“'So often we think we know young men, especially African American
males. 'They don’t read,' we say.
'They misbehave,' we whisper.
'They drop out early and cause society a host of ills.'
As an author, I get to say, 'Open your eyes and see what is often unseen by so many of us, regardless of our ethnicity.' When I open my eyes and see you for who you truly are, I see myself differently, and I allow you to see me more fully as well. It becomes a win–win for everyone, I think."
~~Sharon G. Flake qtd. in Najat Omer’s Interview with Sharon G. Flake, Journal of Adolescent & Adult Literacy v. 54 no. 2 (October 2010) p. 152-3
males. 'They don’t read,' we say. 'They misbehave,' we whisper.
'They drop out early and cause society a host of ills.'
Often, before they even show up to class or walk into a store, we think we know who they are and what they are capable of doing and becoming.
As an author, I get to say, 'Open your eyes and see what is often unseen by so many of us, regardless of our ethnicity.' When I open my eyes and see you for who you truly are, I see myself differently, and I allow you to see me more fully as well. It becomes a win–win for everyone, I think."~~Sharon G. Flake qtd. in Najat Omer’s Interview with Sharon G. Flake, Journal of Adolescent & Adult Literacy v. 54 no. 2 (October 2010) p. 152-3
