2005 Gustavus Myers Outstanding Book Award Winners


December 9th, 2005 - Boston, MA

Myers Center LogoMyers Center LogoIn observance of United Nations Human Rights Day world-wide, and in commitment to supporting creative resistance to all that oppressed, the Gustavus Myers Center announces its 21st annual list of Myers Outstanding Book Awards that advance our journeys away from bigotry.

The Auburn Avenue Research Library on African American Culture and History in Atlanta was the site for the December 8, 2005 Awards. The Greater Atlanta human rights community joined as well in co-sponsoring a lively dialogue spotlighting the various books.

  Photos from the 2005 Reception

Selling Women Short: The Landmark Battle for Workers' Rights at Wal-Mart

Liza FeatherstoneLiza Featherstone,
Selling Women Short: The Landmark Battle for Workers' Rights at Wal-Mart
(Basic Books 2004)

Through the voices of working class women, the reader learns of myriad ways that the largest corporate discount retailer, and largest private U.S. employer, exploits its workers. The author tells the story of, and behind, the class action suit that is now wending its way through the courts.


The Forbidden Book: The Philippine-American War in Political Cartoons

Helen ToribioJorge EmmanuelEnrique de la CruzAbraham IgnacioAbraham Ignacio, Enrique de la Cruz, Jorge Emmanuel, and Helen Toribio,
The Forbidden Book: The Philippine-American War in Political Cartoons,
(T'Boli Publishing 2004)

Mainstream cartoons carried the story a century ago of the intertwining of racism and empire-building in the aftermath of the Spanish-American war. This history has much relevance to the continuing story of "America as world leader."


Let's Talk About Race

Karen BarbourJulius LesterJulius Lester and Karen Barbour (illustrator),
Let's Talk About Race
(HarperCollins Children's Books 2005)

This vibrantly illustrated book is an engaging invitation for children to discover for themselves that people, beneath their skin, are all the same.


Beyond Diversity Day: A Q&A on Gay and Lesbian Issues in School

Arthur LipkinArthur Lipkin,
Beyond Diversity Day: A Q&A on Gay and Lesbian Issues in School
(Rowman & Littlefield 2004)

Longtime teacher/curriculum developer offers practical insights and depth strategies to help us all better protect the dignity and worth of youth of all sexualities – all our youth.


Sundown Towns: A Hidden Dimension of American Racism

James LoewenJames Loewen,
Sundown Towns: A Hidden Dimension of American Racism
(New Press 2005)

A powerful, cutting-edge indictment of white notions of supremacy in the historic and purposeful expulsion of African Americans and other people of color from towns and counties across the country, particularly 1890s – 1930s.


Homeland

Michael WilliamsonDale MaharidgeDale Maharidge, Michael Williamson,
Homeland
(Seven Stories Press 2004)

Through photos and words, the reader comes to feel the post-911 pulse of the country, and feels the sense of loss, outrage, climate of fear, yet hope for transformation from the grassroots up.


John Brown Abolitionist: The Man Who Killed Slavery, Sparked the Civil War, and Seeded Civil Rights

David S. ReynoldsDavid S. Reynolds,
John Brown Abolitionist: The Man Who Killed Slavery, Sparked the Civil War, and Seeded Civil Rights
(Knopf 2005)

Compelling cultural biography of life, context and controversial impact of John Brown's activism and actions. Reynolds argues that Brown's place in history stems from responses following his execution.


Lizzie Bright and the Buckminster Boy

Gary D. SchmidtGary D. Schmidt,
Lizzie Bright and the Buckminster Boy
(Clarion Books Young Adult Fiction 2004)

This novel for teens fictionalizes a true series of events in Phippsburg and Malaga Island, Maine where the two main characters resiliently attempt to block the expulsion by whites of African Americans and their allies.


Undivided Rights: Women of Color Organize for Reproductive Justice

Elena R. GutierrezLoretta RossMarlene Gerber FriedJael SillimanJael Silliman, Marlene Gerber Fried, Loretta Ross, Elena R. Gutierrez,
Undivided Rights: Women of Color Organize for Reproductive Justice
(South End Press 2004)

The authors tell how progressive women of color have long been active countering oppressive conditions, and lucidly demonstrate the spiritual and organic nature of reproductive justice.


Conquest: Sexual Violence and American Indian Genocide

Andrea SmithAndrea Smith,
Conquest: Sexual Violence and American Indian Genocide
(South End Press 2005)

Analysis linking sexual violence in various forms to state colonial oppression of people of color and the genocide of native peoples. Smith addresses the intrinsically related issues of colonial appropriation of land and bodies/property.


Congratulations to all the winners! Please support them at your bookstore and libraries.

2005 Honorable Mention List

Gustavus Myers Center for the Study of Bigotry and Human Rights
Loretta J. Williams, Ph.D., Director
Simmons College
300 The Fenway
Boston, Massachusetts 02115
617-521-2171
lorewill@myerscenter.org

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