The Education of an Motherless Child

     Sunny- Marie Birney  was adopted as an infant by a Caucasian couple. Though she was thoroughly cared and provided for Birney felt a sense of longing for the African American identity that her adopted parents could not give her. Through personal relationships with strong Black women who took on the responsibility to enrich not only her mind but persona as an African American woman, Birney was able to find her place in the world.

     Birney emphasizes the importance of two literacies:educational liberation and identification. The author discusses the necessity of knowing that knowledge is the key to freedom. Birney also makes it clear, no matter how much information you review or the grades you receive, none of the educational teachings make a difference unless you realize your place in the world. When you understand your identity you are able to relate and create personal connections to abstract concepts. With out knowing how you perceive yourself, it's difficult to give your opinion the world. Birney was not provided with an African American setting to discover  her history and roots but yet created one from influential role models through out her life. The author created her own identity in the world to give her critique of the world.