Book Review: “If We Are Brave: Essays from Black Americana” by Theodore R. Johnson

ByTerri Schlichenmeyer  What do you think? You may remember the first time a respected adult asked you in earnest for your opinion, and you felt like you had arrived. Ten feet tall, you were. Suddenly a grown-up with viewpoints and thoughts that mattered. What do you think about sports, fashion, food, school, a new apartment or neighbor?  In the new book “If We Are Brave” by Theodore R. Johnson, what do you think about current events? Every summer for most of his childhood, Theodore Johnson traveled with his family from North Carolina to Georgia to visit relatives. There, Johnson always tried to insert himself in with the menfolk and was usually turned away – until one day, an uncle asked his opinion.  He still remembers it. Listening to your elders, he says, “you learn who your people are.” And yet, Johnson was a curious child, never wanting to take anyone’s word, preferring instead to make up his own mind. When a church leader at prayer call told him that “God has a special plan for your life,” Johnson was humbled but he knew the prophecy came with baggage. His thirst for understanding hasn’t diminished since then; in fact, it’s ballooned. ...