Unbridled Freedom: Black Identity And The Fight For Liberation

One thousand two hundred pounds on four sturdy legs—grasp that between your knees and you'll experience genuine horsepower. Suspended five feet from the earth, racing at car-like speeds, with hooves thumping rhythmically alongside your heartbeat. Is it perilous? Perhaps. However, as illustrated in Bitter Kalli's “Mounted,” our ancestors embraced this thrill, and so can you.At around six or seven years old, Kalli was gifted a collection of "pony books," captivating narratives often aimed at young girls, predominantly white. Though they found it challenging to identify as a girl, the stories resonated deeply, showcasing the acceptance and friendships Kalli craved. Subsequently, they pleaded with their parents for riding lessons at a local stable in Brooklyn.Fast forward to 2014—now seventeen, Kalli was an adept equestrian and college protester. Witnessing mounted police prompted reflections on both contemporary and historical perspectives, particularly regarding the significance of horses in Black history. They illuminate the past, recounting thrilling accounts of escaped slaves utilizing horses for freedom. Kalli's insightful examination dismantles misconceptions, ultimately inviting readers to re-evaluate their understanding of equines’ roles in historical narratives.