Books that changed my life-I Know Why A Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou. When I was 15 my teacher Besty Roberts gave me this book as a gift. It’s coming of age tale (one of seven autobiographical books) of Maya Angelou’s life between ages of 3 and 16. The book details her unsettled and traumatic childhood where she endured sexual abuse witnessed lynchings becomes mute as result of what would now be called PTSD. The book conveys the insidious nature of racism and the fragility and the strength of community that experiences it. It is also a story of hope, laughter and family, underpinned by the underestimated power of black women. Betsy Roberts blessed me with this book, my school days were unhappy and the themes of book resonated with my 15 old self, it gave hope, inspiration and the promise of a better day. This book was written in 1969 I am very triggered by the account this week of a black 15 year old girl strip searched in school on an (unproven) suspicion, if you don’t know about it, you need to know (don’t ask me, google it). It made me sad, it seems some things have not changed and indignities of racism are still are being endured in 2022. My wish is that highlighting Child Q’s story raises awareness and provides impetus for the systemic change that is needed in our organisations and institutions. I hope that Child Q knows she is not alone and that her story resonates with me and many others. My wish is that she gets the support and inspiration to sing again. #inspiration #mayaangelo #change #childq https://www.instagram.com/p/CbQLuz8jt0D/?utm_medium=tumblr
