​

[author's note:  actually this version of the blog is the one I asked AI to create from my original.  I was hoping that I'd get more sales than I got since 2021 when I wrote the original.  What do you think?  The jury is still out. Enjoy!]

Who Really Started the Montgomery Bus Boycott? The Untold Story
The 381-day Montgomery Bus Boycott of 1955 was a groundbreaking moment in the Civil Rights Movement—an extraordinary display of resilience, strategy, and community organization. While names like Rosa Parks and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. are widely recognized, the true mastermind behind the movement operated behind the scenes.

The Hidden Architect: Jo Ann RobinsonMost people assume the boycott began spontaneously after Rosa Parks’ arrest on December 1, 1955. However, the foundation for this protest was laid years in advance by an unsung hero—Jo Ann Robinson. As president of the Women’s Political Council (WPC), Robinson meticulously planned for the moment when Montgomery’s Black community would take a stand. With access to a mimeograph machine at Alabama State College, she and her team printed over 50,000 leaflets overnight, spreading the word like wildfire.
This level of organization was extraordinary. In today’s world, it would have required a viral social media campaign to reach that many people overnight. Robinson’s strategic brilliance ensured that when the moment arrived, Montgomery’s Black citizens were ready to act.

The Road to Revolution: A Timeline of Key EventsUnderstanding the Montgomery Bus Boycott requires looking beyond December 1, 1955. Here’s a closer look at the pivotal events leading up to it:

Before the Boycott

• 1948: Vernon Johns, an outspoken advocate for Black economic independence, becomes pastor at Dexter Avenue Baptist Church in Montgomery, AL.
• 1949: The WPC is founded by Mary Fair Burks, a Black woman traumatized by her own wrongful arrest. This group began documenting racial abuse on Montgomery’s buses.
• 1950: Jo Ann Robinson, after experiencing racial abuse by a bus driver, becomes president of the WPC and strengthens its mission.
• 1954: The WPC sends a formal letter to Montgomery’s mayor, warning that Black citizens were prepared to boycott buses if mistreatment continued.

The Spark Ignites

• March 1955: Claudette Colvin, a 15-year-old student, refuses to give up her seat on a bus and is arrested. However, leaders do not pursue her case due to her pregnancy.
• April 1955: Arelia Browder is arrested for the same reason, but her case receives little attention.
• October 1955: Mary Louise Smith is also jailed for defying bus segregation laws.
• December 1, 1955: Rosa Parks is arrested. Unlike previous cases, Parks is already well-known in Montgomery’s activist circles, making her an ideal figure to rally around.
• December 2-4, 1955: Jo Ann Robinson and the WPC distribute 50,000 pamphlets urging Black citizens to boycott the bus system.
• December 5, 1955: Parks is found guilty, and the boycott begins. The newly formed Montgomery Improvement Association (MIA) names Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. as its leader.

The Lasting Impact & Books to Deepen Your KnowledgeThe Montgomery Bus Boycott wasn’t just about transportation—it was about dignity, economic power, and strategic resistance. This movement became the model for future civil rights protests and proved the power of collective action.
To explore the full depth of this historical moment, check out these must-read books:

• "The Montgomery Bus Protests 1955-1956: Strategic Planning of the Highest Order" – Wally G. Vaughn
• "Montgomery Bus Boycott: Women Who Started It" – Jo Ann Gibson Robinson
• "Stride Toward Freedom: The Montgomery Story" – Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
• "Pies from Nowhere: How Georgia Gilmore Sustained the Montgomery Bus Boycott" – Dee Romito
• "Bus Ride to Justice: Changing the System by the System" – Fred Gray

Why This History Still Matters Today
The lessons of Montgomery resonate today. The power of grassroots organizing, economic leverage, and strategic planning are still vital tools for social change. Recognizing Jo Ann Robinson’s contributions reminds us that history isn’t just shaped by those in the spotlight—it’s built by those working tirelessly behind the scenes.
​
Shop the Best Books on the Montgomery Bus Boycott at www.afriwarebooks.com

Want to dive deeper? Visit our website to explore these books and more. Discover the real stories behind the movement and empower yourself with knowledge!

