Their stories are also told by others who have loved and studied the life and history of cultures other than their own. They offer sensitive works of these cultures as well. A librarian once told me of a Black youngster visiting in her library. He was looking at a painting of the Nativity in my Christmas book of Black American Spirituals, What a Morning. This is an exciting experience for the reader.
Children can now see their images in illustrated books and in stories of their people.
They make a direct connection to these pictures and stories. It is important to affirm our ancestry, to learn about our people while learning about others. When we are centered in the gifts our people have offered, we become rooted in who we are and can stand up to any challenge. This gives the balance we need for our daily pursuit of knowledge. When I meet with audiences, I often begin my program with the poem by Langston Hughes My People.