Walking to Freedom, Reading History

February is Black History Month.

That gives us an excellent opportunity to highlight some of the most interesting, most engaging, and most inspiring books and movies from our collection: those that deal with the struggles individuals have made to ensure equality for themselves, their neighbors, and their descendants. 

Only a few of these items are noted here; stop into the library this month to browse through or take home these and many other powerful books like them.

Freedom Walkers: The Story of the Montgomery Bus Boycott
Russell Freedman

Large black-and-white pictures of the period mark this moving record of one of the most famous and pivotal events in civil rights history. Newbery Medalist Russell Freedman draws from original works by many of the key members of the Montgomery bus boycott, including Martin Luther King Jr. and Rosa Parks, as well as Jo Ann Robinson, Fred Gray, and other less well-known but essential organizers of the boycott. 

Freedman covers key events from before the boycott. The book includes information on the arrests of Claudette Colvin and Mary Louise Smith, two two teens who insisted on their constitutional rights. But, more than anything, this book and its subject matter is an uplifting testament to the quiet, dignified courage and determination of ordinary people who accomplished something great.

Eyes on the Prize: America’s Civil Rights Movement
A PBS Special Presentation of American Experience

This 14-hour documentary on DVD presents a unique look at the landmark events of the Civil Rights Movement. Timely photographs and video sequences mesh with interviews and excerpts from the people who worked tirelessly to ensure equality for all Americans. The New York Times called it “powerful material, organized and edited for full impact.” Take a little time this month to see courage and history come to life.

And Not Afraid to Dare: The Stories of Ten African-American Women
Tonya Bolden

Many of us have heard of Ida B. Wells, civil rights activist, and Jackie Joyner-Kersee, Olympic Gold Medalist. But what about Mary McLeod Bethune, who built a school for African-American children out of $1.50 and faith in God, or Clara Hale, who spent her retirement years healing and nurturing babies born into the worst of circumstances? 

Mary Fields was a pioneer and a U.S. Mail carrier, a town treasure for her grit and fighting temperament. Leontyne Price stepped through the door Marian Anderson opened, and held it open for future generations by becoming the first black opera singer and remaining one of the premier vocalists in the field for more than 30 years. Each of these women came from different backgrounds, from slavery to wealth, North to South, but each persevered in the face of grave troubles and trials to pave the way for equality for all.

Mandela: From the Life of the South African Statesman
Floyd Cooper

Despite its picture-book format, this biography of Nobel Peace Prize winner Nelson Mandela is a poetic and detailed look at the life of a man who spearheaded change for his nation. The softly detailed illustrations bring to life the circumstances, culture and spirit of Mandela and his beloved African country.

Into the Tiger’s Jaw: America’s First Black Marine Aviator
Lt. Gen. Frank E. Petersen

When Frank Petersen first joined the U.S. Navy as an 18 year old, he had no idea that he would go on to create history and open the way for men and women who would come after him. 

In his autobiography, Lt. Gen. Petersen recounts his experiences in boot camp, electronics school, and aviation, all leading to an intense career that would finish gracefully and triumphantly when he retired as the first African-American flag officer and to date the only three-star general in the history of the U. S. Marine Corps.  Family photos and addenda by friends supplement Lt. Gen. Petersen’s own words as he describes his experiences and how they affected not only his career but his family, his friends, and his own beliefs.

For more details on locating any of these items or copies from other libraries in the county, call 586-598-4900 or consult our website at www.chelibrary.org.