Restoring Africa’s Legacy: The Timeless Impact of Children of the Sun
A Groundbreaking Work That Stands the Test of Time
In 1918, amid the global upheaval of the Spanish flu pandemic, George Wells Parker authored one of the most influential books on African history: Children of the Sun. Over a century later, this seminal work remains a critical tool for challenging long-standing historical distortions and reaffirming the undeniable contributions of African civilizations to world history.
Black Classic Press, Inc. has rightfully brought attention to this masterpiece, ensuring that Parker’s voice continues to disrupt the false narratives propagated in mainstream historical discourse. His work is a direct challenge to Eurocentric revisionism, boldly advocating for the correction of textbooks that erase the truth about Africa’s past.

Unveiling Hidden Histories: The First Sentence That Captivates ReadersThe very first sentence of Children of the Sun sets the stage for a powerful and poetic exploration of Africa’s rightful place in history:
“In the morning of the world, when the fingers of Love swept aside the curtains of Time, our dusky mother, Ethiopia, held the stage.”
This evocative opening signals the depth of Parker’s commitment to restoring Africa’s prominence in world history, drawing the reader into a compelling narrative that spans continents and civilizations.

Exposing the Erasure of African ContributionsParker meticulously presents historical evidence that African-descended peoples ruled major civilizations beyond the African continent. He highlights that some of the most powerful dynasties in India were of African descent. He discusses the true origins of Krishna, whose name translates to “the blackener.”
Ambrose Bierce, a respected journalist of his time, is quoted in the book saying:
“…when the truth of history is known, the United States will Jim Crow the whole of ancient history, because it is nothing but a record of African achievement and glory.”
This statement underscores Parker’s broader argument: the systemic suppression of African achievements in favor of a Eurocentric retelling of history.

Hannibal of Carthage: A Case Study in Historical Distortion
One of the most glaring examples of historical erasure is the portrayal of Hannibal of Carthage, the brilliant military strategist who led an army of war elephants across the Alps to challenge Rome. Despite historical records describing him as a Black general, modern depictions often whitewash his identity.
Even today, this erasure continues—Netflix faced backlash in 2023 for casting Denzel Washington as Hannibal, despite overwhelming historical evidence supporting his African origins. Parker, writing over a century ago, referenced American journalists who recognized Hannibal’s Black heritage, reinforcing the need for historical correction.

A Book That Stands Firm in the Face of Modern Research
Comparing Children of the Sun with contemporary research reveals the extent to which mainstream academia continues to resist acknowledging Africa’s role in shaping civilization. A recent YouTube documentary, for instance, perpetuates the myth that ancient Greek and Roman societies were entirely European in origin, despite Parker’s evidence-based refutation of such claims.
The book also challenges the falsehood that Greek civilization developed in isolation. Parker cites Sir Arthur Evans’ work on Minoan and Mycenaean cultures, drawing attention to the African influences in these civilizations. A careful examination of Evans’ documentary materials reveals an uncomfortable truth—while modern historians acknowledge his archaeological contributions, they often omit his observations about African ancestry in ancient Greece.

Scholarly Foundations: The Experts Parker ReferencesParker’s work is not based on speculation; he builds his arguments upon the research of renowned historians, archaeologists, and anthropologists of his time, including:

• Homer
• Sir Arthur Evans
• C. F. Volney
• William Flinders Petrie
• Herr Reinisch
• Dr. Rudolph Virchow

By citing these scholars and their publications, Parker constructs an argument that is difficult to refute. His use of academic sources strengthens Children of the Sun as a foundational text for anyone seeking an honest exploration of African history.

Why This Book Remains Essential Reading
More than a century after its publication, Children of the Sun remains one of the most powerful rebuttals to historical misrepresentation. The book is concise—spanning less than 35 pages—but it delivers an intellectual knockout punch that dismantles long-standing myths with surgical precision.
Parker’s work is so potent that, were it published today, it would likely face censorship or discreditation. In an era where books that challenge Eurocentric historical narratives are frequently banned from schools and libraries, Children of the Sun stands as a testament to truth and resilience.

