(ThyBlackMan.com) Quote: “Once you learn to read, you will be forever free.” Frederick Douglass
The importance of reading can never be a non-negotiable aspect in raising Black boys. The value of education is seen every day as people apply for jobs, starting careers, applying for entrance to higher education and the progression of academic years that are becoming reflections of a geo-political and global commerce. The world is a smaller place because of technology and information. Black men must be prepared to compete in a world where reading is essential.
Reading is fundamentally an important skill set that cannot be ignored. The education of children cannot wait on Kindergarten at age 5 or Pre K at age 4 especially for Black boys, it starts from birth. The first educators are parents, it takes a village to raise children. The village of the family is the foundation of educational, cultural and societal success, reading establishes priorities in life and a focus on intellectualism. Education helps to keep Black boys from prison, a criminal justice system that is designed to incarcerate not educate. It is easier to educate Black boys than to incarcerate them.
“The color of a Negro’s skin makes him easily recognizable, makes him suspect, converts him into a defenseless target” Richard Wright, Black Boy Viewing the numbers of Black boys involved in the criminal justice system across the nation shows that it is not society that is failing Black children it is the lack of foundation of education
in Black families, failing Black children. How can this be; the facts show the linkage to behavior and reading.
If a child cannot read they have difficulty in adapting, associating, 
and integrating into a society whose foundation has been manifested by the value of education. Reading is fundamental, because fundamentally our society is an integration of literacy and comprehension. Even in the industrialized world it took reading to acquire skills that once learned, manual labor required the performance of a skill after the reading and intellectualization that is required now in a dynamically digital world, reading is key.
“We love our superheroes because they refuse to give up on us. We can analyze them out of existence, kill them, ban them, mock them, and still they return, patiently reminding us of who we are and what we wish we could be.” Grant Morrison
“Raising Black Boys As Superheroes” means first and foremost creating a sense of inner pride, self-love and self-respect. Generating love for Black boys and in Black boys; to establish a foundation that loving yourself is important and understanding that Black boys are valuable and important. Too many Black boys because of the images they see in the media, the media that portrays them as insignificant and dangerous, video games that glamorize violence, sex and drugs, even Black boys experiences in school may crush their moral fiber and intellectual capabilities.
Malcolm X and thousands of others experienced their dreams crushed and their futures turned upside down in schools at their times, but Malcolm X proclaimed the power of reading, stating:
“People don’t realize how a man’s whole life can be changed by one book,” This is the power and engagement of reading.
Parents themselves have to be prepared to raise Black boys because of the unique perception on them, their peers and even family members. The lack of cultural greatness and intellectual historical magnificence is what is being washed away. Black boys need to be taught that there are “Black Superheroes”, not created by a Marvel of technology, nor by the dark culture of cultures other than their own. Black boys have a history of intellectualism through a journey of history first started by verbal stories then ultimately by written words. In order for Black boys to understand, experience and discover their history they must be able to read. They must be motivated and engaged to read, encourage them to open books and explore a world that empowers them and inspires them.
“The Black Superheroes,” Introducing the Black Superheroes comic book presents and commemorates folklore pictures of 10 black superheroes as derived from the folklore of American Ex-Slaves. This work was derived from Library of Congress American Ex-Slaves archives gathered by the Federal Writer’s Project during the 1930’s, and Palmetto Country by Stetson Kennedy.
Why is work important to raise Black boys as Superheroes: stated by Tangela Floyd of Young Minds Building Success Charities; “I have always viewed those Black men and women (both past and present) deserving the title “iconic.” I saw them as individuals who made a significant difference for the African American population in American society and culture as individuals who displays of strength, character, and resolve, place them at a much higher level than “Super”, although “Super” is the natural word to use for people who accomplished such great feats. Just in the manner by which they disregarded their own safety in a cause to better humanity everywhere, one would have to create a new name just for them!”
Tangela Floyd – Black Superheros
Parents support the growth of reading in your children especially in your boys, they need to learn that they are important and that, “Black Live Do Matter,” and Black boys can be
Superheroes.
Visit the Reader Theater Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/events/918431394844666/
to learn more about the Black Superheroes…
Staff Writer; William D. Jackson
Find out more about this talented writer over at; OCS For Education.
