Author’s Book Reminds Black Boys They Are Loved

Dr. Kimberly Gordon Battle is the author of “As You Are: A Hope for Black Sons.” Photo provided by the Boltion Group PR.
Dr. Kimberly Gordon Battle is the author of “As You Are: A Hope for Black Sons.” Photo provided by the Boltion Group PR.

Author’s Book Reminds Black Boys They Are Loved

By Tia Carol Jones

Dr. Kimberly Gordon Biddle was always interested in human behavior, thoughts and emotions. Gordon Biddle has a bachelor’s degree in psychology and music and a graduate degree in child and adolescent development.

Gordon Biddle wrote her book, “As You Are: A Hope for Black Sons,” because as a mother to a son, she saw how Black boys and Black men are perceived in society. She said everything from the implicit bias they face, microaggressions and encounters with police.

She said she wishes that people were not automatically afraid of him. She said the Ahmad Aubery case really hit home for her. She knew she had to do something. She said she started writing and the words flowed out of her. All of the love that she has for her son and all her concern for him.

“As You Are: A Hope for Black Sons,” is set to be released on Tuesday, Feb. 3rd. The picture book is being published by Magination Press, which is the children’s imprint of the American Psychological Association. The book  has guidance on how teachers, caregivers and parents can support children when they experience racism and prejudice. It includes themes of self-worth, pride and building a positive self-identity and how parents can help. Gordon Biddle said that Magination Press and the American Psychological Association really wanted to help parents address these things.

Gordon Biddle said that parents of Black boys have more that they have to be concerned about, in a world where their children are seen as a threat. She wants those Black boys to know that they are loved, they are powerful and they are enough, just as they are. She said all parents want the world to accept their child and not be afraid of their child. She said it is a universal theme.

Gordon Biddle said that while the book is for children ages 4 years old to 8 years old, it can be read to children as young as 3 years old. She said that usually at the age of 3 years old, children become aware of racial, ethnic and cultural differences. She said the topics in the book can also be used in high schools, in history, English or social science classes. She said the themes are so pervasive, so universal. She said the experiences young Black men have while they are growing up continues to happen.

Gordon Biddle said at first, the title of the book was going to be As You Grow. She said she changed it to As You Are, as a way to say, accept me as I am. She said that she hopes the parents and children who engage with the book know that parents giving their children unconditional love is a good thing and that it helps the children survive challenges.

“I want them to know how to model appropriate behavior. I want them to know that self-worth, pride and resilience are great for all children, but especially for Black boys and children who experience challenges, because of their religion or for whatever reason,” she said. She added that she wants the children to know that their parents love and care about them so much, and they want the best for them.

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