No matter your walk in life, we have all been affected by racial diversity. Some find it threatening. Others find is socially and culturally mesmerizing and exhilarating. For the purpose I am pursuing, let’s narrow it down to the white and African American culture.
While starting my new novel, my fear is the voice inside my head. It says,”How can you, a white woman, write about the African American experience in 1963? How could you possibly understand?”
Here’s my goal. To write an entertaining novel for all age groups but especially for young adults who may not know important historical facts about the Civil Rights Movement- which I will weave into the novel. I want the reader to take pause, reflect, and think about their actions going forward.
Big goal, huh? But I sincerely believe that understanding the past will put us in a better position for the future.
Here’s the premise to the novel:
In 1963, while staying with the unhinged friend of her deceased grandmother, a 14 yr old white girl from Texas meets a teenaged “Negro” boy from Alabama and learns first hand about racial injustice.
I am doing tons and tons of research. I have read “Black Like Me” by John Howard Griffin and The Fire Next Time by James Baldwin.
So here’s how you can, hopefully, help me.
- Is this a reasonable goal?
- What suggestions do you have for reading material that may help my accuracy?
- What experiences have you had that led you to a racial awareness/enlightenment?
I appreciate any and all suggestions!
Thank you for reading and responding!
Carolyn
Carolyn Dennis-Willingham 