The Price of Knowledge: An Affordable Investment in Historical Truth
One of the most astonishing aspects of this book is its accessibility. At only $4, it is one of the most affordable and impactful resources available for those seeking to reclaim African history from the grip of colonial distortion.

The Call to Action: Where to Purchase Your Copy
For those interested in reading, we strongly encourage purchasing from Black-owned bookstores that prioritize the preservation and dissemination of African history. One such bookstore is Afriware Books, Co., which remains committed to providing access to culturally significant literature.
If you are unable to find the book on their website, feel free to contact them at afriwarebooks@afriwarebooks.com to inquire about availability.

Final Thoughts: A Legacy That Demands Recognition
Parker’s work serves as a stark reminder that history is not neutral—it is shaped by those who hold power over its narratives. As readers, educators, and truth-seekers, we have a responsibility to challenge the distortions that have been imposed upon African history and to uplift the voices of scholars who fought to restore the truth.
If you are ready to take the first step toward unlearning centuries of historical deception, Children of the Sun is the perfect place to start. The knowledge contained within these pages is invaluable, and its relevance in today’s world is undeniable.
It is time to reclaim the truth.

​i admit it, I didn't like "Native Son" the movie so much that, I couldn't force myself to read it.
But his "Haiku" made up for it.

It's so interesting to observe the diversity within one writer. You know the saying, "don't judge a book by its cover", well, don't judge an author by just one book.
even though...yes, my experience is that many of us do judge/decide on whether to pick up a book by its cover, but that's another post.
back to Richard Wright...
guess what? people change...
just like you and I do, thankfully.
Haiku was written during the last few years of Wright's life. His daughter Julia Wright said he wrote it, "to spin these poems of light out of the gathering darkness." This book was so inspiring to me that I wrote my own book (to be published) of Haiku. Once I understood the rhythm/formula - 3 lines total; 5, then 7, then 5 syllables per line... it became so much fun to write. It felt almost like a math problem. I invite you to try it too.
This book has over 800 haiku he selected from thousands he wrote. Here are 3 of my favorites:

A black mountain peak
Is arching a summer sky
And its just-felt moon.

Dazzling summer sun!
But the smell of the past comes
With rain upon the dust.

The blue of this sky
Sounds so loud that it can be heard
Only with our eyes
It's truly hard to choose.

If you're wondering, no I didn't like them all... there are a handful that are outright rank in my opinion... BUT, he makes it easy to just move along to the next one. The backstory regarding Wrights' process for deciding which haiku to include in the book is so interesting. His daughter describes how he wrote each one on a sheet of paper and hung it up on steel rods as if to dry in the air. He'd ponder over each one. Since his health was failing at that point, his daughter now believes his poems were "self-developed antidotes against illness." The artist's process is so unique.

Do you have a special process you'd like to share?

Special thanks to Phyllis Yafah Duncan for suggesting I do a post for Poetry Month. And, thanks to Liz LaRue for sharing your father's request that led me to stumble upon Wright's poetry. Does anyone know of any poetry readings this month? please share them in the comments.
In addition to Richard Wright's poetry, I like Oscar Brown Jr's, and Gil Scott Heron's, of course. I respect their work and hopefully there will be a book forthcoming that includes "The Revolution will not be televised" or Brown's "Afro Blue." Maggie Brown is doing an excellent job of carrying his legacy forward.

who are your favorite poets?

If you'd like to check out "Haiku" by Richard Wright feel free to visit our site. I'll also make mention of it in the comments below.
Richard Wright was so prolific with over 20 books and hundreds of articles throughout his life.
Which of his books have you read?

As always, I appreciate that you have read through this blog post.  I hope that you’ve become curious to read more of "Haiku:  The Last Poems of an American Icon" by Richard Wright.  We ask that you consider purchasing your books from our Black owned bookstore, Afriware Books, Co.  If there is a title you’d like to purchase that is not mentioned here, or could not be found on the website, feel free to email us at:  afriwarebooks@afriwarebooks.com

​In one literary knockout punch, this book restores our African origins to their rightful place.
and the author did this in 1918, before Google.

