Banned Books Apri 15, 2025
In today’s global climate and particularly here in our country, it appears to be popular to erase, eradicate, or hide any individual, group, or sector of society that’s deemed unacceptable in the eyes of the powers that be. This is a problem in and of itself, as now the history of our nation is under serious attack from the very entities that are tasked and trusted with our safety.
Black history and contributions have been erased with no thought as to how that history affected African Amer- icans. Latinos are being deported to countries that aren’t even their countries of origin, and there are increasing calls for the deportation of American citizens without due process. History gives us an understanding of the world and our place in it; knowing the mistakes of the past provides context and perspective, helps us identify and navigate future challenges and opportunities, and understand how cultures, societies, and technologies have evolved over time. Our history helps us to develop tolerance, understanding, and empathy, which is essential between various ethnicities, fostering a sense of trust, belonging, and connection, leading to a more inclusive, respectful, and valuable human experience. History helps us to identify and appreciate ourselves and others. If you understand your past, you can navigate your future and become better citizens.
This week’s selections are both from author Henry Louis Gates Jr.
Many may remember Gates as the guy who joined President Barack Obama and Vice President Joseph Biden in the White House Rose Garden, along with Cambridge, Massachusetts Police Sergeant James Crowley for a beer, following a contentious incident between Gates and Crowley; others may be familiar with his PBS television series “Finding Your Roots,” in which he assists various celebrities to connect the dots on their ancestry.
The titles of the Gates’ books we’ll be examining this week are “Colored People: A Memoir” and “The Black Box: Writing the Race.”
“Colored People: A Memoir” is a coming-of-age story about the author’s coming of age in the small town of Piedmont, West Virginia, during the segregated era of the 1950s and 60s. While the book focuses on Gates’ family life, it explores the experiences of African Americans in a small town–touching on themes of education, the Civil Rights Movement, religion, and the growing pains of a nation and a boy. The book was banned because of its focus on issues of diversity and inclusion and its racial content.
“And Still I Rise: Black America Since MLK” is the companion book to the PBS series of the same title. Both the book and the two-part, four-hour PBS documentary look at the last five decades of African American history in every domain, from business and government to arts and entertainment.
The book was challenged and banned because some believe that the book’s focus on black history and racial differences might be interpreted as promoting “Critical Race Theory,” which is extremely controversial. How can you ban the book and still air the PBS series? This appears to be a huge contradiction as they are essentially the same.
“Censorship is to art as lynching is to justice. The first step toward tolerance is respect, and the second step toward respect is knowledge.” Henry Louis Gates Jr.
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