How well do we nourish the minds of our youth?

The mere imparting of information is not education.
― Carter G. Woodson

Today I read Bernie Hayes' column, Still mis-educated after 80 years. His commentary immediately took me back to my undergraduate days.  At that time, I read several authors for the first time, whose works introduced me up to a new world of intellectualism and independent thought.  Arguably, the book that made the strongest impression on me was The Mis-Education of the Negro by Carter G. Woodson.

This year marks the 80th anniversary of the publication of this groundbreaking book.  Woodson was one of the first scholars to value and study black history -- and one of the first to evaluate America's European-centered educational system on the black psyche.  The Mis-Education of the Negro is still considered a classic piece of African-American writing and continues to be taught in high school and college classrooms.

While many people are debating their positions on educational equity or the  Trayvon Martin / George Zimmerman saga, Hayes, a veteran journalist, wants to focus on another topic -- our country's failure to candidly address our history of slavery. 

Novel explores race, women's attitudes in the Deep South

A new novel examines racial tensions in the Deep South from three perspectives. The Help by Kathryn Stockett is generating some positive chatter. The story takes place in Jackson, Miss., in the early 1960s, during the civil rights movement.

Stockett writes in black and white voices. She said that she felt it was important to examine both sides of life in segregated Jackson.

She writes from the perspective of frustrated middle-class white women. She also attempts to explore Jackson from the vantage point of two black housekeepers - women who have put their personal lives second -- or even third -- in order to meet the needs of the families they serve.

The Help is published by G.P. Putnam's Sons/Amy Einhorn Books.

National Public Radio takes a closer look at Stockett and her debut novel. Read an excerpt, and share your thoughts.


Tags: The Help, Kathryn Stockett, Books, Civil Rights, Race, Media by Sistrunk