Town and Country

A “melting pot” is a place where immigrants of diverse cultures (or races) form a wide-ranging civilization. Why has the United States of America (USA) often been called this? This country that I call home has welcomed countless numbers of foreigners from every corner of the world all the blessings (that many of us take for granted daily).

The African-American community has added so much variety (and spice) to the world community that is a part of who we all are today. If taking one’s family on a vacation that is affordable, enjoyable, and educational about African- American history seems too good to be true, check out The African-American Travel Guide (by Wayne C. Robinson) and Steppin’ Out: an African American Entertainment Guide to Over 20 Favorite Cities (by Carla Labot).

These two travel guides together will provide the best in African- American dining, lodging, entertainment, touring (history), and church in many major U.S. cities (and some Canadian provinces).

If you are a parent (or grandparent) that would like to encourage more racial tolerance for others and expose your kids (or grandkids) to some wonderful African- American authors, Great Books for African-American Children (by Pamela Toussaint) may be what you are looking for.

This book provides appropriate reading material from infancy to young adulthood, and can be read anytime of the day (or as a wonderful bedtime regimen by an adult).

Twenty-five ways to make all children great readers is provided. Each age group book summary includes a brief title synopsis, the theme, author and illustrator’s names, date published, publishing house, book price, and the book format.

If you are interested in knowing more about all the richness the African- American culture offers, check in the following book titles:

1.  1001 Things Everyone Should Know About African American History (by Jeffrey C. Stewart)

2.  1,999 Facts about Blacks: a Sourcebook of African American Achievement (by Raymond M. Corbin)

3.  Profiles of Black Success: Thirteen Creative Geniuses Who Changed the World (by Gene N. Landrum)

4.  The African American Century: How Black Americans Have Shaped Our Country (by Henry Louis Gates, Jr. and Carnel West)

5.  The African American Network: Get Connected to More than 5,000 Prominent People and Organizations in the African American Community (by Crawford B. Bunkley)

6.  The African American (by David Cohen)

7.  The Black 100: Ranking of the Most Influential African Americans Past and Present (by Columbus Smalley)

8.  The Timetables of African-American History: a Chronology of the Most Important People and Events in African-American History (by Sharon Harley)

No matter whom you are (or where you originate from); Psalm 57:9-10 (MSG) describes what the Almighty wants your heart to be full of (thankfulness, praises, and faithfulness). Are you bursting to overflowing with what’s described in the verse below?

“I’m thanking you, God, out loud in the streets, singing your praises in town and country. The deeper your love, the higher it goes; every cloud is a flag to your faithfulness.”

*Adapted from a 1990’s work article written by me entitled, “Black, a Color in America’s Rainbow: Information on the African-American Culture through the Career Learning Center.”