"To Protect and Serve": African American Female Literacies; By: Elaine Richardson

“Through the drudgery of domestic work, the enslaved female was ‘essential to the survival of the community’ (Davis 116)” (Richardson 5). Beginning this work, a confound feeling was all that I could result to. The quote above was the only sanity that kept me in tuned to reading; standing as a positive concept toward African American females. Continuously, I felt as though the reading contradicts itself, praising black women, then soon after, tearing them down. At one moment, it seemed to me as though the finger was pointed and what black women were doing, was not good enough. For example, when reading how the various stereotypes were brought about: heartless Nigger bitch, Jezebel, and wrench only fueled the fire on my behalf. Although, one may not have the ability to control what one says or does to them, they can change their future and how they are referenced in the future. In particular, when African American women finally were "free," they went to the "white man" for the assistance they needed to be successful. So I pose the question; if black people in general, through slavery, have somewhat seen whites be successful, then for African Americans to go to them is more of their benefit, and substantial help, than a put down for the race and people. Overall, the experience that was endured did nothing but strengthen African American women for the better.
Ultimately, "To Protect and Serve": African American Female Literacies affects me positively; more so when the uplifting of African American females is encouraged. While reading the different subtext overviewing teaching, encouraging, and education advocated me to strive for the better and never settle for less. Not being of the African American race subjects me differently to continue to fight for what is right; make my mark in the world, and stand up for what I believe in. It is by choice that one is subdued to the way of the "white man," and proves wrong what other cultures and races have stereotyped them as. All in all, it is up to each and every one of us and individual human beings, no matter race, to make positive outcomes on ourselves and others.
-Socoya Douglas