The blog, Color Online, earned a special place in my heart when I discovered, posted in the sidebar, the words of black poet Gwendolyn Brooks from her 1967 work, “The Chicago Picasso”:
Art hurts. Art urges voyages –
and it is easier to stay at home.
The mission of Color Online is “the promotion, empowerment, and political awakening of young women” primarily through literature and creative writing, as well as other educational programs, cultural events, and community service in the Detriot area. The online community posts author biographies and reviews for new juvenile and young adults books alongside literary classics such as Zora Neale Hurston’s Their Eyes Were Watching God and Toni Morrison’s Beloved. There are also regular contests for free books and forums to encourage discussion.
I can’t help but wonder how my life would have been different if I had discovered Color Online as a youth. I used to be bitter about the fact that I wasn’t introduced to writers like Hurston until I reached college. All those years wasted! But now, I’m just grateful that someone has found inventive new ways to do what my high school teachers did not.
So, with Gwendolyn Brooks’ words in mind, here’s my plea for you to take a moment to browse Color Online and, if you are able, contribute to their library for young readers by donating a book from their Powell’s Books Wish List.
Posted by cora on March 3, 2009 at 8:32 AM
You rock! I was just commenting about something you said, too. It’s crazy how we keep connecting the dots. The book you have posted was a prized book that has since walked. I swear my best stuff walks (and the undiscovered treasures last a little longer only because my readers don’t know the treasure exists yet.)
We are really beginning to hit our stride at Color Online and I think it is due in part to women like you, Zetta and Carleen have come into my world. I have learned not to discount the power of women supporting one another.
Everytime a reluctant or non reader, comes in the library excited about something she found in our space, I know I’m doing something right. While we do have a shrinkage problem, I do believe some of the books are gone because a girl really loved it.
Thanks for the shout out, C. I can’t thank you enough.
Peace,
Color Online Reader Activist
Posted by Claudia on March 3, 2009 at 12:40 PM
You’re more than welcome! What you’re doing is really inspiring. I’d love to start a program like this in my own city.
Posted by We ♥ Carleen Brice « The Bottom of Heaven on August 11, 2009 at 9:12 AM
[...] saying, but I like to think of her blog White Readers Meets Black Authors (as well as Susan’s Color Online) as the “Saturday Nighters” of our generation. Carleen is always a gracious host, [...]