The 1619 Project: Born on the Water

 

The 1619 Project: Born on the Water

Written by: Nikole Hannah-Jones & Renée Watson

Illustrated by: Nikkolas Smith

Can be purchased online at: The Source of Knowledge or in person by supporting small businesses in big cities like Newark, NJ.

You can also help to support bookstores that create accessible spaces for the disabled by purchasing this book and many others at [words] Bookstore, in Maplewood, NJ. [words] Maplewood's Bookstore

For educators interested in how to bring The 1619 Project: Born on the Water into the classroom:

EDUCATORS!!! CLICK HERE!!!

Summary

The 1619 Project: Born on the Water is a poignant and beautifully illustrated children's book by Nikole Hannah-Jones and Renée Watson that reimagines the origins of African Americans in a powerful and deeply human way. More than just a retelling of history, it is a narrative that seeks to give voice to the often forgotten stories of resilience, culture, and identity that began long before enslaved Africans were brought to the shores of what would become the United States.

The story is framed through the eyes of a young Black girl who is assigned a school project to explore her family's origins. When she cannot trace her lineage back to a specific country, she feels lost and disconnected. Her grandmother steps in, introducing her to a heritage that begins not in slavery, but in freedom and greatness--before the first ships of enslaved Africans arrived in 1619.

The narrative artfully shifts from present day America to West Africa, where vibrant cultures thrived for centuries before the Transatlantic Slave Trade. The book vividly describes the rich traditions, spiritual beliefs, and social structures of African societies, providing readers with a clear sense that African history does not begin with slavery. Instead, the authors highlight the dignity, ingenuity, and humanity of these communities, which were torn apart by the violence of colonization and slavery. 

Element 5: Raising Awareness 

This book can serve as a powerful tool for raising awareness about social justice education in several ways. By focusing on African American history and identity, the book addresses key issues related to historical erasure, systemic racism, and the importance of cultural pride. The book supports social justice education by reframing the narrative of African American history, empowering marginalized voices, encouraging critical thinking about systemic racism, promoting cultural pride and identity, fostering empathy and inclusivity, and lastly, by supporting discussions on reparative justice.