The world’s largest bookfair, Frankfurter Buchmesse, opened its doors last October 16-20, 2024, in Frankfurt, Germany. For worldwide business and trading, it is regarded as the most significant book fair on earth. More than 4,300 exhibitors and an expected 114,000 trade visitors from 131 countries, welcoming rights professionals from a total of 355 agencies and publishers make the Frankfurt Book Fair a place of endless discoveries. On the stages we experienced exciting international voices.
As the Frankfurter Buchmesse celebrates its anniversary for another year of serving the industry, Citi of Books did not miss the chance to join the 76th Frankfurt Book Fair (Frankfurter Buchmesse) in Frankfurt, Germany. This spectacular gathering honors fascinating works and their creators.
With a series of activities prepared, one of the most anticipated this year is the chosen country to be the guest of honor, which is Italy. The country will present not just its diverse, unique qualities as an attractive place to travel but also as a country with a rich literary tradition.
Citi of Books is excited to present books written by our distinguished authors. In our assigned booth, a range of books—from fiction to nonfiction—would be on exhibit. A book included in the gallery was “Through the Eyes of This Black Woman: Continuing to Rise” by Dr. Thomasina M Portis.
“Through the Eyes of This Black Woman” is a critical work that authentically documents the struggles and sacrifices of a people recently liberated from slavery but still facing ongoing oppression and humiliation. This book offers an undeniable narrative that counters the perspectives of certain segments of American society—and legislators in particular—who aim to rewrite history, erase accountability, redefine core issues, and discredit a proud community that continues to triumph over adversity.
With both passion and precision, Dr. Portis chronicles the historical and contemporary contexts of intentional economic disparities affecting Black communities. This manuscript is filled with examples of Black business success throughout our nation’s history, despite the systemic barriers and often violent backlash against Black economic progress. She highlights the socioeconomic impact of gerrymandering, redlining, and ongoing voter suppression in hindering economic advancement for Black people, revealing much more besides.
Overall, “Through the Eyes of This Black Woman” provides a compelling exposition that aligns with numerous well-known, data-driven analyses of racial economic disparities. This book is a must-read for economics students and policymakers alike.
Below are some testimonies about this book:
“My grandmother (Mama) authored an amazing book detailing her personal experience and those of others exploring how the resilience of black people is unmatched. As I was reading, I felt as if I were transported through multiple time eras yet seeing the same issues persisting. The eloquence and grace of her words throughout each story is captivating. This book was yet another reminder that despite how far we must go we as a people have what it takes to get there. The book is a symbol of affirmation and reassurance through the turmoil and turbulence that our country is plagued with.”
Aaron M. Williams,
Undergraduate University of Miami Professional Freelance Photographer
“I read this book and exclaimed, ‘Wow, this is an historical read that neither scholars nor children should miss!’ Dr. Portis accurately presents how social barriers, and legal systems impede Black families’ progress as well as the progress of the agencies that train staff in group homes and residences. She reminds us of the determination of our Black ancestors to make this nation one of equality and justice for all people and encourages us to continue progressing.”
Joyce Carter, (ret.)
LMSW Deputy Commissioner, New York City Administration for Child ren Services, Vice President for Programs/Research Development, and New York City Foster Care and Adoption Agency (Not-For-profit)
“Dr. Portis’ book is a rich source of data suitable for explorations in the interdisciplinary humanities, education, history, law, political science, art, music, social studies, and economics— an often neglected but much needed area, geography, ethnography, values education, theology,and communication between people of different ethnicities. She provides historical research and firsthand experiences as she explores the ramifications of One Woman’s Story. It is a thought- provoking narrative that, in these times of chaos and change, is designed not only to explain why protests continue in the United States but also invites all Black people to learn; To understand how The United States of America can live up to its promises in TheDeclaration of Independence and the United States Constitution and to recognize the contributions and worth of all people everywhere.”
Barbara D. Parks-Lee, Ph.D., Author
Connection, Capital Punishment.
The Seasons: and TheDay the Sun Got up Late.
“The Biblical Epistles of The Apostle Paul depict the attempts of the Jews to disparage the spiritual, societal, and cultural experiences of the Gentiles. Dr. Portis provides a current parallel of Paul’s characterizations of these issues through her description of the White Supremacy Ideology’s historical attempts to disparage equality and equity for Black Americans. Through The Eyes of This Black Woman is a critical work which authenticates the struggles and sacrifices of a people shortly removed from slavery but never from oppression and humiliation. The book provides an undeniable narrative contrary to the view of a segment of Americans, and legislators especially, who desire to unwrite history, expunge the rules and redefine the issues. Their desire also defaces proud people who triumph despite the adversities endured. Notwithstanding the odious attempt of Systemic Racism to circumvent the progress of Black people, Dr. Portis conveys that we are continuing to rise. This book is a worthwhile read in every local, state, and national legislative body and in every seminary.”
Dr. Ralph W. Canty, 9th President of The Progressive Baptist Convention, USA, and Former Legislator in The State of South Carolina House of Representatives