​To this day there are still scholars who express doubt about the African origins of ancient peoples around the world. I give special thanks to Black publisher Black Classic Press, Inc. for identifying this masterpiece that provides a wealth of information to combat these allegations.
If I told you that the very first paragraph would be reason enough to purchase this book, would you believe me? I confidently stand by this statement. After the first paragraph you'll stay hooked until the very end. It sifts through years of misinformation and lies in less than 35 pages.

Intrigued?

It's hard to believe that back in 1918 the author, (during the Spanish flu pandemic) would have the presence of mind to call "for the revision of all textbooks that falsified and deleted the truth concerning Black folk." If you want to get a jumpstart on uncovering the many giants that we are ancestrally connected to, get "Children of the Sun" by George Wells Parker.

Here's the first sentence:
In the morning of the world, when the fingers of Love swept aside the curtains of Time, our dusky mother, Ethiopia, held the stage.

Here are some excerpts:
"...some of the most powerful kingdoms of India [were] ruled by dynasties of African descent."

"Krishna... means "the blackener"

a quote from Ambrose Bierce "...when the truth of history is known, the United States will Jim Crow the whole of ancient history, because it is nothing but a record of African achievement and glory."

Personalities like Hannibal of Carthage who crossed the Alps on elephants to defeat the Romans is still depicted as non-Black in mainstream media. Netflix is even getting backlash from casting Denzel Washington as Hannibal in 2023. THIS book mentions this "Black general" as one of the greatest in history and sites a reputable American journalist's comments to support his statement.

This book has withstood the test of time when comparing its content with a contemporary video I found on Youtube. The book reveals the great lengths that were taken to cover up any links to African heritage in my humble opinion. I'll share more info in my blog post for those interested. Suffice it to say that the book stands squarely "on business" to disrupt the same widely repeated narratives we were taught in history classes.

And that is just a sampling of the importance of the content for your consideration in this book.
"Children of the Sun" is more than food for thought, it's the type of book that would be banned or discredited today because the ideas challenge the validity of the foundational tenets of Western framed history.

The scholars/writers he references include:

Homer
Sir Arthur Evans
C. F. Volney
William Flinders Petrie
Herr Reinisch
Dr. Rudolph Virchow

all in their own words. He sites lectures and books making it hard to refute.

And did i mention it's only $4?

Reader, I'm thankful you've made it this far in this post. You are most appreciated. If this information resonated with you, details are linked in the comments.

Sir Arthur Evans documentary  on Youtube should be compared and contrasted to the Sir Arthur Evans' quote referred to in "The children of the Sun" by George Wells Parker, p.  25.  The quote which essentially says that Ancient Greeks were  Black was a shortened quote from this reference called, "THE MINOAN AND MYCENAEAN ELEMENT IN HELLENIC LIFE.  Every image from the "Odyssey - Ancient History Documentary" is white, and Wells Parker challenged this unknowingly 100 years ago.  The stealthy way this is covered up is expertly sinister and should be seriously considered.

​Something about our victories ...
tastes like the sweetness of the sunrise.
​
In "The Irritated Genie" by Dr. Jacob Carruthers, every hue of liberty shines brilliantly from each page. Expect to enjoy an intellectually scrumptious and savory feast. I am drawn to books like these. After getting an overdose of deception and deceit from history classes, it is like a breath of fresh air to read a comprehensive book that shares the glory and grit of gaining independence in Haiti.

​In the introduction, Dr. Carruthers tells us that he first heard about the topic from his 8th grade music teacher. He said he thought it was a "fairy story" of how Blacks destroyed an army and became free "way back in olden days." This story captivated his attention to the point that decades later he wrote about it. This serves as evidence of the empowering nature born out of exploring all aspects of history. What a boost to cultural identity and confidence to know that in the face of the most adverse conditions, we didn't lay down and die. We didn't accept our position. We didn't view ourselves as better off because of enslavement.

Ohh, if my history books read like this one I would've devoured them all. Dr. Carruthers vividly illustrates the oppressive climate that preceded the decimation of European, French, and Spanish troops, much like a painter meticulously crafts a canvas. He describes free Black community strategies along with the uprisings on the plantations as being a complex combination of offensives. He gives an insiders view of the events leading up to war to the point that you may feel like you have a front row seat to all the plans.
The crowning glory of this work is in revealing the prayer uttered in Black creole the night before August 22, 1791. Carruthers seems to stop time to lay out the details in expert storytelling griot fashion. I was glued to my seat in reading through this part. It felt like a reenactment of "not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse" in my personal space as I read and re-read this part.

