February 9, 2021

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What is Black History Month?

In the States, every February is used to celebrate & bring to light Black History, contributions, plights, etc. Black history is American History, but many of those facts have been lost, ignored, or covered up. The month of February is a way for not only Black Americans to connect with their roots, but for all Americans to see how all our roots are interconnect. Its for us to reflect on how coming together can lift each other up, how walking in empathy can strengthen the Union, and how hatred can break our bonds and humanity. Learning from the past. Learning from and highlighting Black voices. Centering Black voices when for long they were drowned out or snuffed out.

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Well, on a month that is supposed to highlight Black voices, here is the reaction to School Library Journal's front page article ...

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Apology...?

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Follow-up response:

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What is blackface?

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[CBS Sunday Morning]

[Amber Fuffin - Late Night with Seth Meyers' show]

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Many of you aren't from the States, but the reality is that the international literary community centers many things in North Western contexts, specifically American.

We make sure to inform everyone on these things, because they can affect you & your connection with your readers & the greater community. No one wants to accidently offend someone.

An example when certain books are released or events take place. There was a 2020 debacle when a book event was announced on Juneteenth which is ...

[The Root]

The folks involved in the Juneteenth debacle are Canadian, but had they been involved in the community at the time... They would have noticed the very public debate around the Black Lives Matter movement and the upcoming Juneteenth preparations.

Keeping an eye on the community and having friends within the community will help avoid simple mistakes. And when we make mistakes, we can learn from previous apologies.

With the immediacy of the internet there is no longer the excuse of ignorance.

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Since we are Americans running this account, please let us know of some international things/situations WE should inform ourselves on and can share with others.

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