About a month ago I read Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi. I was enthralled by the story as it flowed through eight generations of the same family, starting with three sisters. I loved learning about the Asante culture, and Gyasi’s style was so unique in the way that every chapter of the entire book was from a new point of view.
I followed the characters on their generational journey from an Asante village in Ghana into the modern-day United States. This book was a heartfelt and sorrowful representation of the way that the impacts of slavery spread beyond enslaved people and onto their ancestors.
It was a reminder, clear as day, that the effects of slavery are still alive and well in American society, in our own cities and hometowns. If you need a push to keep fighting for Black lives, this is it. Even more so, it is a gorgeous tale that I will cherish for a long time!
I will leave you with a quote that really stuck out to me:
“We believe the one who has the power. He is the one who gets to write the story. So when you study history, you must always ask yourself, ‘Whose story am I missing? Whose voice could come forth?’ Once you have figured that out, you must find that story too. From there, you begin to get a clearer, yet still imperfect, picture.”
With that sentiment, I encourage you to incorporate Black voices and stories into your reading choices this month (and every month!).
xx, Lauren
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