A Path To Liberation
Imagine a world without books and stories. A world where your Anatomy is dictated by someone else, a world where your basic human right of education has been stripped away from you. That was the reality of black people across the diaspora. Our ancestors struggled and fought to have the freedom to READ because they knew the power, value and liberation reading could get them. So, as I currently sit down to write this, it is only a means of addressing and encouraging you to read—especially as a black individual like myself.
Reading is a fundamental element of success, it shapes our identities, transforms our minds, and influences our actions. Often, we overlook the significance of reading, dismissing it as unimportant or a waste of time, all the while failing to recognize its true power. If a leader seeks to control their populace, one of their first moves is to target books—deciding which titles to ban and which to allow. The reasoning is clear: if they can dictate what you read, they can control you as an individual. They understand the profound influence that books hold. Books have the power to spread both accurate accounts and misinformation.
Stereotypes are born in the spread of misinformation. The more they spread, the more power it has to change the trajectory of someone's life, plaguing their mind, consuming their heart, and tinting their perspectives. That's why we must read—so that we can have the opportunity to share our stories with our voices.
Read to advance your success, further your education, and liberate yourself from systemic barriers. Read to foster community and unity. Read to boldly declare to the world who you are and what you stand for before others make that decision on your behalf. And above all, read for enjoyment. Embrace books as opportunities rather than burdens. Now more than ever, we have the privilege of expanding our knowledge that our ancestors unfortunately didn't possess. Books are essential tools for expanding our perspectives, imparting knowledge we may not have previously possessed, helping us articulate our thoughts, and, most importantly, facilitating communication with others. So, I implore you—pick up a book and explore the limitless opportunities of a better you.
Reading tips:
Explore genres that pique your interest—whether that be romance, sci-fi, fantasy, or politics- it's about exploring your curiosity.
Take your time while reading.
Engage in critical thinking while reading; you don't have to grasp deep meaning in every text but consider varying perspectives.
Incorporate reading into your daily habits.
Books by Black Authors
Yinya, where is Your Husband; Lizzie Damilola—explores the importance of self-love
Washington Black; Esi Edugyan—touches on racism and identity.
Invisible Man; Ralph Ellison—a book that explores what it's like to be a black man
Ain't I a Woman; Bell Hook—if you're a black woman, please READ this.
Immortal Dark; Tigest Girma—a new Author of a best-selling fantasy book
I am not Sidney Portier; Percival Everett (currently on my to-be-read pile)
