Americans have recognized Black History Month annually since 1926. We owe the celebration of Black History Month, and more importantly, the study of black history, to Dr. Carter G. Woodson. While the intention was to write black history into American history, today we celebrate that history by honoring historic leaders in the black community, highlighting black history and culture, creating and supporting anti-racism efforts, and reminding us all that black history month is OUR history month.
With that, we have reviewed a beautiful, rare book of healing: BLACK IS THE BODY: Stories from My Grandmother’s Time,
My Mother’s Time, and Mine by Emily Bernard.
Emily Bernard’s lyrical voice enlivens this memoir of linked chapters that explore her experiences with infertility and adoption, interracial marriage, and an injury she sustained in a random, mass stabbing. In her prologue, the Nashville native and University of Vermont professor says the intent of her book is to “contribute something to the American racial drama besides the enduring narrative of black innocence and white guilt…”
Bernard is a top-notch teacher who explores territory that many of her students might prefer to leave unexplored. She is married to a white professor of African-American Studies, and she ponders how his relationship with the students might be different than hers. Our favorite part of the book, the couple adopt twin daughters from Ethiopia, which gives all of them (all of us!) an even different perspective on the African-American hyphenate.
With transracial adoptions becoming more accepted, this is an inspirational read for families! Especially as we celebrate black history month. Read more about transracial adoption here:
Transracial Adoption in America.
Transracial Adoption w/David French.
