Reynolds has given Gomes Eanes de Zurara the title “World’s First Racist.” In doing so, Reynolds spotlights the power of the written word and how it can be used as a force for evil. What is history? How is history more than simply a recording of date?

Gomes Eanes de Zurara was a fifteenth-century Portuguese writer. He used his storytelling skills to paint a heroic portrait of Prince Henry and King John's colonization of Morocco. Zurara defended Portuguese colonialism, arguing that the purpose of slavery was to civilize and Christianize African “savages.” Zurara's book has been viewed as containing the first description of the inferiority of people of African descent. His book was widely acclaimed in Europe, and the harmful ideas and agendas outlined in the chronicle became deeply embedded in the European psyche. Kendi argues that Zurara's writing had a profound impact on slavery and racism in the United States.

As you can see, history seen through a subjective lens and presented as truth can shadow the way we view the events of the past. It is important to read about the past using dependable, factual, objective texts. Never assume that what you read is true.... this is as important today as it ever was.