Ancestry’s Post

This Black History Month, we're spotlighting the remarkable achievements of Black journalists who have profoundly influenced journalism and the civil rights movement. ⠀ 🖋️ Ida B. Wells, a pioneer in investigative journalism, bravely advocated for justice despite facing threats as she exposed some of the horrors that Black people had been subjugated to. ⠀ 🎥 Gordon Parks was able to share powerful images that highlighted the reality of segregation and poverty. His incredible work earned him the role as Life Magazine's first African American staff photographer. ⠀ 🎙️ Charlayne Hunter-Gault, a trailblazer in print and broadcast journalism, was one of the first African American students at the University of Georgia. Her in-depth reporting on civil rights issues continues to have an indelible mark on journalism. ⠀ These journalists' courageous work in the face of adversity left a giant impact on journalism and civil rights, inspiring ongoing efforts for a fairer society. ⠀ What other Black journalists would you like to highlight for their work? Share your thoughts in the comments. 👇 ⠀ #BlackHistoryMonth #Journalism #CivilRights #Reporting #Justice #Liberty

To better understand why Black books and authors get banned, read this article to understand the impact of Black stories and histories on readers.

As a newspaper publisher, I must comment on a recent ADVERTISEMENT from The Suburban Newspaper from Canada that is going viral. It is easy to contact others information, the name of a newspaper is in the left hand corner. When I first saw the post, I was immediately concerned and reposted. Then my "fake news" brain kicked in. I had taken a free class from Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism about verifying news sources and to take the emotion out of what I was seeing. I had to think about whether it was fake or not. It is indeed real, but NOT a panel, no one is speaking on behalf of or about Black people. I spoke to the Associate Publisher, Oliver Sutton of The Suburban newspaper. They will write an opinion piece, which we will have a copy to disseminate. It is an advertisement, NOT a panel - "we support Black History Month", which supports the newspaper's articles on Black History. Each politican had an opportunity to advertise, including Black politicians but they chose not to. These politicians are in the area where The Suburban is delivered. We need to be careful when we are trying to make a point but do not do the research behind it. Doing your due diligence is important and when you get it wrong, make it a learning lesson. If I had a full-page color ad from politicians in my area to support my Black History Month edition, I would have taken it, not thinking I would have been lambasted for it. This is a "we are your politicians and contact us if you need to because we support you or at least want to hear from you" advertisement. As I read The Suburban, I thought this is an interesting newspaper. We can do better, isn't the point of Black History Month to educate and learn.   https://lnkd.in/gFWf34Aj   https://lnkd.in/g2XpJCdj   https://lnkd.in/g53fzPRr   https://lnkd.in/ggbGAumP #DiversityAndInclusion #Diversity #AntiRacism #Equality #RacialEquity #BlackHistoryMonth #RaggedyRiRi #tncpcan #tncpnews  

My latest "With comparatively few Black-owned media outlets, any cut causes a deeper scar. There is so little black control over black intellectual property and that is what makes black culture in the digital age vulnerable to erasure. Coupled with the growing trend of schoolbook banning and history editing that was ushered in by the state of Florida, a larger lion looms yonder. One that would easily erase, supplant, and usurp Black intellectual properties, Black cultural artifacts, as well as Black ownership of such, at the whim of a conservative court judge or some economic upheaval. The ephemeral nature of Black-centric popular culture is also what makes it so easy to move on from, and the revolutionary aspects of Black-centric culture, often bring it into opposition with some mainstream American values. Values that would ban Toni Morrison’s “The Bluest Eye” and Ralph Ellison’s “The Invisible Man.” Both of these effects place it at risk."

This is an interesting and thought-provoking essay by one of America's foremost critical thinkers on issues of race and society, Nikole Hannah-Jones. It is a fascinating read about how the formative concept of affirmative action as a component of reparations to Black Americans for slavery morphed into the more expansive diversity and inclusion concept. Read and reflect. https://lnkd.in/epTvQsX8

