Growing up, I have always heard the phrase “reading is fundamental,” especially in academic environments. To be completely honest, it was extremely annoying because in school they had “required” reading materials for specific classes and most times you did not like the options. The options were either painfully boring, you could not relate to the story, or it just was not of interest to you. Then, on top of the required readings they also pushed for you to read for fun. In the mind of a third grader at the time that seemed like a lot to ask for. I did not understand why adults wanted us kids to read so badly. They would say things like “it is important” or “it expands your vocabulary,” however, that was not a good enough reason for me to opt for reading over playing with my toys or going outside. Now, as an eighteen-year-old, I understand the importance of reading and have a greater appreciation for it but not because of the reasons I was given in school. 

My growing appreciation for reading started when one day I heard the quote, “If you want to hide something from a Black person, put it in a book.” I was extremely confused by what the quote meant so I asked what was being implied. The man simply said, “Black folk don’t read.” In my head I was thinking, “well, what is that supposed to mean?,” but now I know. Ever heard of the phrase “ignorance is bliss”? Yes, well in this case it is not, especially for Black people. So, let’s redirect your thinking from “why is it important to read?” to “why is it important for BLACK people to read specifically?.” The emphasis and need for Black people to read is deeper than we think. Let’s do a little recap of our history, shall we?

Those that oppose us, not only bank on the ignorance of Black people, but they take advantage of it. An educated Black person is scary to your typical racist white person who strongly believes in white superiority. Let me ask this question though, are you truly superior if you had a head start? Let me bring to your attention the Alabama slave code of 1833, a set of laws that restricted and controlled the lives of the enslaved. These laws-controlled things like travel, marriage, education, and employment. The Alabama slave code of 1833, specifically, controlled the “slaves” liberty of reading. In the code, the following was written, “Any person who shall attempt to teach any free person of color, or slave, to spell, read or write, shall upon conviction thereof by indictment, be fined in a sum of not less than two hundred fifty dollars, nor more than five hundred dollars.” (S31)

 The weaponization of literacy used against the enslaved was a power move to keep Black people behind. They feared that if Black people learned how to read and write they could figure out how to get free. Back then becoming literate was a stolen privilege but now it is a luxury. Which makes Black people CHOOSING not to read not only a disadvantage to us but a disservice to those who have died for something as powerful as knowledge. I learned that I mustn't set myself back by choosing to be ignorant… because it is not bliss. Black complacency is the key to white supremacy. So, I implore and challenge the Black community to read and take back a power that was once stolen from us!