{Guest post by Lisa Rose}
In 1997, after years of education and training, I finally had my own classroom. On the first day of school, I looked out at my students. I really couldn’t tell one bald-headed black boy from the next. I had a horrifying thought: I am ignorant! How could I, a grandchild of a family who was slaughtered in the Holocaust, lack understanding of a minority? The answer is exposure.
This experience happened over 20 years ago, and since that time, I have taught in many schools where most of my students are African American. As a result, I have been immersed in both African American and Jewish communities and observe not only our differences but our similarities. Because of this immersion in both communities, I became intrigued by stories of Black and Jewish friendships. So, when I discovered the story about how -, I was not only interested—but excited.
The story goes like this–when Marian Anderson sang at Princeton, she denied a hotel room because she was black. Einstein, who attended her performance overheard this conversation and offered Marian a room in his house for the night. This story became the picture book The Singer and the Scientist (Kar-Ben Publishing, 2021, ages 4-8).
Getting this story recognized as accurate, however, was no easy task. Einstein’s account of the event is well-documented. However, Marian Anderson’s autobiography tells the story in a different way. It says that her stay with Einstein was prearranged. Given this discrepancy, I had to evaluate all of the evidence. My conclusion was that this event was embarrassing for Marian because she wrote her autobiography before the civil rights era. Marian was a reluctant activist. She would have downplayed the conflict. I submitted the story, but also noted Marian Andersen’s version in my author’s note.
This story was almost published by a different publisher, but they didn’t want the risk of an “alternative” version of the story. I was broken-hearted by this rejection. Yet, I persisted. I continued to inquire and investigate. Finally, I presented my findings to Marian Anderson’s estate. Her estate certified that my version was the true version of the story. Years later, I submitted this story to Kar-Ben, the editor loved it and was satisfied with my research.
I am glad that I persisted. Not only did it get my book published, but it gave me an opportunity to do my part in addressing the very real and very contemporary issues of racism and anti-Semitism. I hope that my book will help many to realize the power of friendship and understanding.
A teacher’s guide is posted on my website. www.LisaRoseWrites.com. This guide will help parents and teachers to start many important conversations with young people: conversations about shared struggles and common dreams.
Unfortunately, although there are many instances of African Americans and Jews working together to make this country a freer and kinder place, antipathies between our groups have been on the rise. Yet, if there is one thing that slavery, the Holocaust, redlining, blacklisting, and discrimination hopefully have taught us—it’s that hate and division don’t work. In the end, when we are exposed to diversity, we realize all of the possibilities different communities offer—better possibilities, possibilities of hope, and joy.
Author Lisa Rose
Bio: Lisa Rose lives near Detroit, Mi. Her most recent picture book The Singer and the Scientist was published April 1 (Kar-Ben Publishing). It is the story of how Albert Einstein and Marian Anderson met and became friends. You can learn more about Lisa and her books at www.LisaRoseWrites.com