The 1619 Project

Angelou's quote about knowledge and action that I borrowed for the title of this review was not quoted during this text, (as far as I can recall) however it was on the top of my mind throughout my reading of it. Part of being able to make a just society is to educate the ignorant portions of that society to the the injustices inherent in it. This text does that. My own ignorance of the depth of inequality in the US, established and perpetuated by the self interest of the powerful as expressed through racist policy was vast. This compilation of great work inspires me to dig deeper, and to do more.

I set a #FReadom resolution/reading goal for 2022: I’ll read at least 20 books that have been banned, removed, challenged or threatened in Texas libraries or schools. Book 1/20 was The 1619 Project: A New Origin Story by Nikole Hannah-Jones and many contributors. Compelling scholarship & vision that doesn’t just belong in schools & libraries, it belongs in all readers’ hands. Linda Villarosa’s chapter “Medicine” hit me particularly hard.

Review (and possible ratings tweak) to come.