Entry 04 | Black History: The Right to Read

(PLAY TO LISTEN)

I have been a bookworm from birth and reading has always been my sanctuary, my escape, and my portal to knowledge. As a Black American woman, I recognize that my love for reading is more than just a personal preference—it is a privilege. A privilege that, not too long ago, was denied to people who looked like me.

There was a time in American history when reading and writing were not just discouraged for Black people—they were illegal. In the 18th and 19th centuries, laws were enacted across slave-holding states that prohibited enslaved people from learning to read or write. The fear was clear: literacy equaled power. Knowledge would open minds, ignite ideas, and ultimately threaten the institution of slavery. One of the earliest laws against Black literacy was passed in South Carolina in 1740, making it illegal to teach enslaved people to read. Other states, including Georgia, North Carolina, Alabama, and Virginia, soon followed with similar legislation.

Frederick Douglass, who was born into slavery and later became one of the most influential abolitionists in history, understood the power of literacy firsthand. In Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave, he wrote:

"Once you learn to read, you will be forever free."

For Douglass, literacy was not just about letters on a page—it was about liberation. He recounted how his enslaver’s wife initially began teaching him to read, only for her husband to forbid it, stating that literacy would "ruin" him as a slave. That moment was pivotal for Douglass because he realized that the denial of reading was a tool of oppression.

After the Civil War and the abolition of slavery, literacy became a major priority for freed African Americans. Schools were established, often under the guidance of the Freedmen’s Bureau, and Black communities fought tirelessly for education despite limited resources and many challenges. By 1910, the literacy rate among Black Americans had risen dramatically from near-zero to over 70%—a testament to the unbreakable spirit of a people determined to reclaim their right to knowledge.

Even so, the journey to education and literacy did not end with legal rights. Throughout the 20th century, many challenges—such as segregation, underfunded schools, and educational disparities—continued to make access to quality literature and learning opportunities difficult. And today, in the 21st century, while laws no longer prevent us from reading, there is still a need to cultivate a love for learning and literacy in black communities.

This is one of the many reasons why I take reading seriously. I am not just turning pages—I am embracing an opportunity that my ancestors fought for. And I encourage every Black person to do the same. We must read widely, deeply, and often. Not just fiction and entertainment, but history, philosophy, science, and everything in between. We must support Black authors, share stories that reflect our experiences, and ensure that future generations understand the privilege of literacy.

As Douglass also wrote:

"Knowledge makes a man unfit to be a slave."

So let us read. Let us grow. Let us strive for knowledge and self-improvement. Because reading is not just an act of learning; for Black people and all people alike, it is a privilege and a God-given right toward excellence and fulfillment.

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Discussion: If reading became illegal for everyone, what book would you risk your freedom to read? Share your thoughts in the comments below!