Now, may I just insert a little word of caution to those curious enough to pick up a copy; bring the most open and receptive mind you can muster. Try to consider the heart and soul of what freedom is and what it requires. It is the main character in this story.

I was so pleased to find two speeches by Jean Jacques Dessaline in the appendix. The one called, "Proclamation for a solemn abjuration of the French Nation" says, "We have dared to be free - let us continue free by ourselves." There is such profundity and simplicity in these words.
Ohhh, I do hope you follow your curiosity down this literary rabbit hole. There's so much more. This was not our only victory, there were many and I will share more about our triumphs through our trials in upcoming posts.

If you've gotten to this point dear reader, and you're still wondering what or who "The Genie" is, I do hope you'll pick up a copy to find out how kidnapping, being worked to death, murder, maiming, humiliation, and tyranny would create it. Carruthers says,
​
"The irritated Genie of Haiti prospered for only a brief moment of world history but the white world, during that moment, trembled because it knew that on that little speck in the Caribbean Sea, being Black was not a crime and that portion of the Black race had vindicated itself. This is the legacy to the Black world..."
You already know where to go to find out more... have you read this? What were your thoughts after reading it?

​It's as if a museum has been embedded within the pages of this book.
Everything you see are the images of primary sources, no AI.  Come to your own conclusions based on original material.  
​
When I was first introduced to this book I got goosepimples.  It was crystal clear that it was a treasure.  It was like my great great great grandparents handed this sacred archive down to me. ​

Here are some of the items included:

"1781 - Los Angeles was founded by "a strange mixture of Indians and Negroes."

"Our  Father which art in Heaven,
White man owe me 'leven an pay
  me seven
Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be
   done
If I hadn't took that, I wouldn't get
  none."

Patent drawings of the Pencil Sharpener by J. L. Love, Nov. 23, 1897.
Patent drawings of an Elevator by A. Miles, Oct. 11, 1887.
Patent drawings for Lawn Sprinkler by J. H. Smith, May 4, 1897.

Picture of wedding shoes and dancing slippers, made by the enslaved

Full color advertisement of "Sunlight Soap" picturing a Black child with white laced dress and bonnet sitting on the floor smiling with red eyes and lips.  The caption reads, "So Clean and White"

Original piano composition of James Bland as sung by all the "Ethiopian Serenaders"

a recipe with rose and lavender oil "to control a court"

photographs from The  Emperor Jones (1933) movie starring Paul Robeson, and An early Paramount comedy, Gasoline Gus (1921) starring Ethel Waters and Fredi Washington in Mamba's Daughter"

a dance scene in the "Harlem Madness" number from MGM's They Learned About Women (1930)

"photograph of  Thomas Jefferson's slave"

and on and on...
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To enter this literary time machine, simply choose any random page and become completely drawn in for hours.  Each time you pick it up, you'll find more to explore.  This book first came out in 1974.  To now have Google and Youtube-ability with the news items and rare photographs you will surely become spellbound with culturally relevant raw materials to observe and analyze.

NOT SO FUN FACT:  I have 2 editions of this book.   The first one had an introduction by Bill Cosby in the 1974 edition.  After all of the media attention that came from his SA allegations, the introduction was  pulled and eventually replaced with one by the editor, Toni Morrison. Prior to this Morrison's name wasn't listed in the book credits likely because she was working for the publisher, Random House.  The 35th special hardcover edition came out in 2009 and Morrison wrote the foreword. I learned about her being the editor of this book in the documentary, "The Pieces I Am" based on her life.  AfriWare Books, Gifts & Cultural Events participated in providing Morrison's books when the documentary premiered in Chicago at the Gene Siskel Film Center of the School of the Art Institute of Chicago in 2019.

This is a book that could easily come with a guarantee of approval of its content.  It is what it is..

If interested, you know where you can find them (see comments below).  Thank you for reading this post.

