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Summary of Just As I Am 

4.9 . 19794 reviews

Short summary

A closer look at the life of the popular Black actress Cicely Tyson tells us a lot about racism, patriarchy, and determination. We sometimes believe or assume that most actresses and actors must have had it easy growing up. However, Cicely’s story disagrees with that. Through her memoir, she shows us what life looked like for an average Black girl in the early to mid-90s. Cicely Tyson was an American actress, author, and fashion model. In a career spanning more than 70 years, she became known for her portrayal of strong African-American women. She received 3 Primetime Emmy Awards, 4Black Reel Awards, one Screen Actors Guild Award, one Tony Award, an honorary Academy Award, and a Peabody Award. In 2016, the United States President Barack Obama awarded her the Medal of Freedom for her outstanding contributions toward female empowerment. The author, Michelle Burford, is a collaborative writer who helped Cicely develop her story into beautifully crafted words. “Challenges make you discover things about yourself that you never really knew. They're what make the instrument stretch, what makes you go beyond the norm.” ~ Cicely Tyson

Table of content

  • Summary of Just As I Am
  • About the author
  • What is Just As I Am about?
  • Who should read Just As I Am
  • Topics in Just As I Am
first key point

Everyone needs to fight against racism, but Black people usually do the most work

Listen the first key point
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Racism can either be subtle or loud, but either way, it hurts the victim the same. It affects every area of life, making it difficult for Black people to feel motivated. Many Black workers earn less because of their skin color, while others have to settle for less when it comes to value-added.

Cicely Tyson discovered early that Black actresses were always given ridiculous roles that portrayed them negatively. She sought to change that but realized that the white producers, directors, and writers wouldn’t offer any help. She then called on other Black people to stand up, write their own stories, direct and produce them. She also swore never to accept any role that belittled the Black woman. Her determination, coupled with the civil rights movement’s strength, created a new awakening among the Black community. Black actors and actresses started demanding equal representation and pay, and they also started writing their own stories.
Unless Black people stand up to show their true values to the world, they’ll always be seen according to white people’s description.
Many Black nations are painted as backward and underdeveloped, while the Westerners are seen as the pinnacle of civilization. This notion has to change, and the first step begins with changing the negative stereotypes attached to Black people.
second key point

The portrayal of Black actresses in a ridiculous manner needed to stop, and Cicely stood up for it

Cicely Tyson instantly knew whether she should take a role through pure instinct. When her skin tingled as she read the script, she knew it was something she had to do. But if her stomach churned, she would not touch the project because if she did, she’d end up regretting it. That is how she knew, with unequivocal assurance, that she was meant to play a significant role in “Sounder,” the 1972 film about a loving family’s struggle during the Great Depression.
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third key point

Black girls had a hard time getting to the top because the system was designed to keep them down

fourth key point

Concealing the truth from our children in a bid to protect them will never have a good ending

fifth key point

Ignorance can be costly, especially when it involves young girls trying to find their feet

sixth key point

Our ability to make tough decisions goes a long way in determining the kind of happiness we’ll find in life

seventh key point

The best form of validation is one that comes from within us

eighth key point

Living our dreams require setting achievable goals for now and the future

ninth key point

We must create our stories, lest we live the stories of us written by others

tenth key point

Conclusion

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What is Just As I Am about?

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Do you find yourself staring at your computer for long minutes, unaware of time slipping by? Do you enter a room and suddenly cannot remember why you stepped in the first place? Is it a herculean task for you to sit through ten pages of a book without reaching for your phone? If yes, your focus needs some work and fast.

Actually, yours is not a unique situation. Many adults like you have issues concentrating on a given task. However, in this fast-paced world of ours, you can’t afford to be not focused at all times. Thankfully, this article comes to your rescue! With the tips and tricks from Hyperfocus by Chris Bailey, you will get in the top percent of folks who have mastered the art of concentration.