Bridging the Gap

In “Lessons From Down Under: Reflections on Meanings of Literacy and Knowledge From an African-American Female Growing Up in Rural Alabama,” Dr. Bessie House-Soremekun explains the history of literacy in regards to African-Americans and how it relates to the experiences she has had. She discusses how the Civil Rights movement made a great impact on the literacy of Blacks in America, but how Whites still found a way to keep them oppressed. Many of the predominantly Black schools during the Civil Rights movement did not have the same resources as White schools when it came to books. In addition, the history of African-Americans was largely excluded from all textbooks. Dr. House-Soremekun believes that this was a way in which Whites made sure that Blacks remained invisible and nameless. She also describes how she grew up during the time when many unwritten societal rules were largely executed. For example, Blacks were expected to address Whites as Mr. and Mrs. regardless of their age; however, the same respect was not given to Blacks. Dr. House-Soremekun states that this tactic was implemented by Whites in an effort to maintain distance between Blacks and themselves. All of these actions led to a decrease in the self-esteem of African-Americans.

Due to these experiences, Dr. House-Soremekun decided to use education as a means to seek amends for her grandmother by making sure that Whites would have to address her with respect. Dr. Bessie House-Soremekun graduated at the top of her class from Huntington College and continued to pursue a PhD at the University of Denver. Throughout her education, she experienced many compliments that were both uplifting and demeaning. Her professors would make statements that alluded to her superb scholastic abilities, but would counteract them by categorizing her into a race. Though racism and discrimination has gotten better, it still occurs today. Blacks still do not receive the respect that they deserve when in an audience mixed where Blacks and Whites are present; however, individuals like Dr. House-Soremekun help to bridge the gap between the Black and White races.