WV PICKS – Black Mothers
Mothers of the world rejoice! The second Sunday in May is the day we stop to celebrate the spirit of motherhood! Even though Mother�s Day has only been an official holiday in the US since 1914, we know that people have been commemorating and celebrating mothers since ancient times. This month I take great pleasure in sharing fiction and non-fiction books that depict our mothers as the living, breathing, emotional, and caring human beings that they are.
Mothers of the world rejoice! We celebrate your power and recognize your beauty this month and beyond. Happy Mother�s Day!
Sacred Bond: Black Men and their Mothers
by Keith Michael Brown
Little, Brown & Company
0756757983
$25.00; Paperback
A book of thirty-five family portraits beautifully designed and printed, with photographs throughout. The men who speak come from a variety of backgrounds, lifestyles, and age groups, but they have two things in common: all can be considered successful, and all, not coincidentally, grew up under the influence of a powerful mother figure.
Double Stitch: Black Women Write About Mothers and Daughters
by Patricia Bell-Scott, et al
Harper Collins, Perennial
0060975032
Paperback
With a notable foreword by Maya Angelou, 47 of America’s leading black feminists explore the richness and complexity of black mother-daughter relationships in this monumental work of scholarship, which includes poems, stories, and essays by Alice Walker, bell hooks, June Jordan, Audre Lorde, Sonia Sanchez, and others.
Black Mothers: Songs of Praise and Celebration
by Kristin Clark Taylor
Doubleday
038549579X
Hardcover
Kristin Clark Taylor offers heartfelt reflections on black motherhood in an accessible and highly personalized style. In nine finely hewn chapters filled with quotes, poems, and vintage photographs, the black mother is seen in her many roles: “Giver of Life, ” “Spiritual Anchor, ” “Disciplinarian, ” “Wise Teacher, ” “Provider and Comforter, ” “Image of Beauty, ” “Loving Surrogate, ” “Climber of an Uphill Battle, ” and finally “Keeper of the Flame.” This elegant gift book will be treasured by all who receives it. “Black Mothers” is a visually and emotionally uplifting celebration of African-American motherhood.
We Speak Your Names: A Celebration
by Pearl Cleage
Ballantine/One World
0345490274
$9.95; Hardcover
For centuries, African American women have been remaking the world, giving testament to the power of hope, courage, and resilience. But it took the inspired generosity of Oprah Winfrey to honor fully the many gifts of sisterhood. For three amazing days�from May 13 to 15, 2005�a distinguished group of women were invited to celebrate the enduring achievements of twenty-five of their mentors and role models�and in the process pay tribute to the long, glorious tradition of African American accomplishment.
Jonathan and His Mommy
by Irene Smalls, Michael Hays, Illustrator
Little Brown
0316798800
$6.99; Paperback
As a mother and son explore their neighborhood, they try various ways of walking–from giant steps and reggae steps to criss-cross steps and backwards steps.
My Nana and Me
by Irene Smalls, Cathy Ann Johnson, Illustrator
Little Brown
0316168211
$15.99; Hardcover
This delightful, loving picture book follows a young girl and her grandmother through a day of tea parties, dances, hide-and-seek, pat-a-cake, bathtime, storytime, and bedtime. Irene Smalls� rhythmic, upbeat text, and Cathy Ann Johnson�s lush, beautiful watercolors make My Nana and Me a perfect book for grandmothers and their grandchildren to share.
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