Black Was the Ink

Review
By Kirkus Reviews

An often overlooked era in American history comes alive for a 16-year-old boy with the help of his ancestor. Malcolm has been sent to his family’s farm in Natchez, Mississippi, for the summer following a traumatic interaction with the police in his hometown of Washington, D.C. Shortly after arriving, he discovers that what land remains is in jeopardy of being stolen by the state to expand the highway, a repeat of an earlier injustice that privileged land belonging to White people. Malcolm doesn’t fully understand the significance of this until he finds an old diary written by a certain Cedric Johnson. Through Cedric’s words, Malcolm is transported back in time to the Reconstruction era—not just that, during these episodes, he actually becomes Cedric. Malcolm witnesses the strides made by formerly enslaved people and how they were undone by those determined to preserve inequalities, as well as meeting prominent Black political figures of the time. As he understands the parallels with his present, Malcolm realizes how to enact change to save his family’s farm. This engaging and timely novel, showcasing atrocities and highlighting joyous moments, will likewise transport its readers. Meticulous details and a leisurely pace lead to a realistic but uplifting conclusion. Malcolm’s anger over the plight of Black Americans will resonate with many readers and open the minds of others. A dynamic look at how the past informs the future.