MissDomino: African American Authors

Showing posts with label African American Authors. Show all posts

An American Treasure: Jacqueline Woodson

National Book Award Winner, Jacqueline Woodson

I recently was involved in discussion thread on one of my librarian listserv lately regarding award winning author, Jacqueline Woodson.

Woodson is the 2014 National Book Award Winner for Young People's Literature for the book, "Brown Girl Dreaming". During the program, an insensitive joke was made by the master's of ceremonies that centered around a stereotype of watermelon and African-Americans. Since that time, Woodson has responded by writing an eloquent column in the New York Times which was also picked up by Time Magazine. Both posts are currently being circulated on social media during this holiday season and in my opinion has made online reading quite interesting.

The Pain of the Watermelon Joke
by Jacqueline Woodson

I read some of the comments on the listserv and on the articles comment section....honestly my blood pressure spiked a bit. I was saddened, then angered and then left bewildered by some of the comments. Overall, many understood how Woodson felt in that moment: She had just happily received this prestigious award and while making her way from the stage back to her seat, had the moment belittled to an insensitive joke. What was also interesting is some of the comments ranged from Woodson reacting in a hyper-sensitive matter about the subject, while others believe that the joke was just delivered in poor taste and she and others should just let it go.

I know you are probably thinking, K.C. why are you so wound up about the comments of others? The reason why is, these comments represent the general thought or opinions of others. You see in today's technology driven society, it's easy to hide behind a computer or online name these days, so one can be their authentic self and express their views freely. The comments in my opinion were authentic and represent as a society, that there is still a lack of understanding of people from other races/cultures. These comments also are an indicator that we still have a long way to go.

After reading all of the press associated with Woodson's award, I also think about a heated argument I had with a librarian colleague about ten years ago. The argument centered around her lack of understanding about offensive books about people of color. I explained to her that when I was working at Kdg. - 8th grade school, I used to cringe when I read the book, "Five Little Monkey's Jumping on a Bed." This is a classic children's counting book that many of us are familiar with. What many don't realize in the earlier version, the book was called, "Ten Little Nigger Boys." The popular chant that is now known as "Five Little Monkeys" (also known as "Ten Little Monkeys or Ten Little Indians") used the "n word" plural or "darkies" as a reference for Black people instead of the word "monkey". Historically, the word "monkey" itself is a word which has also been used in the past and the present as an offensive reference for Indian and African American people.

http://weneeddiversebooks.org

This is where I can directly relate to Woodson. When she heard the comments during 'her moment', it took her back to a time of pain and struggle. In my case, my colleague felt that since the revised version was reissued, I should no longer have strong feelings about the theme of the book. My argument was it's hard to just 'erase' the imagery and message that was once present in this book, especially when I see copies on the internet and rare book collections. This is why organizations such as, 'We Need Diverse Books' is needed because they are committed to diversifying all children’s literature. Children should have the opportunity to be exposed to a diverse body of literature that accurately represents themselves and for their personal leisure and required reading.

Me Sitting Behind the Circulation Desk

I have been a Jacqueline Woodson fan as long as I've served as a school librarian. She is one of many authors who are committed to filling the void of stories written about children of color. Through her stories, she has demonstrated to the publishing field that these stories are rich, wonderful reads that bring a different voice to contemporary fiction. I applaud Woodson and so should you. Her accomplishments should not be overshadowed by the comments of the ill informed that lacks cultural understandings.
She is an American treasure and we should treat and celebrate her as such.

References
Dwyer, C., (November, 2014)
Daniel Handler Apologizes For Jokes At National Book Awards
http://www.npr.org/blogs/thetwo-way/2014/11/21/365707391/book-news-daniel-handler-apologizes-for-jokes-at-national-book-awards

Frizell, S., (November, 2014)
Jacqueline Woodson Responds to Racist Watermelon Joke
http://time.com/3610303/jacqueline-woodson-watermelon-racist-joke-lemony-snicket-daniel-handler-national-book-awards/

Frizell, S., (November, 2014)
Children’s Author Helps Raise Thousands After Racist Remark
http://time.com/3601099/daniel-handler-lemony-snicket-racist-remark/

Gates, H. L. (July, 2014)
The Signifying Monkey: A Theory of African American Literary Criticism
Oxford University

Harvey, R., (February, 1997)
Don't Judge Hearn Merely by Latest Slip of Tongue
Los Angeles Times
http://articles.latimes.com/1997-02-06/sports/sp-26020_1_chick-hearn

We Need Diverse Books
http://weneeddiversebooks.org/

Woodson, J., (November, 2014)
The Pain of the Watermelon Joke
New York Times
http://mobile.nytimes.com/2014/11/29/opinion/the-pain-of-the-watermelon-joke.html

Growing Up Positive: An HIV/AIDS Awareness Film

This is an important film that should be played in high schools across the country. Writer/Director Yasmin Shiraz has produced 'Growing Up Positive: An HIV/AIDS Awareness Film' for teens. The movie is about two women, one black and one white, born HIV positive. The women share their experiences with school, dating, relationships and sex. The film also explores how race plays a part with HIV.

This film is currently screening at colleges and high schools for AIDS Awareness. Below is a trailer for the film that provides a brief view of the film's content. If you are interested in viewing the entire film, please contact Yasmin Shiraz at http://www.yasminshiraz.net.

I have personally been a fan of Shiraz's work with teens. I find her storytelling is conversational style wrapped with a authentic realism that teens today can relate to. My favorite book, 'Retaliation' was a favorite of Chicago Public Schools students who participated in the Mayor Daley's Book Club. The similarities between D.C. and Chicago teens was really eye opening. Now years later, I'm excited to learn that the sequel to "Accused" has been received well by audiences. Also, both books were selected as Top 10 Quick Picks for Reluctant Readers by the American Library Association. I always wanted to know what happened to Ahmed and Tashera! Both books are highly recommended for late middle school and high school students.

In addition, my female students enjoy Shiraz's motivational books. "The Blueprint for my Girls" and "The Blueprint for my Girls in Love" are favorites and really 'speak' to their issues, questions and drama.

Coming Soon: A very overdue joint interview of author Yasmin Shiraz with blogger, Dr. Vanessa Irvin Morris. Stay tuned!

After reading Retaliation and observing the similarities between D.C. and Chicago teens, I knew that the students would enjoy reading the book. I was right. Coordinators from across the city emailed commenting how much their clubs enjoyed the story.

I was really excited to hear from Shiraz and learn that she has cleverly continued the story of Ahmed and Tashera in Accused. I don't want to give away key elements of the story so I have copied the synopsis from Shiraz's website for you to review. This book is a recommended read for late middle school students through high school. Stay tuned for an interview of Yasmin Shiraz in an upcoming blog post. - See more at: http://theaudaciouslibrarian.blogspot.com/2014/04/accused-by-yasmin-shiraz.html#sthash.wm03KX1F.dpuf

Conversations at the Circulation Desk

Conversations at the Circulation Desk is an ongoing series that celebrates the teen mind, voice and spirit. in this episode, three seniors are providing 'Teen' Reader's Advisory for a junior level student. Nikki Carter and Kelli London books are referenced heavily in this video. You will hear my students voices in this video. #HowILibrary