Black literature plays a crucial role in shaping the self-esteem and identity of African American children. When I published my first novel, The Ebony Tree, I was struck by my 23-year-old niece's reaction. She ran through the house, laughing and incredulous, asking her mother, "Mama, did Aunt Maxine make this up? Did you guys actually 'play white'?" My sister-in-law confirmed, "Not only did we play white, we dreamed in white. That's all we ever saw in books or on TV—white characters having all the fun."
In the 1950s, most Black families grew up with images of a white Jesus, white Santa Claus, and even white angels adorning their walls. The media and literature of the time rarely reflected Black beauty or experiences. If there were any books in the home besides the Bible, they were not Black books. This sent a silent but powerful message: Black was ugly, and white was beautiful. This experience was as damaging as the historical prohibition against slaves learning to read.
Fast forward to today, and I can attest from raising my own children that having Black literature in the home has a positive impact on self-esteem and confidence. When children see themselves reflected in the stories they read, it helps build a better self-image. Literature provides role models and archetypes from which we can learn life lessons. Specifically, African American literature offers stories relevant to the Black experience in America, covering a range of socio-economic classes, regions, and professions. These stories often make social commentaries on the American Dream, from rags-to-riches tales to their reversals.
In the late 1990s, headlines proclaimed, "Black Writers on The Rise." However, my experience at the 1999 Book Expo of America in Los Angeles was a rude awakening. Despite the presence of African American books in local Black bookstores, the percentage of Black books represented by major publishers was still infinitesimally small. This disparity reminded me that the number of African American books could easily dwindle, as they did after the Harlem Renaissance and the Revolutionary 60s, if we don't take control of our narratives.
The good news is that the increase in African American books can be attributed to more Black publishing companies, Black editors, and self-published books. The advent of desktop publishing, the Internet, and Black book clubs has empowered many writers to publish their own stories. Self-publishing is particularly important for Black writers who struggle to get published by mainstream outlets.
Here are some of the significant contributions of Black literature:
A teacher once told me about a study at her school where all the little Black girls still saw a blond, blue-eyed child as the epitome of beauty. This was in December 1999, echoing the tragic tale in Toni Morrison's The Bluest Eye, where a Black child named Pecola went insane because she wanted blue eyes. This book was set in the 1940s, yet the issue persists.
If we continue to write and share our stories, we may never achieve full parity in the world of books. However, we can prevent another generation of Black children from feeling the need to "play white" or, worse, suffering the fate of fictional characters like Pecola. Black literature is not just important; it is essential for the self-esteem and identity of African American children.
By understanding and promoting Black literature, we can foster a more inclusive and representative literary landscape.
How to Leverage Anthologies to Expand Your Reading Audience
Anthologies offer a unique opportunity for authors to expand their readership by tapping into the diverse followings of multiple writers. This article explores how you can use anthologies to build your audience, citing real-world examples and providing actionable insights.
Why Story Editing Elevates the Quality of Fiction
Summary: Have you ever been so captivated by a story that you read it multiple times, discovering new layers with each read? The secret behind such compelling narratives often lies in the hands of a skilled story editor. This article delves into the transformative power of story editing, explaining how it enhances character development, plot coherence, and emotional engagement, ultimately making your fiction unforgettable.
The Power of Mother-Daughter Relationships in African American Literature
The intricate dynamics of mother-daughter relationships in African American literature offer profound insights into the historical and cultural impacts of slavery. These narratives not only dispel stereotypes but also foster healing and understanding. This article delves into the significance of these relationships, highlighting key works and their contributions to the discourse.
