Many authors used their literature to encourage their audience to educate themselves on their cultural history. Other authors used their works as message of empowerment and unity to the African American community (Jackson). Perkins “Hey Black Child” uses both of these common themes first asking the audience “Hey Black Child, Do you know who you are? Who you really are?” The speaker is asking does the audience know who they are as African Americans, or do they just know what society says about them. Perkins also encourages his audience to break free of this mold and discover themselves
Many authors used their literature to encourage their audience to educate themselves on their cultural history. Other authors used their works as message of empowerment and unity to the African American community (Jackson). Perkins “Hey Black Child” uses both of these common themes first asking the audience “Hey Black Child, Do you know who you are? Who you really are?” The speaker is asking does the audience know who they are as African Americans, or do they just know what society says about them. Perkins also encourages his audience to break free of this mold and discover themselves