Tayari's Blog: February Fever and Beyond
Posted by TayariJones on February 4, 2008 08:55 AM
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News
I've got a piece in the new issue of The Believer called "Symbolism and Cynicism: On Being a Writer During Black History Month."Here's a sneak peak:
There is something obscene about McDonald’s restaurants in the greater Washington, D.C., area handing out copies of A Raisin in the Sun while they push unhealthy foods on African American children. Although universities are not seeking to make a monetary profit from Black History Month, I am sometimes uneasy in the moments before my talk when the organizer professes a commitment to diversity and tolerance and then invites me to the stage as defense exhibit A.
You can read the whole article at The Believer. If you've got comments, of course, you can post them here. (I love your comments.) But you can also send letters to the editor of the magazine.
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There are 3 comments on "February Fever and Beyond". If you'd like to leave a comment, click here to jump down to the comments entry form.
Comment #1, by minaj ![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.tayarijones.com/blog/nav-commenters.gif)
Excellent essay, Tayari! I agree with your assessment of the positive and negative aspects of Black History Month. I am not a writer, but I believe that if I were offered a chance to speak for the first time to an audience I may not have reached previously, the benefits would certainly outweigh the discomfort of being consigned to BHM. If, however, the same institution repeatedly asked me to give readings in February and ignored me for the rest of the year, I would have to suggest other dates! The continued value of BHM, in my opinion, is that, unfortunately, many, many young Black people still are not aware of the breadth of Black achievement in so many fields. They know Martin and Malcolm, but not Fannie Lou Hamer and Ella Baker. They may know Terry McMillan, but not Tayari Jones. And don't even try to ask about Black scientists! On a good day, you may hear George Washington Carver, but don't even try to ask about a Black scientist who is still breathing! I am sure that inclusion has taken far longer than Carter G. Woodson imagined, but sometimes BHM is our only way of reaching our young people. (On the other hand, if I see one more Black History Month coupon for Kool-Aid, I can't be held responsible for my actions!)
February 4, 2008 12:26 PM
Comment #2, by kgs
Great essay! "What percentage of your work is black, and what percentage is universal?" LOL... what a dolt...
I really loved this: "What matters is not so much why the people filled the room but rather what happened when we were there together." Got a little teary even!
February 4, 2008 02:27 PM
Comment #3, by Alicia
I can see how the Black History Month invitations seems like a boyfriend calling you late at night after his wife has went to bed and now wants to talk to you all sexy.
February 5, 2008 03:02 AM