In this book, Henry Louis Gates, Jr., a tenured professor at Harvard
University, tells his
life story. Cambridge, Massachusetts is a long
way from Piedmont, West Virginia, where Gates grew up. As he lived
there during the 1950s and 1960s, his
world was one of
colored people.
In the pages of this book, he takes readers on a personally guided tour
of that world, enlightening them about its distinguishing
characteristics.In his preface to the book, Gates addresses his
two daughters directly, giving them effectively credit for his having
put his
story down on paper. Apparently concerned about their lack of
understanding about the civil rights movement of the 1960s and why they
are able to enjoy the life of comfort and privilege, Gates informs them
that he wants them to know about his life as a child. He does this also
out of fear that the world he knew in West Virginia will cease to exist
one day.Gates also makes reference to the changes in language
used to describe
people of African descent in the United States. The
term used most often when he was growing up was “colored.” That was
followed by “Negro.” Later came the widespread use of “black.” And,
today, many favor “African American.” Gates professes not to care very
much which term people use. He
readily admits that his favorite is
“colored,” because it elicits memories of his childhood years and the
people in the community where he grew up.While Gates readily
accepts his identify as a black man, he does want that to be the only
way he is perceived. Taking delight in the accomplishments of famous
blacks such as Joe Louis, Muhammad Ali, Mahalia Jackson, Michael
Jordan, Gates holds tight to a kinship with other blacks. However, he
supports the idea of being able to choose a number of different
identities in expressing oneself.He makes all of this clear as he relates his life story, first and foremost for the benefit of his daughters.
More summaries about the Colored People