Black History Month : A Personal Note Black and White Like You and Me...

From Left to Right:  Thomas "Cookie" Marsh,  Lisa "Librarian at Large" Valerio-Nowc, and Thomas "Whitey" Daniels.  

     A couple of years ago, I was working as a Library Administrator in a small urban library I had the opportunity to host the authors of  Black and White Like You and Me: Parallel Line Sometimes Intersect.   It was one of the highlights of my  time there.  Their book is was donated to the library and hopefully is checked out often due to the important message that the authors have to readers in Detorit and indeed, across the country.    The authors' approach to speaking about racism is different and refreshing. The task of talking openly and honestly about race is not for the faint of heart.   However, the authors make it seem easy by sharing their own stories how racism has effect both of them.  Thomas Marsh on my left in the picture, is known to many friends and folks in Detorit as Cookie Marsh.  Any basketball fan in Detorit can tell you exactly who Mr. Marsh is, what type of basketball player he was and the stats from his days at University of Detorit.   Thomas Daniels, on my right is known as Whitey.  Mr. Daniels is also a basketball player but known more for his role as a high school educator and coach.  Both of these men have ties with University of Detroit.  Both witnessed the chaotic times of the 1967 Detorit Riots.  One from the west side, and the other from the East Side.  Their lives intersected at various points in their lives, which leads them to writing a book about their experiences.  Their visit to my library has impacted me in many ways and to this day I am a huge fan of their work and desire to speak honestly about racism.  In particular to admit that racism isn't everything.   

    Out of all the book talks I've heard authors give, these two men in particular have been the most interesting, educational and entertaining.   Their stories of Detroit in the 1950's and 60's speak to the heart of who they are and their friendship.  It is also a stark reminder of where we have bene, where we are and where we are going in terms of all "getting" along.   When walking down memory lane with these two men, I recall certain parts of my childhood,  that were similar to theirs but different in that my story picks up from the late sixties and early seventies.  There are differences, but the narrative remain the same, we are all looking for ways to move forwards and finding that each step we take is changing the way we look at and work with one another.   It isn't about race ... it's about human experiences and how they shape us.  

    At this point, readers may be wondering why this book is being promoted for Black History Month Reads.  After all it is not the typical review of great African American history makers, or artists or musicians.  It is added in for two reasons which will be explained as plainly as possible.   First this book looks at current events and modern history though the lenses of common folks.  Cookie and Whitey are two men who share a common love for basketball and are the "next door" neighbor types that everyone knows and likes.  Why is that important?  Simply it is the realization that everyone is called to do their part in making a difference in our world.    They are not famous like Michael Jordan.  They are not powerful like the President of the United States.  They are not rich like Jeff Bezos (however, their book is on Amazon which is close enough?)   They are two simple authors who are encourage people to read, learn and talk about the issues.  Their work is just as if not as important as those mentioned above.    Secondly, the conversation about what brings us together is much more important than what drives us apart.  If we are looking to learn from Black History Month, we have to remember the key lessons of history.  United we stand, divided we fall.   

    This book was published in 2017 and  I'm hoping that a new book is in the works soon.  Both men have given to readers the opportunity to explore and discuss our similarities and differences.  It seems only natural to have another book that takes the conversation further along.  This book is highly recommend. It is perfect for adult and Young Adult book discussions.   The book is a quick read but it leaves a lasting impression.   If you read it once, there is a good chance you'll want to read it again.  As stated the book is available on Amazon and most libraries in the Metro Detroit area have a copy of it on their shelves.  If your local library doesn't they should.   Thank you Cookie and Whitey for staring the conversation and keeping it going.