February is Black History Month, so it's a good time to look more closely at the history of racism in our country. Most of us lack a complete and deep understanding of the history of racist ideas in America, and this prevents us from comprehending the complexity of the issue and the way forward. As I mentioned in my reading notes posted a few weeks ago, the last book I read in 2017 was Stamped from the Beginning: The Definitive History of Racist Ideas in America by Ibram X. Kendi. It won the 2016 National Book Award for Nonfiction. The Judges inscription for the award reads:
"Stamped from the Beginning turns our ideas of the term "racism" upside-down. Ibram X. Kendi writes as a thoughtful cultural historian, aware that he is challenging deeply held, often progressive assumptions. Using a masterful voyage through the history of the U.S. political rhetoric, beginning with Cotton Mather and ending with hip-hop, he argues that even the most fervent anti-racists have been infected with that resilient virus. With his learning, he dares us to find a cure."
Ibram X. Kendi is an award-winning historian and New York Times best-selling author. He's Professor of History and International Relations and the Founding Director of the Antiracist Research and Policy Center at American University. This book is brilliant and very important. It challenges the assumption that we can overcome racism simply through overcoming hate and ignorance.
"Hate and ignorance have not driven the history of racist ideas in America. Racist policies have driven the history of racist ideas in America. And this fact becomes apparent when we examine the causes behind, not the consumption of racist ideas, but the production of racist ideas."
I can't possibly adequately summarize this book, even if I went back and copied out every passage I marked with a sticky note.
This is why I wish everyone could read the book. At over 500 pages, it is not an easy or quick read. But it is well worth your time, and it's imperative to understanding how we got where we are today in terms of racism in the United States.
If you're unable to commit to a 500+ page history book, start by visiting Kendi's website. There you can read some of his essays. Also check out his recent piece in the The New York Times: "The Heartbeat of Racism is Denial ."
Sing, Unburied, Sing by Jesym Ward (fiction)
Ordinary Light by Tracy K. Smith (memoir)
The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas (young adult fiction)
Bad Feminist by Roxane Gay (essays)
March Trilogy by John Lewis (nonfiction/graphic novels)
Of course, reading is just one way to help us better understand Black History and racism in America. In Milwaukee, there are a variety of organizations that host events to help our community better understand racism and the challenges of segregation in our city.
I am attending one such event on February 13th at the Frank Ziedler Center for Public Discussion. The event is "Interrogating Whiteness" and will include an introduction by Martha Barry, an instructor for the YWCA's "Unlearning Racism" course, storytelling, and discussions with fellow community members about racial identity and whiteness. I am participating as an Ex Fabula Fellow, having had the privilege of participating in the third year of the Ex Fabula Fellowship this fall. "Ex Fabula strengthens community bonds through the art of storytelling." They partner with a number of organizations in the community to put on outstanding events. For example, my husband and I attended "Refugee Stories" at the Haggerty Museum of Art and heard compelling and braves stories from several immigrants who live in our community. Be sure to check out Ex Fabula's website (linked above) or FB page for upcoming events.
There are many local organizations committed to fostering community bonds and better understanding. The Ziedler Center mentioned above, as well as many local libraries, sponsor events. The Milwaukee Jewish Museum currently has an exhibit about civil rights. ZIP MKE is a grassroots organization that uses photography to engage and connect people throughout Milwaukee. If you're on Facebook, check out March on Milwaukee 50th, which is a page "dedicated to the commemoration of Milwaukee's Civil Rights Movement and the 200 nights of Fair Housing Marches that took place in 1967." These are just a few examples.
*****
"Shallow understanding from people of good will
is more frustrating
than absolute misunderstanding from people of ill will."
is more frustrating
than absolute misunderstanding from people of ill will."
Martin Luther King, Jr.
Please feel free to comment with any organizations, events, books, etc. that you would recommend.
