Francis Barber
by Joshua Reynolds
Walter Dean Meyers
Hazel Singer
December 31, 2015
Looking Back and Looking Forward
This last post for 2015 looks back 273 years to the birth of Francis Barber and forward to the hope that children always bring.
The 16 July, 2015 issue of the London Review of Books contained a book review of
a biography of Francis Barber. Barber (1742-1801) was born into slavery
in Jamaica and ended his life in London, a servant and an heir to Samuel Johnson,
the famed man of letters. Barber was granted his freedom and a legacy
in 1755 by Colonel Richard Bathurst, who brought him to England, before
he went into service to Johnson at age ten. Dr. Johnson saw to his
education, referred to him with warmth and tenderness. During his tenure
in the Johnson household, Barber was remarked upon by members of
Johnson's illustrious social circle.
The importance of books, especially ones focusing on positive role
models for children, has long been championed by educators, librarians,
and social equity activists. Walter Dean Meyers
(1937-2014) was a prolific African American author who was one of the
first people to write books featuring Black children and young adults,
especially Black boys, living ordinary lives.
He was the recipient of numerous awards, including ones from the
American Library Association and the Coretta Scott King Award for
African American Authors. He was the National Ambassador for Children's
Literature 2012 and 2013.
In February of 2015, the website Buzzfeed put out a list of 26 children's books which
celebrate the accomplishments of Blacks in a variety of occupations.
There are many resources available to parents and educators from both libraries and special interest sites. A new year's resolution to bring a positive outlook into the lives of Black children is surely a good thing.
Comment by email:
Thanks, Bill. Wishing you a happy, healthy new year. -Hazel [Hazel Singer]
Comment by email:
Thanks, Bill. Wishing you a happy, healthy new year. -Hazel [Hazel Singer]
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