I'm glad I gave this book a second chance. The first time I got confused with chapter one... I just didn't get it. Perhaps I couldn't digest it because it was so far from what I had been exposed to. One of the elders in the community (much respect for Moshe Buie) encouraged me to "go to chapter three," it will all make sense. And travel to chapter three I did, and there it all made sense!
This book dissects and disrupts the very foundation of Western philosophy. It is an absolute eye opener and made me question everything I thought I knew from school. Western history classes routinely roll out Plato, Socrates, and Aristotle as an intellectual bulletproof shield. They are the first reference used to form the foundation of all knowledge... NOT, according to this book.
The entire premise of the book questions and gives evidence that Greek Philosophy was acquired (aka stolen) from Egypt. In other words, Plato, Socrates and Aristotle all studied, and completed their schooling from the Black scholars of Egypt (Africa).
Can you just imagine how Western scholars reacted to these Chapter headings:

1. How the African Continent gave its culture to the Western World.
2. Greek Philosophy was the offspring of the Egyptian Mystery System
3. The Egyptians Educated the Greeks
and much much more.

The author, Dr. George G. M. James, sent a shockwave through the Western centered intellectual world when it was first published in 1954. He went back in time to reveal the difference between commonly held beliefs of the Greeks and contrasted them with those of the Egyptians. He also compares the date of the emergence of certain philosophical thoughts with the date of birth of the scholars claiming to have "discovered" it.

Have you read it? It was met with major criticism. Guess what? If YOU read it, you can decide for yourself!!
​
What did you learn from this classic or do you recommend another?
Follow your curiosity, you may just change your life. I did, and am still learning as I grow.
By the way, my bookstore carries this book online and would love you to choose us to ship it to you. Details are in the comments.

As always, I appreciate that you have read through this blog post.  I hope that you’ve become curious to find out more about "Stolen Legacy."  Do your own research.  We ask that you consider purchasing your books from our Black owned business, Afriware Books, Co.  If there is a title you’d like to purchase that is not mentioned here, or could not be found on the website, feel free to email us at:  afriwarebooks@afriwarebooks.com

​​I'm proud of the backstory on how we came to carry this book on the real life Queen Charlotte the series is based on.

When Dr. Stephanie E. Myers, author of Invisible Queen: Mixed Ancestry Revealed, first reached out to AfriWare Books in 2018, I was immediately captivated by her exploration of Queen Sophia Charlotte—often called the “Invisible Queen.” Though I had heard Queen Charlotte’s name from our customers, I hadn’t yet uncovered the depth of her legacy. Through several thoughtful email exchanges, Dr. Myers shared her commitment to supporting independent booksellers and her decision not to offer Invisible Queen on Amazon. Even throughout the pandemic, she has stayed true to this mission. As one of the few approved retailers, we are proud to have introduced over 150 readers to the powerful story of Queen Sophia Charlotte, the Invisible Queen, since 2018.
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I know her stance is a hard road to tow nowadays, especially through a pandemic.  I salute her for standing her ground.  She is aware of the rough and tumble tactics of that online behemoth and focused on remaining independent as publisher and distributor.  The author has been interviewed on many news outlets and was one of the first to dig deep to pull out the details of Queen Charlotte's life and boldly identify the undeniable links to her African heritage.  Any attempts to whitewash her past are destroyed in this fact filled biography which highlights:

• Her interests in gardening, architecture, painting, and home design.
• A waterway, sculptures, a flower, a dessert, and a hospital named after her, to name a few.
• Her contribution to the abolition of slavery in the United Kingdom.
• Having 15 children in 21 years.

and much more.

This book is also filled with photographs that are not commonly found on google for example.  She truly did her homework outside of online sources to write the book and even lists the museums and galleries you can visit to verify.  For example the book mentions that the family artist was a Scottish painter named Allan Ramsey who painted 233 paintings of her and  King George III.  The footnotes, websites and reference she lists are impeccably detailed.  
​
I could go on, but will pause to let this serve as a salute to the author Dr. Stephanie Myers, for her research and foresight in delving deeper long before Netflix made it popular, all on her own dime.
Remember to follow your curiosity.  It may just change your life.