In “Going Against the Grain: The Acquisition and Use of Literacy” the author discussed how and why African American women attained their literacy. The author shows the reader the various forms in which African American women have used literacy in both a traditional and nontraditional manner. She begins the chapter by talking about the numerous images that have been given to African American women dating back to slavery, “Since the beginning of Africans’ lives in the Americas, African American women have been encumbered by racist, sexist, class-bound ideologies” (pg.109). The author then goes on to explain that these various forms of oppression acted as the stimulus that help motivate African American females to gain their literacy. These women recognized that literacy was a powerful tool to acquire in order to overcome the negative stereotypes. Royster also talked about how African American women used literacy not only as a form of resistance, but also as a way to help preserve their culture.
On the other hand, the author takes note of some institutions such as Atlanta University and Spelman College, which have served the black community. The essay mentions the fact that whites have indeed contributed to the education of blacks. For example, Spelman College was actually founded by two white woman missionaries. Also, during the time of slavery, many white slave owners would pay for their black children to earn an education.
Conclusively, the educating of black females is indeed important. Even today, black women are portrayed as sex symbols, low class, child bearers etc. Therefore it is beyond important that as a whole, black women rise above the stereotypes. Education will serve as one of the major stepping-stones towards becoming successful in the world. By becoming educated, we as a race and a gender will eventually rise above the glass ceiling.
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