Most of you are probably familiar with the work of Howard Zinn. He is the author of A People’s History of the United States. It was a best seller in the 1980s and still lives up to its name today. The book presents American History through the eyes of those rarely heard in mainstream histories.
Zinn tells the story of Columbus and his crew, but instead of presenting them as new world heroes, we are told of the genocide and slavery of the Native Americans. We are given a different look at what really took place during the beginning years and how it evolved into acceptance. Zinn also takes a look at the existence of racism in order to enforce the economic system.
Each chapter goes over a topic in great depth, giving the reader different views and outlooks throughout history.
Well, come to find out, a friend of mine just published a series of coloring books based on Howard Zinn’s book. The artist, Jesse Cox, is a local writer/artist here in springfield, with Art shown regularly at Good Girl Art Gallery. It is an amazing piece of art, simply telling a story that must be told. Whether you’re a child, teenager, adult or grandparent, this coloring book helps spread Zinn’s idea through simple images that most every human can understand. The best part about it is that they are all available for free through her website as an online download.
What’s even more interesting is that a few years ago, before I knew Jesse, Amnesty International provided me with a coloring book based on the exact same idea. Come to find out, it was Jesse’s first piece and they have been successful ever since.
Please check out her work and help support the ideas and values she holds and shares. Make Howard Zinn proud.
Tagged: A People's History of the United States, A Peoples Children, Amnesty Interantional, Howard Zinn, Jesse