And We Rise
$19.99
| Title | Range | Discount |
|---|---|---|
| Trade Discount | 5 + | 25% |
- Description
- Additional information
Description
A powerful, impactful, eye-opening journey that explores through the Civil Rights Movement in 1950s-1960s America in spare and evocative verse, with historical photos interspersed throughout.
In stunning verse and vivid use of white space, Erica Martin’s debut poetry collection walks readers through the Civil Rights Movement—from the well-documented events that shaped the nation’s treatment of Black people, beginning with the “Separate but Equal” ruling—and introduces lesser-known figures and moments that were just as crucial to the Movement and our nation’s centuries-long fight for justice and equality.
A poignant, powerful, all-too-timely collection that is both a vital history lesson and much-needed conversation starter in our modern world. Complete with historical photographs, author’s note, chronology of events, research, and sources.Praise for And We Rise:
“…these poems…leap off the pages, bringing history, pain, dignity, and fierce determination to life.” –BooklistErica Martin (ericamartinthewriterdotcom.wordpress.com) is a freelance editor, specializing in copyediting and developmental editing, and a poet. She has always been fascinated by English, writing, and US History. And We Rise is her first book. She lives with her family in Tennessee. Follow Erica on Twitter @ericaeditor or on Instagram @erica.martin.writes.
It’s 1877 when
Jim Crow laws say it’s
acceptable
legal
lawful
to segregate Blacks
&
whites
based on the color of
their skin.
In
schools
hospitals
churches
cemeteries
prisons
public transit
restaurants—-
if you were not
white
you were lesser
less than
human.
For years
&
years
&
years
&
years
nothing changed,
until 1954
when the Supreme Court reversed its decision
& ruled segregation unconstitutional.
Yet still,
nothing changed.
Because a ruling is only as effective
as its real–world execution.
the Supreme Court rules
in 1896
Blacks are
“Separate but Equal”
yet
outside
in the middle of July
in Birmingham, Alabama,
sweat drips
d
o
w
n
your forehead
your neck
your back
drenching
your shirt
your shorts
your socks
s e p a r a t e
but equal
you find a water fountain
your water fountain
and press the small rusty button
water arches
up
and out
waiting
for your
puck ered
lips
s e p a r a t e
but equal
only
it’s hot
brown
tastes like dirt
you glance around
checking for them
then
sneak a sip
from their fountain
s e p a r a t e
but equal
it’s cold
ice–cold
and refreshing
you sigh
s e p a r a t e
but equal
you are
not.
the Civil Rights Movement
was more than just
Dr. King
marching,
Rosa Parks
sitting,
Malcolm X
fighting.
it was
your mom
your grandma
your best friend’s great–aunt.
it was
everyday people
like you and me.
1954
May 17
Brown v. Board of Education
+
inherently unequal, an unconstitutional violation of the fourteenth amendment
=
white schools
+
Black schools
=
a great day for America and its court.
= segregation in public schools now illegal
in theory.
SIGNS, EVERYWHERE YOU GO . . . whites only whites only whites only whites only whites only whites only whites only whites only whites only whites only whites only whites only whites only whites only whites only whites only whites only whites only whites only whites only whites only whites only whites only whites only whites only whites only whites only whites only whites only whites only whites only whites only whites only whites only whites only whites only whites only whites only whites only whites only whites only whites only whites only whites only whites only whites only whites only whites only whites only whites only whites only whites only whites only whites only whites only whites only whites only whites only whites only whites only whites only whites only whites only whites only whites only whites only whites only whites only whites only whites only whites only whites only whites only whites only whites only whites only whites only whites only whites only whites only whites only whites only whites only whites only whites only whites only whites only whites only whites only whites only whites only whites only whites only whites only whites only whites only whites only whites only whites only whites only whites only whites only whites only whites only whites only whites only whites only whites only whites only whites only whites only whites only whites only whites only whites only whites only whites only whites only whites only whites only whites only whites only whites only whites only whites only whites only whites only whites only whites only whites only whites only whites only whites only whites only whites only whites only whites only whites only whites only whites only WHITES ONLY
for colored
their (other) signs read
funny thing is
white is still a color
US
Additional information
| Weight | 9.4 oz |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 0.6000 × 5.7500 × 8.5000 in |
| Imprint | |
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| Subjects | books for 12 year old girls, history books for kids age 12-14, poetry for teens, YAN038110, poetry books for teens, young adult nonfiction, nonfiction for teens, tween books for girls ages 11-14, books for 12 year old boys, book of poems, poem book, books for 13 year old boys, books for 14 year old girls, books for 13 year old girls, civil rights movement, african american books, poetry books, American history books, us history, YAN025220, poet, civil rights, poetry, nonfiction books for teens, American, diversity, american history |
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