Curious about my debut book, "Race Rules: What Your Black Friend Won’t Tell You," and how it can help bridge the racial divide? This innovative approach to conversations about race seeks to drive equity and behavioral change, helping people navigate polarizing issues and expand their cultural fluency. "Race Rules" explores complex interactions and breaks them down into easily digestible points for a return to civility. "Race Rules" offers innovative strategies for navigating polarizing conversations and boosting cultural competency. It serves as a practical guide to creating anti-racist workplaces and communities, fostering understanding, and promoting meaningful change. Whether you're looking to build trust, negotiate relationships, or leverage the power of diversity, this book provides the tools and insights you need. Check out the video below. #RaceRules #CulturalCompetency #Equity #AntiRacism #DEI #socialjustice #reading #literacy #BridgingTheDivide #Civility #Diversity #Inclusion #FatimahGilliam #BookRelease #InnovativeStrategies #CommunityBuilding https://lnkd.in/eNzBSBua

Our founder's involvement as an Ambassador at the 2nd Annual Sag Harbor Black Authors Festival marked a pivotal moment in our journey. This event showcased the importance of celebrating and supporting Black authors, highlighting their invaluable contributions to literature and culture. The festival brought together a diverse range of voices, each sharing their unique stories and perspectives, promoting a message of empowerment and representation. The presence of our founder as an Ambassador not only added prestige to the event but also served as a symbol of solidarity with the Black literary community. By participating in this festival, our founder demonstrated a commitment to promoting diversity, inclusion, and the power of storytelling. The festival provided a platform for Black authors to connect with readers, sign autographs, and engage in meaningful discussions about the importance of literacy and representation. In a society where Black voices are often marginalized, events like the Sag Harbor Black Authors Festival play a crucial role in amplifying these voices and celebrating their impact. By emphasizing the significance of Black authors and their stories, we contribute to a more inclusive and equitable literary landscape. The festival's focus on Black literacy not only highlights the rich cultural heritage of Black writers but also underscores the importance of promoting reading and education within the community. As we reflect on our founder's participation in the festival, we are reminded of the power of storytelling to inspire, educate, and unite us. The Black Authors Festival serves as a reminder that Black authors matter, their stories matter, and their voices deserve to be heard. By supporting events like this, we take a step towards building a more diverse and inclusive literary world where every voice is valued and celebrated. #baf #bafsag #blackauthorsfestival #blackauthorsmatter #autographs #literacy #Blackliteracymatters

Black History and the Power of Literature: Rising Above Stereotypes Join us as we explore the significance of Black history and the power of literature in shaping our identities. Discover how great authors like Baldwin overcame stereotypes and fought for recognition. Listen to personal stories and learn how to break free from societal expectations. #BlackHistory #LiteraturePower #OvercomingStereotypes #AuthorInspiration #BreakingBarriers #PersonalJourney #IdentityFormation #SocialJustice #InspiringStories #SelfEmpowerment

In a world rich with stories, the act of reading is more than just a pastime—it's a gateway to understanding, empathy, and connection. And that is what I have always loved about it. I would not be the compassionate person I am today without books. Reading, and reading diversely, has helped me foster a deeper understanding of the world. This is not always a comfortable process, but it is a necessary one. I am a white, middle-class woman; I hold a lot of privilege. Reading stories by Black authors (and BIPOC authors in general) helps me to challenge and dismantle stereotypes, and promote a more inclusive and understanding society—one where no one is held back in any facet of life due simply to the color of their skin. For Black History Month, I challenge you to take a look at your shelves and see how many books by Black/BIPOC authors there are. No matter that number (which will likely be low given that the traditional publishing industry still supports mostly white authors; see PEN America), go to your library, your bookstore, and get some more! Let’s help create change by supporting and amplifying marginalized voices not only this month but every month. Pictured here (titles listed below) are books I own by Black authors. A few are lingering on my TBR, but I am excited for all the adventures, and lessons, they hold. What others would you recommend? Drop them in the comments! 📚 Washington Black by Esi Edugyan Parable of the Sower by Octavia E. Butler Scarborough by Catherine Hernandez Girl, Woman, Other by Bernardine Evaristo Hitting a Straight Lick with a Crooked Stick (Stories) by Zora Neale Hurston Mr. Fox by Helen Oyeyemi Gutter Child by Jael Richardson The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas Grand Union (Stories) by Zadie Smith Shut Up You’re Pretty (Stories) by Tea Mutonji Until We Are Free: Reflections on Black Lives Matter in Canada ed. by Rodney Diverlus, Sandy Hudson, and Syrus Marcus Ware #BlackHistoryMonth #DiversityInLiterature #AmplifyBlackVoices #ReadDiverseBooks #RepresentationMatters #InclusiveReading #WeNeedDiverseBooks #BlackLiterature #BlackLivesMatter #WritingCommunity #ReadBlackAuthors