Tani D. Sanchez, associate professor of Africana Studies, is a featured author at the Tucson Festival of Books.
Her 2017 book, Didn't Come From Nothing: An African-American Story of Life, presents a genealogical narrative that traces family roots back to the Civil War.
Sanchez will present at 1 p.m. on Saturday, March 10 at UA Library Special Collections and at 10 a.m. on Sunday, March 11 at the Pima County Public Library/Nuestras Raíces stage.
The Arizona Daily Wildcat interviewed Sanchez about her book:
“As a child, my grandmother would tell stories of the Civil War and the experiences of her grandparents,” Sanchez said. “They really moved me. I listened to the stories of relatives who experienced slavery and other incredible things and was able to reach back in time and discover the importance of this oral history.”
With her book, Sanchez wants readers to understand the connection between black and contemporary history. She explains that oral history and culture can provide much-needed insight into the successes and failures of past interactions and experiences.
“It’s a treasure trove, that you can go back and hear their voice, and understand how it applies to you and contemporary culture,” Sanchez said.
Sanchez said she also wants readers to apply this understanding to today’s society and all the controversy surrounding race in the United States.
“I want readers to understand the black perspective,” she said. “A lot of people see divisiveness and hatred and ask why black people are so dissatisfied. They say, ‘why Black Lives Matter, it’s All Lives Matter.’ After reading this book, you will not have those questions.”