1619: Let’s start reading
1619: Let’s start reading
Week 1: And away we go!
I’ve been looking forward to this day. Now is the time for us to launch this book club and for all 34 of us to begin reading The 1619 Project: A New Origin Story, created by Nikole Hannah-Jones. I’m happy you’re in!
This week we’ll read the preface, “Origins.” It’s 17 pages long. In the essay, Ms. Hannah-Jones tells the story of The 1619 Project, from the very first time she discovered the Year 1619 and its significance, all the way through to the New York Times Magazine publication and its divided reception. She also introduces the book. I hope you enjoy it.
Next steps (this week)
Read the preface. (Tip: Carve out a regular 1-2 hour “reading time” each week.)
Optionally: Choose one passage that resonated with you and share it in the comments.
I’ll send out Google calendar invitations for all 7 discussions. Please RSVP yes, no, or maybe, based on your availability.
Next steps (next week)
Next Monday, I’ll send you an email with more details about our first discussion on Saturday, February 12, 2:00 - 3:30 pm PT.
The email will also include information about who is going to be in your small group (after I look more closely at what you said in the survey).
It’s an exciting time! Reach out if you have any questions. All you need to do is hit reply. Happy reading!
Hi Mark and all, I'm very interested in joining the discussion group. Is it too late? I have been interested in the history of race and racism since my early adult years. It's been an ongoing learning process over the years, esp peeling way the layers of biased learning in my younger years. I'm a public health professional and I am m faced with the reality of health disparities among Black, Latino, and White people/families.
If you approve my inclusion in the group, I will be joining on my cell phone on this coming Saturday as I will be driving. Is that ok?
Thank you,
Jacqueline (Jacque) Rubino
Anecdote about how we hide the history that embarrasses us:
My mom doubted that students have even been educated that enslavers treated their enslaved people kindly, keeping families together, and that they enjoyed their work. My dad said he hadn't either; it was only once he began his Civil War research hobby that he learned about the race riots in Detroit which had taken place while he was a child in nearby Flint. Hundreds of Black people dead, and he'd never heard of it.