A Song So Black, So Proud!

A Song So Black, So Proud illustrates the lyrical text explaining the story behind the iconic James Brown song, representing the courageous pronouncements of Black pride and power during the Civil Rights movement. Owens provides the story behind the music and how Brown struggled to secure radio plays. As an add-on, the author dedicates a spread about the history of collective Black struggle and hard-fought triumphs through the centuries. R.J. Owens’ poetry alludes to transformation and renewal, while Keisha Okafor’s illustrations depict joy and elation. Readers of all ages will share in celebrating the cross-generational aspirations toward freedom and justice, embodied in a song that declares uncompromising dignity in Black identity and heritage.

The book serves as a history lesson and declaration of unwavering struggle for equity. I read it from my vantage point as a Gen Xer immigrant woman of color who stands firmly with the Black Lives Matter movement. I learned a lot about the song’s meaning and how its significance has evolved to empower a new generation. This book offers an opportunity for different generations to learn from each other. Young readers gifted with the counsel of elders who lived through the Civil Rights Movement would see parallels in the current struggle for Black liberation.