February 18, 2022

a narrative every American should read or hear

The Blood of Emmett TillThe Blood of Emmett Till by Timothy B. Tyson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

"The Blood of Emmett Till" is a narrative every American should read or hear. It conveys the story of the lynching of 14 year old Emmett Till in 1955 Mississippi. The event is told in all its horrid detail. But to fully flesh out the expanse of it, the author brilliantly presents background events and people, the resulting aftermath, and most importantly, the significance and movement that was created and powered by the memory of Emmett Till and how he died. The book is backed by thorough and exhaustive research, 62 of the 300+ pages are devoted references and footnotes, covering background, history, and resulting events, into the 21st century. This is real history that should be taught, and acted upon. There is no healing without first acknowledging the disease and then seeking the cure. This is an important and excellent work of research. Thank you Mr. Tyson.

https://documentarystudies.duke.edu/p...

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February 10, 2022

The Case for Reparations

The Case for ReparationsThe Case for Reparations by Ta-Nehisi Coates
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This article is a great look at the issue of reparations. Knowing nothing about them going in, i feel like i have a much better idea of the major concepts that support some form of reparations due.

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February 6, 2022

moving and beautifully written

Between the World and MeBetween the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

"Between the World and Me" is one of the most moving and beautifully written books I've ever read. The book, a letter from the author to his son, insightfully and clearly lays out what it is to be Black in America. The wisdom conveyed in this letter is of the highest order and pulls back the veil which so poorly conceals what America truly is. The Dream that has infected us all, and which we so sorely need to awaken from. This is one of the best books i've ever read, and i cannot recommend it highly enough. Please find a copy and read it. I want to get an audio copy to hear it again in Mr. Coates own voice. I am in awe.

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February 2, 2022

well researched and footnoted, a valuable source

The Second: Race and Guns in a Fatally Unequal AmericaThe Second: Race and Guns in a Fatally Unequal America by Carol Anderson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

"The Second" brings a fresh perspective to the endemic racism in the U.S. by looking at the problem in the context of the 2nd Amendment. Historical insight into the amendment itself, as well as how it was applied over the history of this nation, shows that it is not at all what it seems on the surface. The right to bear arms, like most of the other "rights" we have as citizens, does not apply to everyone. Sadly, this amendment is only one of the many many aspects of the overt and blatant inequality that has been part of this nation from the beginning, and is still tragically affecting large numbers of Americans even as we enter the 21st century. It is a problem that needs to be solved, but also one that we have had from the very beginning. This book is well researched and footnoted, a valuable source, and especially appropriate during Black History Month.

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