Beautiful view, even on a cloudy day!
This is the poem at the base of the Joe Tyler's Tree of Knowledge sculpture outside the Oro Valley Public Library in Tucson, Arizona:
The more you read
the more you know.
The more you know
the more you grow.
The smarter you grow
the stronger your voice
when speaking your mind
or making your choice.
the more you know.
The more you know
the more you grow.
The smarter you grow
the stronger your voice
when speaking your mind
or making your choice.
Because today is my last full day with my parents, I need to Slice a list, and this poem is inspiring me to list texts that have helped me learn, so I can grow my voice. I'd love to hear what books have helped you in your journey to speak your mind!
Why Are All the Black Kids Sitting Together in the Cafeteria? by Dr. Beverly Daniel Tatum: Chapter 1 here is an accessible and profound explanation of racism, and I return to it again and again to ensure I have clarity in my heart and mind and actions, to strive to be an antiracist. (There is an excellent readers guide to support folks engaging with this book in community.)
The Art of Coaching Teams by Elena Aguilar: the chapter on Healthy Conflict is one I read and share all the time, as I needed to learn that conflict is a natural part of being in community; it's what we do when conflict occurs that helps us move forward with care for each other (rather than harm).
All American Boys by Jason Reynolds and Brendan Kiely: Jason and Brendan's award winning book helped me understand how complicated the tangle of personal racism and systemic racism is, and how critical it is for us to be engaged in understanding the impact of systemic racism in schools, in policing and in communities. Yes: we need to see color.
Deepa Iyer's Social Change Framework, especially as unpacked in her workbook, Social Change Now: A Guide for Reflection and Connection. This beautifully designed workbook reminds me that our movements for change need many roles (disrupters, visionaries, weavers, healers... just to name a view), and by knowing ourselves, we can find a path for engagement.
The Lightmaker's Manifesto, a story-filled text by Karen Walrond that ends with prompts and activities that have helped me "work for change without losing my joy." This book is on my nightstand for re-reading in these days where I feel like others are stealing are my joy!
Be sure to share what texts have inspired you to engage and advocate, speak and work for justice, democracy, literacy, education or other issues that matter to you.
Joy is the Justice we Give Ourselves by J. Drew Lanham. This collection of poetry helps us see the challenges and contradictions of living in the current US climate form the perspective of Lanham who is an academic, a poet, and a black man. Couple this with Better Living Through Birding by Christian Cooper and you've got a nice little reading ladder (as Teri Lesesne suggested in her book of the same title).
ReplyDeleteI love the concept of reading ladders, and can't wait to check out J. Drew Lanham's poetry. I think I heard that maybe Christian Cooper was going to write a children's book, too! Thank you, David, for the recs.
DeleteI recently finished the Fallen Woman's Daughter, a story of multiple generations and their connections. There is a strong message of forgiveness that is woven into the story. It was one of those library recommended books that I really did not have on any lists, but it was a good read. THANK you very much for your powerful suggestions. Happy traveling
ReplyDeleteAn unexpected read that touches your heart is such a wonderful gift. I will add this to my list, too. I would love to read some more intergenerational stories , especially highlighting strong women. Thank you for the rec!
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