QuoteProject
Black children need to see their lives reflected in the books they read. If they don't, they won't feel welcome in the world of literature. The lives of African-Americans are rich and diverse, and the books our children read should reflect that.
Valerie Wilson Wesley
ShareWTF𝕏

Interpretation

What this quote means

Representation in literature is crucial for the identity and self-worth of Black children.

This quote emphasizes the importance of representation in literature for Black children, suggesting that when they do not see characters that reflect their own experiences and backgrounds, they may struggle to feel accepted in the literary world. It highlights the richness and diversity of African-American lives, advocating for literature that truly captures these realities to foster inclusivity and a sense of belonging.

Themes

RepresentationLiteratureDiversityEducationBlack Children

In practice

Example use cases

In a discussion about the importance of diverse literature for children during a school event.

Similar quotes

There's no media training. In cooking school, there's not even manager training. You learn the fundamentals of cooking. Everything else is learning by doing.
Rene RedzepiRead
I'm pretty omnivorous - in fact, I don't think of books in terms of genres. J. K. Rowling's 'Harry Potter' books are no more Y.A. reading, to me, than John le Carre's 'Smiley' novels are spy stories.
Michiko KakutaniRead
I've been at this for 40 years. And, as an academic, I've been content with relatively small audiences, with the thought that the audience I long for will find its way eventually to what I have written, provided that what I have written is good enough.
Stephen GreenblattRead
Some who support [more] coercive strategies assume that children will run wild if they are not controlled. However, the children for whom this is true typically turn out to be those accustomed to being controlled— those who are not trusted, given explanations, encouraged to think for themselves, helped to develop and internalize good values, and so on. Control breeds the need for more control, which is used to justify the use of control.
Alfie KohnRead
If you wish to be a lawyer, attach no consequence to the place you are in, or the person you are with; but get books, sit down anywhere, and go to reading for yourself. That will make a lawyer of you quicker than any other way.
Abraham LincolnRead
Everyone gets a spiritual formation. It's like education. Everyone gets an education; it's just a matter of which one you get.
Dallas WillardRead

A little wisdom, now and then

Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.

Quote by Valerie Wilson Wesley | QuoteProject