Lawrence Cook, National Director of Technology for Deloitte (and my dear friend and neighbor), cares deeply about the issues of inclusion and diversity in our community. She serves as the Inclusion 
She takes Bacon into new territory today by responding to Brown Girl Dreaming in verse. This is a woman who knows how to take a chance. Thank you, Lawrence! I love it.
Read to the end of her poem for a chill.
From Lawrence:
I asked, “Jennifer, how do you feel
about using the author’s writing style?”
Her warm reply seals the deal.
december 24, 2014
I wrapped a book for my daughter tonight,
One of the last presents to put under the tree.
It won the National Book Award.
Hope that she hasn’t read it already.
january 5, 2015
“Mom, let me finish my book.
I’ll help with clean up instead.”
Later, doing the dishes after dinner,
“Brown Girl Dreaming,
You need to read it.”
january 7, 2015
As I settle in the chair to read….
“february 12, 1963
I was born on a Tuesday at University Hospital,
Columbus, Ohio.
USA –
a country caught
between Black and White.”
-Jaqueline Woodson, Brown Girl Dreaming
january 8, 2015
The cadence of Woodson’s narrative feels like
a familiar rap song from my youth.
Born in Ohio, mother drawn back
to her South Carolina roots.
Leaving her husband is nothing
compared to the thought
of raising her children
so far from home.
The land and people
from her past are home.
This is where she wants
to raise her babies.
But the future here
is fragile.
Growing up with black skin
in a world where
slavery feels like
yesterday to some folks…
(But not all).
White world and black world
still sorting it out.
Dr. King, Malcom X, marching,
Civil Rights, lunch counters, praying.
Lots of praying and church.
The people may have changed;
new generations
of Smiths, Cooks, Jones, Baileys, and Woodsons
But still the disconnect.
Still the lines drawn.
january 9, 2015
“No returns.
When my mother comes home
from the hospital with me,
My older brother takes one look….
‘Take her back. We already have one of those.’
Already three years old and still doesn’t understand.”
Siblings. When you are a child
Life is about interactions
With your brothers and sisters
Cousins and neighbors.
Adults must be obeyed.
But it’s the lessons
From your friends that mean the most.
Coming of age in South Carolina.
Church, school, God.
God’s work. Rare free time
For bike riding.
Then it’s New York to join
Mom where she has a new job.
A new baby. And making new friends
Learning new lessons from someone
Who also knows difference.
Who understands and yet doesn’t.
Shared otherness.
february 12, 2015
Email to Jennifer: Brown Girl Dreaming, I want to review it for Bacon.
Has anyone else claimed it?
march 12, 2015
Talked to a stranger on a flight from Atlanta.
I rarely talk to strangers on planes.
This woman seemed nervous.
She is coming to Nashville for an interview
And is hoping for a change – for herself
And her family. A new beginning.
As we talk, I bring up the book.
We talk about race and childhood.
The conversation reminds me of the
Day that I learned about difference.
I was in second grade. I was kind to a
Black boy. My white classmates
Didn’t think it was right for me to help him
When he has smashed his finger in the door.
I remember the blood on his hands.
And the hate in the voice that said
hurtful things to me.
I remember being glad that he was
Already in the nurse’s office.
april 1, 2015
We are still on a journey this Thursday in
Nashville, Tennessee
USA –
a country still caught
between Black, White,
Latino, Nigerian, Muslim,
What have you.
Difference. Sameness.
How will we build the
Future together?
–signed, white woman listening
* * *
For Lawrence’s most recent prior post at Bacon, please click here (Review of The Luminaries).
Spectacular, Lawrence! And timely.
The timing was not planned, of course, but the resonance with Baltimore cannot be ignored. Listening is the first and greatest virtue. I know Lawrence is grateful for your kind comment, Carolyn! xo
I’m so glad to know you Lawrence AND Jennifer. Thanks for a great breakfast.
Dearest Betsy, to know you is to love you. Thank you for your kind comment. xo
I love starting my day with big thoughts along with my usual coffee. Thanks, Lawrence! Can’t wait to read this book!
Lawrence doesn’t look away. I appreciate that she helps keep my eyes open. Thank you so much for your kind comment, Amy. xo
Brown Girl Dreaming just raced to the top of the Summer Reading list. Thank you Lawrence.
Ashley, this is a book for you, for sure! I think you would love it! Please let me (and Lawrence!) know what you think. xo
Simply fantastic!
It means so much to both of us to know you enjoyed it, BK. xo
Truly great. Thank you, Lawrence. Thank you, Jennifer.
It’s amazing how much it means to receive these warm comments. I truly appreciate it, Jessica (and I know Lawrence does, too). xo
Lawrence, you always have great insight! Thank you for sharing with us all!
Ridley, Lawrence and I are both so happy to have one of our favorite fellas comment. So glad you enjoyed it. xo
Simply mesmerizing. Thank you Lawrence and Jennifer.
Shelby, it makes me so happy to hear from you! I know Lawrence is so grateful that others are listening. xo
To the white woman listening- this is more than insight. You simply get it. And I am not surprised. You have always demonstrated a sensitivity to and an appreciation for difference. You walk the walk.
That last line of the poem was what gave me the chill. Listening is the first important thing. Acting is the next. Thank you so much for your comment. xo
Well done Lawrence! Brown Girl Dreaming was given to me by a friend and I devoured it quickly and reread many parts before handing it over to my mother in law. What a joy to return to this book with your beautiful prose this morning. Thank you!
Daphne, I am not surprised that you’ve read Brown Girl Dreaming! I know Lawrence will be grateful for your kind words. xo
Beautiful! Thank you Lawrence. It is one of my favorite books of the past year!