Destined to become the epicenter of misguided debate, The 1619 Project: Born on the Water is a picture book with verse designed to take the concepts and ideas of the original 1619 Project and make them accessible to readers in grades 2 through 5. The original 1619 Project aimed at an adult readership—with the unfortunately misapplied assumption that being adult equates with being a rational and mature creature—a collection of historical facts that revealed the darker truths about American history yet somehow managed to explode into what was seen in the eyes of some as a vicious attempt to indoctrinate readers into an ideologically induced shame about being an American.
The 1619 Project: Born on the Water is the product of multiple creative talents working in unison: Pulitzer Prize-winning NY Times reporter Nikole Hannah-Jones, author Renee Watson and illustrator Nikkolas Smith. The impetus behind the book, according to Hannah-Jones, was the desire to create “an origin story’ for the descendants of those abducted from Africa and forced into slavery. The problem in accomplishing this goal was centered on the paradox of being a slave: how does one make that situation something capable of producing an emotional response not dominated by shame or anger?
The result is a story told in verse about the heritage of a family descended from those forced into bondage as seen through the perspective of a young girl learning of her family’s past from her grandmother. This story is, in turn, propelled forward by—and the irony here is palpably apparent—a classroom assignment made by the young girl’s teacher asking students to create a family tree. The tale that is subsequently told by the grandmother traces the family from its origins in Africa through the horrors of the slave trade and into bondage and beyond.
Published in late 2021, it will almost certainly be of special interest in the future to look back upon the history of The 1619 Project: Born on the Water to see how many times and in how many different school systems across the country attempts were made to ban the book from elementary school libraries or attempts made to obstruct it from being introduced it into the official curriculum.
"The 1619 Project: Born on the Water" is a powerful and evocative picture book adaptation of The New York Times "1619 Project," co-authored by Nikole Hannah-Jones, the Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist, and Renée Watson, the acclaimed author, and poet. This children's book, published in 2021, introduces young readers to the history of African Americans in the United States by exploring the legacy of slavery and the resilience of the Black community. Through poetic language and vibrant illustrations, the book provides a nuanced and accessible entry point for children to engage with the complexities of American history.
Renée Watson's poetic storytelling and Nikole Hannah-Jones's historical expertise come together to create a narrative that honors the strength and endurance of the African-American experience. The title, "Born on the Water," references the forced migration of enslaved people across the Atlantic Ocean to America, grounding the story in the painful beginnings of Black history on American soil. The book serves as a poignant and age-appropriate introduction to the profound impact of slavery on the nation's history, encouraging young readers to reflect on the legacy of the past and the ongoing journey toward justice and equality.
"The 1619 Project: Born on the Water" contributes to the important conversation about inclusive and accurate education, presenting young readers with a narrative that acknowledges the struggles and triumphs of African Americans throughout history. The combination of Hannah-Jones's historical insight and Watson's literary skill makes this picture book a valuable resource for educators, parents, and caregivers seeking to foster a deeper understanding of America's complex past in the hearts and minds of the next generation.
