From the National Director’s Desk

I’ve long seen February as an excellent opportunity to honor the legacies of the giants on whose shoulders I stand. Like Carter G. Woodson who founded Black History Month, I believe that African Americans should be proud of our history and all Americans should understand the achievements and contributions made by Black people.

This year’s celebration is especially poignant to me. We are living in a time when teaching this precious history is in question. Powerful law makers are attempting to convince us that conversations about enslavement and our nation’s difficult history with race may be harmful to young learners. Their views are in direct opposition to everything Black History Month stands for.

Those of us who know better must take a stand against attempts to erase or rewrite history. Now more than ever it’s important to make a commitment to learning our national stories. I see this as a sacred responsibility.We’ve entered an era where our children’s ability to see themselves reflected in their school-based experiences is at risk.

That’s why I’m inviting you to consider commemorating Black History Month in a new way this year. I’m hoping you’ll join me and the Freedom Readers National Team in an unforgettable journey of discovery and reverence.

Together we’ll be reading Dangerous Learning by Derek W. Black. Here’s a quick description of the book. You can read a full description by clicking the name of the book above.

“Few have ever valued literacy as much as the enslaved Black people of the American South. For them, it was more than a means to a better life; it was a gateway to freedom and, in some instances, a tool for inspiring revolt. And few governments tried harder to suppress literacy than did those in the South. Everyone understood that knowledge was power: power to keep a person enslaved in mind and body, power to resist oppression. In the decades before the Civil War, Southern governments drove Black literacy underground, but it was too precious to be entirely stamped out.”

We invite you to purchase your copy of the book before the end of January and read along with us. To finish the book before the end of February, we’ll need to read 13 pages a day starting on the 1st. My plan is to read early each morning as a part of my reflection time. I believe that carrying the stories of the literacy warriors mentioned in the book will empower me throughout the day.

Then on Thursday February 27 at 7:00 pm Derek W. Black will join us for a conversation on Zoom. You’ll have a chance to hear from him, ask questions, and offer your insights. Even if you don’t read the book, attend the event. My conversation with Professor Black will be fascinating and inspiring. You’ll want to be there.

We’re excited to announce that this event will launch our 2025 Speaker Series. Registration details for the hour-long Dangerous Learning event will be available in early February. We hope to see you then.

Forever Free,

Tracy S. Bailey, PhD