Black History month celebrations will soon be in the forefront of school programs. I get concerned every year when the same people , and this is not to be taken wrong, are recognized. Truly, Harriet and Sojourner were fearsome ladies who accomplished much in their lives. However, today’s young people need to be told about some of the lesser, but equally as important figures, worthy of recognition at this time. Particularly others who worked to bring recognition to the fight for equality for all.
A new profound and beautifully illustrated book, BEN AND THE EMANCIPATION PROCLAMATION by Pat Sherman, illustrated by Floyd Cooper (Eerdmans Publishing Co , 2010, $16.99 ) is based on the true story of Benjamin Holmes. Ben, a slave in Charleston, taught himself to read. At one point his master was a tailor who sent Ben on errands around the city. By politely asking white men if he was in the correct spot he learned his way about at the same time he was learning to read street and other signs. As the Civil War neared Charleston, Ben’s master fled but not before he put Ben in a prison to await sale after things settled down.
While incarcerated some of the other prisoners bribed a guard and obtained the latest copy of the CHARLESTON MERCURY, the local newspaper. Ben read the Proclamation aloud to his fellow slave prisoners. This happened at a time in our history when slaves were not allowed to read. Ben was inspired originally by his father who taught him the letters he later was able to combine into the words, names of streets he journeyed for his master.
One can only imagine the dramatic effect Ben’s reading must have had on the other imprisoned slaves. The effect that Floyd Cooper’s illustrations will have on today’s readers are immeasurable. I know I felt I was there with Ben the entire time I was reading his story.