Letters
Subject: Freedom Will Conquer...
     I would like to start by addressing this email directly to Mr. Pawlick. I just came across your book while cataloging the library books at an elementary school in Boston. To be completely fair, I did not read through the whole book, so I am not passing judgment on the contents of the book.
     I do want you to know that as a teacher/woman of color..."Black" as you so ignorantly say in the beginning of your book, I am completely offended by what you call a dedication to your grandchildren.
     I suppose that you think that you should be applauded for not being concerned about your daughter and her "black" husband. And as for your concern for your grandchildren, I am surely as concerned as you.
     When you talk about them not being welcomed by the "haters" among "the blacks".....I am very offended. I come from a family of people who are all shades of brown and we sure don't call each other "the blacks"... And although there may be certain people in your grandkids lives that may treat them differently or unfairly, It is more likely that it isn't about the shade of "black" that they are, but more about them being "black" at all which doesn't stem from people of color for the most part.
     When you talk about the blood under their skin being Italian (white, right?) Jewish (white,right?) German, Irish and Belgian (all white, right?) Why do you choose not to say just white? You instead describe them as Ethnic characteristics....."BLACK"  is NOT an Ethnic characteristic. Being "black" is NOT a cultural characteristic.....And, what in God's name makes you think that "BLACK" is one dimensional.  My brothers and sisters are ALL shades of dark brown to "white."
     As a "BLACK" woman, the blood that runs through my veins is Jamaican, Cuban, Native American, Jewish, African American, and Eastern Indian.
THE FACT THAT YOU COULDN'T DESCRIBE ANYTHING ELSE OTHER THAN "BLACK" IS APPAULING TO ME!!!!!
     I can't believe that after 7 years of teaching, I haven't come across your book before. But I am glad that I have so I can make sure it doesn't stay in our library.
     I will continue to read your book against my better judgment and I am sure that you will hear back from me again soon.
     Thank you for your time.
Jennipher Burgess

Atty. Pawlick's Response
Dear Ms. Burgess,
     Thank you for taking the time to write me about "Freedom."   I always enjoy hearing from readers, no matter what they say and no matter how busy I am.  I hope you find the time to "read through the whole book."   I will be happy to send you a free copy if you will tell us where to send it.
     I was writing in "Freedom" about people in the United States whose ancestors used to be slaves and have been called 1) negroes, 2) blacks and 3) African Americans.   I know of no other name.   
     If you believe I should have said "people of color" that is fine with me.
     I look forward to hearing back from you and I hope it is soon.
     Thanks for writing.
Attorney J. Edward Pawlick