Lots has changed in the book business. But invariably, important titles published in New York still ideally start life at 92NY where they are discussed before a paying audience of some of the city’s most discerning cultural lovers. This time-honored debut of eagerly anticipated works is often preceded by the author’s interview on WNYC Radio’s “Brian Lehrer Show.” The latest of David Levering Lewis’ 11 books, “The Stained Glass Window,” premiered at both venues.
Last Thursday night found Dr. Lewis in a compelling exchange with equally acclaimed writer Dr. Annette Gordon-Reed, best known for her 2008 history-changing book on Sally Hemings and her family. Memorably, in 1981, Lewis wrote a groundbreaking examination of the Harlem Renaissance called, “When Harlem was in Vogue.” As these expert Black history authorities discussed “The Stained Glass Window,” over 200 audience members, in-person and virtually, gave their rapt attention to every word.
Beginning with his African and European ancestors in 18th Century America, “The Stained Glass Window” provides a powerful account of Dr. Lewis’ heritage. The book concludes just as the young Black scholar starts his post-graduate studies at the London School of Economics. Recounting his family’s advance, Lewis shatters every fallacy of white supremacy, underscoring the essential, redemptive value of America’s diversity.
Once demonized as “miscegenation,” Lewis’ mixed-race heritage set his family apart. It was a status, he explained, that meant disdain and privilege both. America’s “one drop rule” was a choice of either being Black and proud or white passing and living in fear. He told a story about questioning his mother’s ancient best friend during his research. “Your mother was the nicest ‘no nation’ person I ever met!” she told him. “I had never heard that term before!”, he said of a phrase so descriptive, there’s no mistaking its meaning. But Dr. Reed did know the terminology, hearing mixed-race people called “no nation people” growing up in Texas.
Impressed by the world that “The Stained Glass Window” lays out, Dr. Reed asked if a sequel was in the works. But Lewis replied with emphatic resignation, “No. I have memory problems, not yet Alzheimer’s, but I’m aware of it [and] that would prevent me from completing another small book.”
With another answer, Dr. Lewis explained the book’s message and value taking the crowd back to an Uber ride he once took. Descended from European immigrants, who only arrived in the U.S. after slavery ended, the driver told him that families like his bore no responsibility or blame for enduring white supremacy. “It made me realize,” said Dr. Lewis, “how despite all my work, I was out of touch. This man represented the way millions think. Yes, they assume there are some exceptions. But they also feel that inequality, Black Americans’ disparate lagging behind, is all our own doing. Their success in turn, they insist, has nothing to do with us. It’s based on hard work. Not ours, for centuries, for free. Only theirs.
“Finally there was an opportunity for me to pose a question. With atrocity and adversity during slavery and after, dismissed today, with discrimination and prejudice deliberately, officially, forgotten, ‘The Stained Glass Window’ helps to bear witness.” Thinking that it is a record that cannot be allowed to be suppressed, I asked Reed and Lewis both, “Six years ago, troubled times gave us Black Lives Matter. Like then, like the Civil Rights Movement or the Civil War, might not the hostilities of today be an opportunity to do great things, a crucible that makes us better?”
Before Dr. Reed took the lead addressing my quandary, both said I was optimistic.
“Yes, Black Lives Matter unified people around the world against white supremacy. So now can be a chance to change things. We have hope,” said Dr. Reed, with Dr. Lewis concurring. And I’m here to say that if you read the “Stained Glass Window” too, learning what others overcame, believe it or not, with far worse odds, you’ll be inspired to have hope, to be optimistic, and to act accordingly in these times.