Grandpa, Is Everything Black Bad?

By Sandy Lynne Holman

(Reviewed by Marjorie J. Hurst)

This book, a special gift to POV publisher, Frederick Hurst, from Janis Santos, Executive Director of HCS Head Start and long-time friend, is the winner of national awards from Writer's Digest and Skipping Stones. It is a "must" read for young children. From the beginning lines of the main character, Montsho, "I like watching TV, but sometimes I'm sad because most white things are good and most black things are bad," we get to understand the negative effect that being bombarded with negative images of the word "black" has had on our black youth.

But, thankfully, young Montsho has a grandfather who was taught about his African heritage when he was young boy by his grandfather. The grandfather is proud of that heritage and takes the time to tell Montsho about it.

For those of us who weren't taught about our rich and glorious African history, this book fills the gap. Its simple language, powerful images and beautiful pictures provide an education for young and old and black and white. It should be in all of our homes and in all of our schools. Montsho's grandfather admonishes, "Be proud of your dark skin. It represents a proud people and black is truly a beautiful color. It was passed down to you by Africans who lived before and your heritage is like no other."

This book is dedicated to the author's Black grandfather, Rufus X Holman, who died as the book was going to print. She wrote:

Because you taught me who I was by teaching me my history.

I learned very young to love myself and to accept everything that is me.

I relished my smile, my pretty dark skin and the love I possess in my heart

and all that I am has to do with your legacy that impacted me from the start.

So, I dedicate this book to you and I thank you from my soul.

Now, I'll forever love your spirit and make sure all your stories are told.