Rise Up!

Rise Up!

YA nonfiction
We're on the countdown to New Years Eve. Got that resolution
ready? Lose fifty pounds? Go to the gym five times a week? Run the
next marathon even if walking Fido winds you?
How's that going to work for you?
How about if, instead of entering the new year burdened by
strenuous (and often impossible) regimens of self improvement, we saw
a dawning new year as opportunity for learning, growth, and engaging
with the larger world, individually and collectively, to help make it
a better place? Whether as a read for self, a gift for a teen, or a
family read and discuss, Dr. Crystal M. Fleming's Rise Up! How You Can
Join The Fight Against White Supremacy is a good place to start.
Although Fleming is African American and race issues are her
field of study, she didn't learn a whole lot about racism until she
was in college. She wrote the book to share the fruits of her
research with younger readers. It's probably the book she wishes
someone had written when she was a kid.
Fleming defines white supremacy as "a system in which people who
are labelled as White receive benefits, privileges, and power." She
compares it to a table supported by the four legs of colonization,
Indigenous genocide, capitalism, and transatlantic slavery.
Condensing a wide range of time up to and including the present, she
shows how they impact areas ranging from crime and punishment through
media images and sports to higher COVID mortality for non whites.
There is a wealth of information packed into concise chapters.
Fortunately Fleming believes that there is a lot that can be
done to uproot and eradicate the white supremacy that infests nearly
every aspect of life. She has suggestions that can empower and
encourage all of us. We can tailor them into resolutions that involve
engagement with the world around us rather than stressful solitary
striving.
On a purrrsonal note, yesterday was a good day. I volunteered at
Orono Public Library. I plan to shelf read the whole juvenile wing
before spring semester starts. I was also able to drop some stuff at
the Orono Thrift donation bin and deposit Tobago's Christmas money in
her credit union savings account.
Today, in contrast was a let down. A friend was going to help me cash
in a car load of Tobago's returnables. Only she came down with
something and decided to stay home. It was a very wise decision,
especially now. It just left me frustrated that I can't drive.
Adam's old room which the kids and I plan to turn into a man cave for
Eugene is nearly full of Tobago's returnable cans and bottles and
stuff I need to transport to thrift shops. If I had a car or truck it
would be all cleared out.
But tomorrow if all works out I am going with a friend to a geektastic
destination. (Jules)
More money in the credit union. YASSS! You never know when an
emergency will happen. Take it from one who ended up in a shelter.
(Tobago)
A great big shout out goes you to you, dear readers. Hope you have
the chance to enjoy a safe and happy New Years Eve. Go easy on
yourself resolution wise.
Tobago and Jules Hathaway




Sent from my iPod