The Hate U Give, a recent book turned into film, entails a gruesome scene of one of the characters, Khalil, a young African-American teenager, being shot by a jittery white police officer who pulls them over and mistakes his hairbrush for a gun.
This book was written by a young African-American writer, Angie Thomas, who stated that her novel was inspired by Tupac Shakur; hence, the title of Thomas’ book: T=THE, H=HATE, U=YOU, G=GIVE=THUG.
Who would have known some twenty plus years after the murder of Tupac Shakur that a young female writer would have initiated a national conversation about race via another form of the written word about an issue that still plagues the African-American community?
Unfortunately, just as Tupac was silenced and blatantly disregarded by the white masses, Angie Thomas’s book was placed on the National Banned Book List, which is surprising because African-American writers only make up about ten percent of authors in the nation.
BTW Student During Read Aloud
Based on research, several titles on The Banned Book List are written by minority writers who craft their characters and stories around discrimination and racism. In several school systems around the nation, parental permission must be granted prior to a student being able to access The Hate U Give.
The Hate You Give
This is surprising because we all can turn on the television, and scroll social media to see real-life police brutality happening in our own backyards. With this element of truth, is the continued censorship of African-American art, music, story-telling, and verbal expression new? What’s wrong with these methods of peaceful expression of our displeasure with a lack of justice and equality?
Is this an effort to conceal the truth about the police brutality and potential death encounters that our African-American children will possibly encounter in their near future and as young adults? How does help our students of color if we refuse to have the hard discussions?
Thankfully, the negative press turned positive, as Angie Thomas is one of the few minority writers, whose book was turned into a film. This of course, helped to get the message across to even more people in general.
We walked the hallways of Booker T. Washington to see what students feel about the real and uncomfortable issues that mirror their own circumstances. A small group session was assembled of the following students who read the book and watched the film.
These students spoke one by one about the negative encounters with police from personal
Search our archive of past issues Receive our Latest Updates
October 16, 2023, HOUSTON, TX – Congressional Candidate Amanda Edwards has raised over $1 million in less than 4 months, a substantial sum that helps bolster the frontrunner status of the former At-Large Houston City Council Member in her bid for U.S. Congress. Edwards raised over $433,000 in Q3 of 2023. This strong Q3 report expands on a successful Q2 where Edwards announced just 11 days after declaring her candidacy that she had raised over $600,000. With over $829,000 in cash-on-hand at the end of the September 30th financial reporting period, Edwards proves again that she is the clear frontrunner in the race. “I am beyond grateful for the strong outpouring of support that will help me to win this race and serve the incredible people of the 18th Congressional District,” said Edwards. “We are at a critical juncture in our nation’s trajectory, and we need to send servant leaders to Congress who can deliver the results the community deserves. The strong support from our supporters will help us to cultivate an 18th Congressional District where everyone in it can thrive.” Edwards said. “Amanda understands the challenges that the hard-working folks of the 18th Congressional District face because she has never lost sight of who she is or where she comes from; she was born and raised right here in the 18th Congressional District of Houston,” said Kathryn McNiel, spokesperson for Edwards’ campaign. Edwards has been endorsed by Higher Heights PAC, Collective PAC, Krimson PAC, and the Brady PAC. She has also been supported by Beto O’Rourke, among many others. About Amanda: Amanda is a native Houstonian, attorney and former At-Large Houston City Council Member. Amanda is a graduate of Eisenhower High School in Aldine ISD. Edwards earned a B.A. from Emory University and a J.D. from Harvard Law School. Edwards practiced law at Vinson & Elkins LLP and Bracewell LLP before entering public service. Edwards is a life-long member of St. Monica Catholic Church in Acres Homes. For more information, please visit www.edwardsforhouston.com
As September 13th rolls around, we extend our warmest birthday wishes to the creative powerhouse, Tyler Perry, a man whose indomitable spirit and groundbreaking work have left an indelible mark on the world of entertainment. With his multifaceted talents as an actor, playwright, screenwriter, producer, and director, Tyler Perry has not only entertained but also inspired audiences worldwide, particularly within the African-American community, where his influence and role have been nothing short of powerful. Born in New Orleans, Louisiana, in 1969, Tyler Perry’s journey to stardom was a path riddled with adversity. Raised in a turbulent household, he found refuge in writing, using it as a therapeutic outlet. This period of introspection gave rise to one of his most iconic creations, Madea, a vivacious, no-nonsense grandmother who would later become a beloved figure in Perry’s works, offering a unique blend of humor and profound life lessons. Despite facing numerous challenges, including rejection and financial struggles, Perry’s determination and unwavering belief in his abilities propelled him forward. In 1992, he staged his first play, “I Know I’ve Been Changed,” which, although met with limited success, was a pivotal moment in his career. Unfazed by initial setbacks, Perry continued to hone his craft, and by 1998, he had successfully produced a string of stage plays that showcased his storytelling prowess.
Calling all teenage student-athletes! If you have dreams of playing college soccer and wish to represent an HBCU, the HBCU ID Camp is your golden opportunity. From 8 am to 5 pm on November 11-12, Houston Sports Park will transform into a hub for aspiring male and female soccer players. Coaches from HBCUs across the nation will be present to evaluate, scout, and offer valuable feedback. Moreover, they might even spot the next soccer prodigy to join their collegiate soccer programs. This camp is not just about honing your soccer skills but also a chance to connect with the HBCU soccer community. You’ll learn the ins and outs of what it takes to excel on the field and in the classroom, which is crucial for a college athlete. The HBCU ID Camp is an excellent platform to network with coaches, learn from experienced athletes, and take the first steps toward your college soccer journey. To secure your spot at this incredible event, don’t forget to register [here](insert registration link). Space is limited to 120 participants, so make sure to reserve your place before it’s too late. It’s time to turn your dreams of playing college soccer into a reality.
