TEXTS FOR THE Classroom

Black SummeRs

In this collection of essays and poems from Black Detroiters, writers explore themes of historical racial trauma, gentrification, urban sanctuary, homophobia, equal access to outdoor spaces, community empowerment, and resilience. Ranging in ages from 16 - 74, these children and grandchildren of The Great Migration describe how racism continues to shape even the most universal of human experiences—the “carefree” days of summer.

“Desiree Cooper's reflections during (The Black Studies Podcast) were interesting. The way she is able to move across storytelling to a thoughtful analysis of race, class, nature, environment, joy, community, and modes of knowing is really great stuff.  The conversation in general had me thinking about the place of memoir writing and the personal essay in Black Studies. Not as an object of study or analysis, but the writing of memoir and personal essay as Black Studies practice.”—John E. Drabinski, Professor of African American and Africana Studies, and English, University of Maryland, College Park

Disciplines: Sociology, African American Studies, Literature, Civil Rights, American History, Urban Studies

Know the MOTHER

This collection of “flash fiction” (most stories are less than 750 words), explores how sexism is experienced within the confines of family relationships, and how motherhood often render women unknowable, even to themselves. In many of the stories, both racism and sexism are equally at play, leaving the reader to decide how the protagonist will resolve the dilemma—and why.

Disciplines: Women’s Studies, Sociology, African American Studies, Literature, Creative Writing

Nothing Special

An award-winning picture book, Nothing Special is a buddy book for children nine years old and younger. But adults will recognize the foundational saga: a Black family’s determination to preserve culture and intergenerational relationships despite the rift of The Great Migration. Any child who has crossed a region—or even a sea—to visit a family elder will relate to this story of love and connection.

College classroom discussions may focus upon the historical backdrop of Jim Crow, the Great Migration, and/or how the author approaches telling hard stories of America’s racial past to young audiences.

There is a free activity guide available for young learners.

Disciplines: Sociology, Psychology, African American Studies, Literature, Children’s Literature, Illustration, Civil Rights