The Library and Minority Male Success Initiative have collaborated to create a literacy conversation space for those who are interested in reading excerpts from captivating, award-winning titles. We'll read and discuss different titles in the months of February, March, and April. Check here to see what we'll cover next.
This is a safe and respectful space for you to share your ideas, views, and thoughts related to the session's excerpts with peers. We encourage you to read before attending, jot down notes, and think objectively.
Check your weekly PCC E-Bulletin for registration details. If you have questions, please feel free to contact Brittany Champion by email: bnchampion711@my.pittcc.edu or phone: (252) 493-7362.
How to Be an Antiracist by
A Promised Land by
Invent and Wander: The Collected Writings of Jeff BezosNOTE: These are popular titles and may already be checked out. If you have questions about the availability of any of these books, ask a librarian for help!
This exuberant celebration of African American women and their achievements features interviews with Angela Davis, June Jordan and Alice Walker. Within the context of the civil rights, Black power and feminist movements, the trio reassess how women such as Rosa Parks and Fannie Lou Hamer revolutionized American society.
A stirring chapter in African American history, highlighted by music from Prince, Janet Jackson, the Neville Brothers and the Staple Singers.
Documents the dramatic life and turbulent times of the pioneering African American journalist, activist, suffragist and anti-lynching crusader of the post-Reconstruction period. Though virtually forgotten today, Ida B. Wells-Barnett was a household name in Black America during much of her lifetime (1863-1931) and was considered the equal of her well-known African American contemporaries such as Booker T. Washington and W.E.B. Du Bois.
IDA B. WELLS: A PASSION FOR JUSTICE documents the dramatic life and turbulent times of the pioneering African American journalist, activist, suffragist and anti-lynching crusader of the post-Reconstruction period. Nobel Prize-winning author Toni Morrison reads selections from Wells' memoirs and other writings in this winner of more than 20 film festival awards.
"Tells of the brave life and works of the 19th century journalist, known among Black reporters as 'the princess of the press,' who led the nation's first anti-lynching campaign." - New York Times
"A powerful account of the life of one of the earliest heroes in the Civil Rights Movement...The historical record of her achievements remains relatively modest. This documentary goes a long way towards rectifying that egregious oversight." - Chicago Sun-Times
Am I: Too African to be American or Too American to be African? is a documentary film that explores the complex identity formations of young African women living in America and West Africa who identify bi-culturally. It specifically looks at how they wrestle with concepts of race, complexion, gender, and heritage among other issues.
Cultural identity is always complex, especially for those who straddle the lines of two worlds. So when you're an African living in America, how do you navigate what it means to "African-American?" It's this idea that Sierra Leonean-American filmmaker Nadia Sasso explores in her documentary, "Am I: Too African to be American or Too American to be African?" The first in a series, the film features interviews with several women of African descent in media, including "Awkward Black Girl" creator Issa Rae, who is half-Senegalese. The film highlights issues that divide African and Black American people in the United States, including internalized prejudices and a lack of community.
This acclaimed documentary covers the 200 year history of African-American Christianity, featuring the legends of Gospel music, including The Staple Singers, The Clara Ward Singers, The Dixie Hummingbirds, and Sister Rosetta Tharpe.
Culled from hundreds of hours of music, tracing the evolution of gospel music through its many styles - the spirituals and early hymns, the four-part harmony-based quartets, the integration of blues and swing, the emergence of "soul," and the blending of rap and hip-hop elements. It connects the history of African-American culture with gospel as it first impacted popular culture at large and captures so much of what is special about this music and African-American Christianity.
Nominated for the 24 Beats Per Second Audience Award at the SXSW Film Festival.
"Rejoice provides both a melodic education and a once-in-a-lifetime concert in one soul-stirring package." - Kenneth Turan, Los Angeles Times
