"If you want to hide something from a black person, put it in a book or write it down" is an old expression that seems to describe the reading habits of people of color, especially Africans. The tags that indicate that black people don’t like to read seem to be an old stereotype that seems to be a stigma for our young generation.
This article aims to facilitate the movement to encourage young Africans to read and to necessitate efforts to shift away from the over-reliance on oral literature, watching TV, and oral communication and toward books.
We are now in the information age, and there is no place for ignorance. Unlike before, our era is blessed with many avenues to read any book or acquire any knowledge of any subject to fight for our freedom, yet somehow we have refused to read and chosen to remain in the state of ignorance.
However, there are certain strategies that can be useful for individuals looking to improve their reading habits.
Below are some tips that may be helpful for black people looking to improve their reading habits:
Set aside dedicated reading time: Setting aside dedicated reading time is one of the most effective ways to improve your reading habits. This can be as little as 10–15 minutes a day or as much as an hour or more. The key is to make reading a consistent part of your daily routine.
Start with books that interest you. If you're not a big reader, it can be helpful to start with books that pique your interest. This could be a memoir by a black author, a novel that's been recommended to you by a friend, or a book on a topic that you're passionate about. By starting with books that you're interested in, you're more likely to stay engaged and motivated.
Read a variety of genres. It's easy to get stuck in a reading rut and only read books from one genre. However, reading a variety of genres can be helpful in improving your reading habits. Experiment with reading different types of books, such as non-fiction, fiction, poetry, and more.
Join a book club: Joining a book club can be a great way to hold yourself accountable and stay motivated to read. Look for book clubs that focus on black literature or are made up of black readers. You can also join virtual book clubs if there are none available in your local area.
Use audiobooks or e-books: If you're not a fan of physical books, consider using audiobooks or e-books instead. These options can make it easier to fit reading into your busy schedule and can be more convenient for on-the-go reading.
Create a reading goal. Setting a reading goal can be a great way to motivate yourself to read more. Start with a realistic goal, such as reading one book a month, and then gradually increase it as you become more comfortable with reading.
In conclusion, improving your reading habits takes time and dedication. By setting aside dedicated time for reading, starting with books that interest you, reading a variety of genres, joining a book club, using audiobooks or e-books, and creating a reading goal, you can work towards building a reading habit that works for you.
I hope this article has helped change the notion that "blacks don’t like to write and read."
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