Black History Month: Highlighting Black & Disabled Authors
It was Dr. Martin Luther King who said, "Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly affects all indirectly." Yet still, it is a painful reality that inequality is still experienced by many BIPOC (Black Indigenous People of Color). BIPOC is an umbrella term intended to center the experiences of Black and Indigenous groups. Thus, acknowledging people of color face many types of discrimination and prejudice.
“It is not our differences that divide us. It is our inability to recognize, accept and celebrate those differences.” – Audre Lourde
This month is dedicated to paying tribute to the many generations of African American men and women. Through many trials and tribulations, a spotlight is focused on the achievements of African Americans in our country, despite a long history of racism and oppression. The following is a compilation of various Black authors who allow us a glimpse into their world by sharing individual experiences. As the forces of racism persist, the anti-racist principles that have been instilled in us be guides in helping to bring forth a movement for social transformation. Let us open our eyes and our minds to bear witness to the painful reality of inequality. Please take this opportunity to educate yourselves and read a page from their books.
Blackness and Disability: Critical Examinations and Cultural Interventions
By Christopher M. Bell
This book is a collection of essays covering topics of representation in slavery and violence, deconstruction of illness such as cancer and AIDS, treatments of the disabled in hip-hop, and commentary on disability, blackness, and war. This book sheds light on the misrepresentation of Black disabled bodies and shows the historical lines of demarcation that need challenging.
Hooded: A Black Girls Guide to the Ph.D.
By Dr. Malika Grayson
Dr. Grayson tells of her experiences with self-doubt, racism, dismissal, and many more battles Balck women face when trying to earn advanced degrees. The well-deserved accomplishment is not without many overcome obstacles.
The Pretty One
By Keah Brown
The Pretty One was written with the goal of 'smashing stigmas, empowering her community, and celebrating herself' (Teen Vogue). Brown and The Pretty One aims to expand the conversation about disability and inspire self-love for people of all backgrounds (Durham County Library, 2023).
Haben: The Deafblind Woman Who Conquered Harvard Law
By Girma Haben
Haben documents the story of the first deaf and blind graduate of Harvard Law School, tracing her refugee parents' harrowing experiences in the Eritrea-Ethiopian war and her development of innovations that enabled her remarkable achievements.
Nelson Beats the Odds
By Rodney Sidney II
It tells the author's struggles with learning disabilities through a story that inspires resiliency and empowerment. He writes with aides to fill the gap by promoting diverse literature that promotes everyone's experiences.
Cultivating the Genius of Black Children: Strategies to Close the Achievement Gap in the Early Years
By Debra Ren-Etta Sullivan
The author combines research and experience to provide a resource-filled book that tells of the disconnect between learning preferences and learning environments for minority students—especially those of African American descent. Designed to help early childhood educators increase cultural intelligence and expand their tools for supporting children.
I Am Enough
By Grace Byers
This illustration is filled with empowerment statements for young girls, and affirmations about being enough. I Am Enough is an informative book to start educating children early that they are worthy and perfect just the way they are!
Author:
Yolanda Reyes
University of Arizona
Sonoran Center of Excellence in Disabilities
Early Childhood Student Intern
College of Applied Science and Technology
*Article first published February 3, 2023
References:
BiblioCommons. (2023). Durham County Library. https://durhamcounty.bibliocommons.com/list/share/1828978759/1829226669
Davidson, K. (2022, April 6). Why We Use BIPOC. Eliminating Racism Empowering Women YWCA. https://www.ywcaworks.org/blogs/ywca/wed-04062022-0913/why-we-use-bipoc
Sidney, R. (2016, May 20). Nelson Beats the Odds. Inspirational Graphic Novel Series. https://nelsonbeatstheodds.wordpress.com/2016/05/20/every-black-male-in-america-should-read-nelson-beats-the-odds/