When We Were Black
When We Were Black by Blakk Jack Samm, published by AuthorHouse on June 25, 2016, is a thought-provoking exploration of identity and heritage. This 332-page book delves into the author’s reflections on the evolution of racial identity, particularly focusing on the terms used to describe African Americans over the decades. Through personal anecdotes and family discussions, Samm addresses the generational shifts in understanding what it means to be “black” versus “African American,” emphasizing the historical context of these identities.
Readers will find a narrative that not only recounts the author’s journey but also invites contemplation on the broader implications of racial terminology and identity. The book discusses the significance of the terms used in the past, such as “Negro” and “Colored,” and how these labels shaped the experiences of individuals and families. By engaging with themes in social science and ethnic studies, Samm aims to clarify the distinctions between African American and black identities, encouraging readers to reflect on their own perceptions and the ongoing dialogue surrounding race in America.
Official synopsis Publisher
The book is called When We Were Black. I came up with the book, or the book came up to me several years ago. It was during one Christmas holiday spent time with children and grandchildren, while I was relating to my family’s diverse tree, when one of my daughters informed me that her children did not consider themselves a color, speaking of black. Initially, I was insulted because black was never a color but was a very serious movement during the 1960s and 1970s. Well, I had to consider whether I had impressed this point to my own children and spoke to others who were having similar conversations with the younger generation. I felt serious enough about it to write a book diagramming my road to being black because back then you were a “Negro” or “Colored” on your birth certificate. Being that this was on your birth certificate, the parents continued calling themselves that. It was a big thing, radical, to tell your parents that you were black because, for many, it was revolutionary. A revolution is nothing but change, and we were attempting to change the world. I would guess that I am embarking on changing the world now because many do not see the significance between African American and black. There is a significant difference, which the book explains.
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