Black Like Me
What is being a Negro? This is the exact same question John Howard Griffin asked before doing the unthinkable. The book,” Black Like Me” is about Griffin darkening his skin to experience life in the south as an African– American. John Howard Griffin (June 6, 1920- September 9, 1980) was a white journalist and author who wrote in favor of racial equality. In this book, he tells of his daily routines, witness to racial injustice, and his overall experience of what it really means to be black.
His journey begins on October 28, 1959. This is when the big question initially sparks in his mind while sitting in his office in Mansfield, Texas. This is when he decides that he would do it. The next day, he drives into fort Worth to discuss the project with friend, George Levitan, the owner of Sepia, an internationally distributed Negro magazine. He negotiates with Levitan about magazine articles of the project. Afterwards, Griffin discuses the project with Mrs. Adelle Jackson, the editorial director of Sepia. She explains to him that it is very dangerous and that hate groups among Southerners may occur. However, she tells him if he proceeds, ”Don’t stir up anything. Let’s try to keep things peaceful.” Afterwards, he goes home to tell his wife. After she recovers from astonishment, she agrees if he believes that strongly in what he is about to do, then it must be done. Then, he goes home to his barn office to contemplate what he is about to get himself into.
On October 30th, he meets with Mr. Levitan, Mrs. Jackson, and three FBI agents to discuss the final arrangements about the project. He decides to not change his name or identity. He will only change the pigment of his skin. He asks, “ Do you suppose they will still treat me as John Griffin– or nameless Negro, even though I am the same man?” One of the FBI agents answered,” Are you serious? As soon as they see you, you will be nothing more than a Negro. That is all they’ll ever want to know about you.”
On November...
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