In 1938 segregated Oklahoma, the compilation of a white educator and a black community created a rare gem, that until recently has been known only to a select few. Long before The Civil Rights Movement officially began, Emma Elizabeth Akin saw many voids within the ‘separate but equal’ system in which the African-American was forced to live. One of these gaps was the presence of educational literature that focused on the culture and history of the African-American within the United States. Frustrated at this omission of material from the educational system, Emma Akin dedicated herself to provide a series of textbooks devoted to the students she had come to know and love. Through educating herself with the writings of Dr. Carter G. Woodson,
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There are precious few of these treasures left and those who are fortunate enough to possess copies hold them dear to their hearts. The messages found within the pages of each of these four works are just as powerful today as they were in 1938. As you read each page, you will be amazed at the similarities of the bold, but little known words of Emma Akin in 1938 to those that rang out loudly in the 1960s. While reading the words of Dunbar teacher, Mrs. Gertrude Johnson you will be in awe that these words were spoken in 1938 and not in 1963. In “Gifts”, the third book in The Negro American Series, Mrs. Johnson speaks to Clara Bell’s mother, “When our children grow older they will learn that we cannot know a good woman or a good man by the color of his face.”, to which she is answered, “You are right, Mrs. Johnson. It is how we think, and what we do, and what we feel in our hearts, that makes us strong and brave and good and …show more content…
Akin. As you peruse these pages, you will notice that many have markings and notes made by the author, as she had planned for a revised second printing that would not come. Along with the Drumright Historical Society, I hope you will enjoy these personal touches added by Emma Akin.
I am certain that she would be overjoyed to know that her books are once again, educating people and perhaps helping to bridge any gaps that still might exist within our ( races. Peoples,
There are precious few of these treasures left and those who are fortunate enough to possess copies hold them dear to their hearts. The messages found within the pages of each of these four works are just as powerful today as they were in 1938. As you read each page, you will be amazed at the similarities of the bold, but little known words of Emma Akin in 1938 to those that rang out loudly in the 1960s. While reading the words of Dunbar teacher, Mrs. Gertrude Johnson you will be in awe that these words were spoken in 1938 and not in 1963. In “Gifts”, the third book in The Negro American Series, Mrs. Johnson speaks to Clara Bell’s mother, “When our children grow older they will learn that we cannot know a good woman or a good man by the color of his face.”, to which she is answered, “You are right, Mrs. Johnson. It is how we think, and what we do, and what we feel in our hearts, that makes us strong and brave and good and …show more content…
Akin. As you peruse these pages, you will notice that many have markings and notes made by the author, as she had planned for a revised second printing that would not come. Along with the Drumright Historical Society, I hope you will enjoy these personal touches added by Emma Akin.
I am certain that she would be overjoyed to know that her books are once again, educating people and perhaps helping to bridge any gaps that still might exist within our ( races. Peoples,