If You Want to Hide Something from a Black Person, Put it in a BOOK

Dr. Dedra Muhammad
3 min readJul 2, 2023

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As school counselor, I’m here to share a little secret with you. Ever found yourself claiming that reading ain’t your cup of tea? Well, hold on tight, ’cause we’re about to challenge those assumptions and uncover the incredible world of benefits that reading brings. Trust me, it’s not just about acquiring information; it’s a gateway to personal growth, empathy, and a whole new way of seeing the world. So, let’s dive in and explore why reading is a beautiful and essential activity for every single one of us.

Read, and discover the world

Rediscovering the Joy of Reading: Now, listen up, folks! Those who claim they don’t like reading might just be missing out on the right material that sets their souls on fire. Growing up, maybe you didn’t have many books around or got caught up in the electronic whirlwind. But guess what? Reading is a whole universe, bursting with gripping novels, mind-expanding non-fiction, and everything in between. By exploring different genres and subjects, you might stumble upon a book that grabs hold of your imagination and ignites a lifelong love for reading.

Unlocking a Wealth of Knowledge: Get ready for a mind-blowing revelation, my friends. Reading ain’t just about juicy gossip columns or the latest on your favorite celebs (though we all sneak a peek, let’s be real). It’s about diving into literature that broadens our horizons. From financial advice to self-improvement guides and relationship wisdom, books are treasure troves of knowledge. By seeking out diverse reading material, we gain insights that help us make smart decisions and level up our lives.

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The Power of Storytelling: Hold onto your hats, ’cause we’re about to embark on a journey of the heart. Stories have this magical power to transport us to different times, places, and even the minds of others. When we immerse ourselves in narratives, we develop empathy and understand the joys and struggles of the human experience. We all have stories to tell, my friends, and reading unlocks our untapped potential as storytellers. It doesn’t matter where we come from or the color of our skin. By reading and sharing our own stories, we weave together the fabric of our communities, build bridges, and inspire others to embrace the power of reading.

Modeling Reading for the Next Generation: Now, listen up, parents and role models! Y’all have the superpower to shape the reading habits of our young ones. When we prioritize reading and show our love for it, we set an example that inspires the next generation. It’s like dropping a pebble in a pond — the ripples of positive change spread far and wide. So snap a pic of yourself lost in a book or share your latest literary adventures with others. You become a catalyst for awesomeness within your community, inspiring others to join the reading revolution.

The Power to Shape Perspectives: Hold up, y’all! Reading ain’t just about expanding our horizons; it’s about shattering stereotypes, crushing ignorance, and promoting inclusivity. When we engage with diverse authors and viewpoints, we challenge preconceived notions and broaden our understanding of the world. For us African-Americans, reading plays a crucial role in overcoming historical barriers that have tried to hide knowledge from us. Through reading, we empower ourselves to make informed decisions and break free from limitations imposed upon us.

Conclusion: So, my dear friends, here’s the truth: when you say you don’t like reading, chances are you just haven’t found the right material or fully realized the incredible benefits it brings. By embracing the habit of reading

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Dr. Dedra Muhammad
Dr. Dedra Muhammad

Written by Dr. Dedra Muhammad

Professional Counselor, author, college and career coach, human services provider

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