In January 1977, Roots the miniseries based on Alex Haley’s book (ROOTS: The Saga of an American Family published a year earlier) was released to the American public via the powerful medium of television. If you are old enough to remember this event and spent the time watching it each night, you could not be help but to be moved. In particular, the character of Chicken George was incredibly powerful.
This year we offer this TEDx Talk from UK writer Don John. He is a compelling figure and spending 17 minutes listening and then pondering what is said is powerful. He answers the question of why we need to celebrate Black History to more fully appreciate the contribution black people have made to Western civilization. Click here for his presentation.
Last year we focused on Paul Lawrence Dunbar and his legacy. We encouraged all who could to visit his home that is just a few minutes walk from the Dakota Center. From the website, “Dunbar purchased this house for his mother in 1904, and he lived there with her until his death from tuberculosis in 1906. In rapidly failing health, Dunbar continued to write, and he completed his last works in the house. The Dunbar House appears today much as it did at the time of the poet’s death.” Please check it out this month if you have not ever been there and even if you have it is worth another visit.
That he wrote this free hand from jail is as powerful as the words he chose.
