The 1619 Project: Born on the Water

If you’re interested in understanding history and/or CRT, then I have a challenge for you. Would you consider reading a children’s book to become a more informed citizen?"The 1619 Project: Born on the Water" was written by Nikole Hannah-Jones, creator of The 1619 Project, and Renée Watson, a New York Times best-selling author.It’s a picture book filled from cover to cover with beautifully illustrated scenes by Black artist/activist Nikkolas Smith. His art is intended to spark conversations around social justice and inspire positive change in the world. I've includedThe 1619 Project: Born on the Water is framed by a homework assignment on family origins given to a young African American girl. She tries to do the assignment but becomes stuck tracing her family history any further back than three generations. It falls to her grandmother to share the history of her family prior to that, and it’s Grandma’s story that fills the pages of the book.Grandma starts her family’s story over 400 years ago calling to mind what life was like before slavery. Hannah-Jones and Watson write the grandmother’s words and effectively weave a vivid tapestry of culture stolen and heritage interrupted.By keeping the focus on a specific small group strangers kidnapped near the same time and shipped to Virginia, the reader is reminded that those who were kidnapped were humans thriving in their families, living in community, and embedded in their own culture.The authors accurately identify the kidnappers and slave owners as white people. And I realize this could cause some white people to become defensive, but it’s the truth. And it’s a truth we must face if we are ever to move beyond the racism baked into our society. We are grownups. It’s time.I read this book to my husband this morning, and as I expected, it included information we were never taught in public school. There comes a point in our lives where we have to take responsibility for filling in the gaps of our education—especially around the history of our own country.Being educated in public school meant we learned a white-washed history intended to instill a sense of patriotism and pride. This was accomplished not only by what they taught but—even more so—what they did NOT teach.Even though The 1619 Project: Born on the Water is a children’s picture book, I highly recommend it as a GREAT starting point for anyone who wants to understand the basic premise of CRT; anyone who loves history; and anyone who is on their own personal DEI journey and/or reckoning with the history of slavery in the United States. It’s a book every white person should read. Full stop.----------------------------Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Definitely suggest bringing this book home , beautiful drawings , and a lesson in our history

Grandson loved this book. He probably doesn't understand it at 2 years old but it's one for his library that we can read over and over again till he can read it himself.

This work of written art is favorable and spiritually uplifting, it is the kind of heartfelt genius that you dream about but seldom find, I am in awe of the collective effort of narratives and enlightenment.

This is by far one of the very best children's books I have ever read. I think it should be a standard book in every library, especially in elementary school libraries. Excellent.

Every single American needs to read this book. I'm teaching 4th graders about American history around the time of the Revolutionary War. Despite what some may say, this history cannot be effectively taught without teaching about the history of American slavery. My classroom is made up of students from diverse racial backgrounds, and it is difficult to reach them in a way that is honest yet empowering. Although I want honesty, I also am sensitive to the profound pain this topic can cause, especially for Black students who may see themselves in the illustrations. As an educator, I believe it's important that I do not use images that cause deeper trauma. I appreciate how the images in this book do not overly highlight the horror. While the horror is not glossed over, it is balanced with a emphasis on strength and survival. It's an incredible book that needs to be in all schools.And although I feel it's ridiculous to add this, it does not leave white children feeling guilty about their race. My own children (who are white) were able to acknowledge the contradictions in the American narratives of freedom while also feeling empowered that they can play a role in advocating for an anti-racist future in the U.S. We cannot celebrate the pride without honoring the whole truth of our history.

This beautiful book should be read to and by ALL -- children and adults alike. While it's a critical tale for Black children to understand the strength of their ancestors, ALL will benefit from this poignant tale of the origins and struggles of those who were forced to build this nation through their blood, sweat, and tears.

This needs to be required curriculum in every elementary school. It’s important to teach all of US history. The way to keep history from repeating is viewing it in retrospect.

Una lunga lirica toccante, accompagnata da illustrazioni ‘dantesche’. Leggerlo è stata una esperinza di profonda riflessione