The tragic death of George Floyd in 2020 prompted a mass reexamination of issues of race in America. Part of that self-review necessitated promoting voices of African-American history into the national narrative. New York Times writer Hannah-Jones compiled this anthology that seeks to unearth and publicize elements of American history long hidden due to tacit shame and injustice. The pieces contained herein make a forceful case that we need a broader, more inclusive understanding of our national story.
This book deserves a reading because of its social influence alone. It has prompted much white backlash, which means that it is having some of its intended impact. It shows very clearly that African American voices have been silenced in the diverse American story for too long. It does so through a series of historical essays, artistic pieces, and a relentless drive for social justice. Like any book that centers on historical injustices, parts are hard to read due to their weightiness but still necessary to read because of their weightiness.
Although I am glad to have read all of the pieces in this collection, I found that some of them are not as broad in perspective as I would have liked. The last essay in particular tries to make the case that the just, moral response is economic reparations for slavery. This essay is almost wholly devoid of an assessment of practicalities. It is all “ought” and no “can.” Calls like this, while capturing the moral high-ground, can sow more racial friction than solve very real problems. I personally favor a more incremental, measured, yet deliberate approach than the author’s.
Nonetheless, these voices need to be heard precisely because they have not been heard by most of us in the past (myself included). They need to be incorporated in the mainstream American story. The goal of inclusive education says that we need to provide black Americans, many of whom are descendants of enslaved people, belonging in national history. Too much quiet shame exists among white Americans – in the former Confederacy and in the rest of the country, too. I’m glad I read this collection and hope many others will read and reflect with me.
The 1619 Project: A New Origin Story
Edited by Nikole Hannah-Jones
Copyright (c) 2021
Random House Audio
ASIN B08ZJSGTGD
Length: 18:57
Genre: American History
www.amazon.com