Jim, Reimagined as James

 

This is Black History Month and while Canadians are inclined to see this as an American celebration and commemoration it is observed here as well, and rightly so. I feel that it is important for Canadians to be aware of both Black oppression and accomplishment on both sides of the border, including the scourge of slavery in both countries. In the latter years of my ministry I made a point of upholding Black history either on the Sunday closest to Martin Luther King Day in January or on a Sunday during February. Not a lot, I suppose, but at least  something in congregations that were predominantly white. 

To this end of recognizing the month Ruth, my partner, decided to read the celebrated novel, James, by Percival Everett. It is a re-imagining of Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Samuel Clemens, also known as Mark Twain. The story is told from the perspective of Huck's friend on his travels, Jim (James), who is an escaped slave.The name of Everett's novel signals that this Black man is a person of worth and the reader discovers that he has intelligence and an inner life, carefully disguised because looking a white person in the eye, let alone expressing thoughts and opinions, could be life-threatening. So could the ability to read or write. 

Ruth wondered if she should read Huckleberry Finn first since she hadn't done so in the past. I first read this novel as a mid-teen and it was a powerful introduction to literature which could change the way I perceived the world. Needless to say, I encouraged her to do so, even though it was written by a white male in the 19th century. 

                                                        My Ancient Childhood Copy of Huck Finn

I've read James but it's been decades since I read Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. Ruth found it worthwhile and is now well into James, appreciating the brilliant writing and the re-telling from a Black perspective. She's also found it helpful to read them back to back. 

I have taken a graphic novel called Big Jim and the White Boy out of the library for yet another telling of thi classic story. Again, so many books, so little time!