B. Du Bois is important because it discusses the meaning of freedom and what it means to be free.

How do each of these books meet our learning objectives?

“Juneteenth” by Ralph Ellison meets the objective of power because it tells the story of a black man who is able to assert his power despite the racism he faces. “The Story of Juneteenth” by James Haskins meets the objective of freedom because it discusses the history of the holiday and the significance of the Emancipation Proclamation.

“Emancipation Proclamation” by Tonya Bolden meets the objective of innovation because it discusses the origins of the holiday and the significance of the Emancipation Proclamation. “Juneteenth Jamboree” by Carole Boston Weatherford meets the objective of community because it celebrates the holiday through music and poetry.

“A Day to Remember” by W.E.B. Du Bois meets the objective of trust because it discusses the meaning of freedom and what it means to be free.”

If you had to choose one book for your ten year old black son to read right now, what would it be?

If I had to choose one book for my ten year old black son to read right now, it would be “Juneteenth” by Ralph Ellison. I think it’s important for children to learn about black history and this book tells the story of the holiday from the perspective of a black man living in the South.

Can you tell me more about “Juneteeth” by Ralph Ellison?

“Juneteenth” by Ralph Ellison is a novel that tells the story of the holiday from the perspective of a black man living in the South. The book discusses the meaning of freedom and what it means to be free. In the book, the main character, a black man named Jesse, is living in the South during the time of Jim Crow laws.

Despite the racism and discrimination he faces, Jesse is able to assert his power and find his own sense of freedom. Jesse begins to feel restless in the small town he lives in and decides to travel to the city. There, he meets a woman named Lily who helps him to see the world in a new light. Through their relationship, Jesse learns about love, freedom, and what it means to be truly free.

“Juneteenth” is an important book because it tells the story of the holiday from the perspective of a black man. The book discusses the meaning of freedom and what it means to be free. In the book, the main character, Jesse, is able to assert his power and find his own sense of freedom.