Originally published in 2010, author Marlene Wisuri felt that To Be Free needed an update to include the past thirteen years of conversation around racism. "Certainly a lot has happened since then," says Wisuri who is one of four contributing authors to the book.
Thomas Peacock and Wisuri were the authors behind the first edition. Govinda Budrow and Ivy Vainio were brought on board as educators and community members to add perspective, information, and new chapters to the 2023 version. As a photographer, Vainio was also able to add to the visuals included throughout the book.
To Be Free has a textbook structure that was writing with middle-school children in mind. Chapters end with objectives for the reader and encouragement to continue education. "There are... activities at the end of each chapter that could be carried out by school children, or anyone for that matter," says Wisuri.
Readers and educators can find To Be Free at local bookstores or through Black Bears and Blueberries Publishing.
Minnesota Reads is produced at The North 103.3 with funding provided in part by the Minnesota Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.