Aisha

My Struggles and Hopes During Black Hands

The project seemed a little intimidating at first.  It seemed as though the task at hand would be extremely difficult and that it was a lot of work, but as I spoke with my group and Professor Schultz I began to understand the process and goal of this project.  My initial reaction is that we are to build a web page according to a book chosen by the group.  I now know that it is more than just building a web page according to a book, it is a learning process, just like all the other assignments in this class.  First I had to read a book Black Hands in the Biscuits Not in the Classroom by Professor Hughes, then we had to discuss in our groups what we thought about the book.  We also had to research an educational advocacy organization that ties in with the book and learn to develop a web page intertwining the book and the organization.  The project was intimidating at first, but it became fun and insightful with the help of my group.

As I began reading the book I was experiencing some struggles in my own life.  I honestly was not too interested in doing the project because I was not to sure if I would be continuing my education this semester.  This made it very difficult to concentrate on the reading at times, but once I got deeper into the book it became interesting to read the families aspect on things.  As I continued reading I began to believe that I choose to read this particular book for a reason that can not be explained.  It is as if the book was trying to send me a hidden message.  In the book Sherrick Hughes provides first hand accounts of the conditions of Northeastern Albemarle in North Carolina on the heals of the Brown v. Board of Education decision.  “Black Hands” helped me to remember the struggles that African Americans before me had to endure so that I one day can receive a fair and equal education and ultimately equal opportunities.  I then began to realize if the people of Northeastern Albemarle, North Carolina in the 1950’s and 60’s could overcome abuse, racism, hatred, and riots all because the wanted an equal education, that I too can hold my head up high regardless of any situation and continue to strive.  In view of the fact that while all of that chaos was going on the people of Albemarle help on to their hope that one day the promise of Brown will be achieved.  I believe one of the messages that Hughes was trying to convey with this book is that no matter what your circumstance may be, no matter what trials you may be going through you must have hope, but the hope alone will not do anything, it is you that can make a difference with hope.