Stamped from the Beginning

 

    

    

    This novel does a dive into the story and history of racism.  The book focuses on perspectives from the Portuguese writer Gomes Eanes de Zurara, Cotton Mather, Thomas Jefferson, and Angela Davis.  I found the section from Angela Davis to be very interesting. I didn't know who she was until I read this book.  Angela is a feminist professor who is fired by the government for her beliefs and even accused of murder.  The book goes further into most recent times discussing Barack Obama  and his major speech at the Democratic National Convention in 2004.  The fight against racial inequity is still present in current events, but it's important for the readers to know the history.

    I was quite moved by this book. I was surprised that a book that addresses a hot topic such as racism provided perspectives from not only throughout history, but also famous people from various backgrounds.  I didn't feel persuaded one way or the other by the book, but felt it more objective than other books currently written on this topic.

    I think young adults would enjoy learning the background of current events.  All they really seem to "know about" or are aware of is George Floyd and Black Lives Matter events that they see or hear about on the news.  It's time they start understanding the history of racism and not just that it started with slavery.

Reynolds, J. & Kendi, I.X. (2020). Stamped: racism, antiracism, and you. New York: Hatchette Book         Group.