By Angela Wilson | UAB Community Health & Human Services Intern
I had the privilege of interviewing the author of Dear Black Girl and Dear Black Boy. Dr. Cheri N. Langley wrote these books that brings visibility, perspective, and awareness to some of the issues that impact African American boys and girls. These short, colorful poems help children process some of the racial tensions that they are facing in society. Dr, Langley further acknowledges that being a black boy in America can carry anxiety and she offers advice on how to engage with law enforcement that could possibly save lives.
In Dear Black Girl, Dr. Langley approaches the issues of racism, sexism, and misogynistic stereotypes experienced by young African American girls. This literature is to invoke conversation and facilitate a healthy dialogue between young black girls and their parents and caregivers. The language in both books is in poetry form with pictures that are captivating. Dr. Langley does an outstanding job with describing the life of young African American children and commanding their attention to these stories. Her dedication is inscribed at the beginning of the story where she assures her audience that they are loved, and their voices are heard. She brilliantly puts discussion questions at the end of the books that parents can use to help their children understand the contents and purpose. These books serve to bring truth, facts, and compassion to African American children who may not have a voice. Dr. Langley feels that it is important for children of other races to read the book so they can see the lives of their African American peers through their lens.
Dr. Cheryl Langley’s inspiration for Dear Black Boy came from watching the video of George Floyd. Being the mother of two black sons, she said she could not just “look away” from such a horrific incident and felt the need to write to reach little black boys who may be crying out for help. Dr. Langley is an advocate for underserved and minority populations and has been heavily involved with research involving HIV and AIDS, and sexually transmitted infections awareness and prevention. She uses her background in behavioral sciences and her work through novels and poems to help facilitate her journey to create positive change, protest injustices, and increase dialogue regarding systemic inequality.
If you are interested in purchasing either of these works, please check out: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Dr.%20Cheri%20N%20Langley/author/B097QQL3RW
References:
Langley, C. (2023). Dear Black Boy. Dear Black Girl. Langleyresearch.org
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