the book itch freedom truth and harlem's greatest bookstore

A testament to the importance of oral and written language, this powerful picture book will inspire deep conversations about history, community, advocacy and literacy. A deeply shadowed image reveals the body on the ground in front of the podium, yet only readers who are ready to discuss the complexity of this death will be likely to notice and understand the bullet holes and bloodstains that blend into the background.

His depiction of Malcom X’s death is stark, yet handled sensitively. Gregory Christopher’s richly textured paintings capture the intensity of the time and the vibrancy of the locale. An exchange between Michaux and his son emphasizes his deep belief in the power of language: “They think they got rid of him. The significance of Micheaux’s efforts are highlighted by tragedy, the assassination of his friend, Malcom X. Peppered with fiery quotes reflecting Micheaux’s commitment to the message that “Knowledge is Power,” Nelson’s text is narrated in the voice of Lewis Micheaux’s son, who describes his dad’s activism with awe and respect.

Denied a loan by the bank to open a bookstore because, “Black people don’t read,” Lewis Michaux worked tirelessly, raising money to move from his pushcart into a storefront at the corner of 125 thStreet and 7 th Avenue. In this compelling picture book, author Vaunda Michaux Nelson pays tribute to the role her great uncle Lewis Micheaux’s bookstore played as a center for community activism and a symbol of freedom during the Civil Rights Movement. “The House of Common Sense and the Home of Proper Propaganda” - also known as the National Memorial African Book Store and to those who frequented it as simply, “Micheaux’s”– served the Harlem community for more than forty years.

The book itch freedom truth and harlem's greatest bookstore