Black Genius: African American Solutions to African American Problems

by Manthia Diawara and Jocelyn Elders

Book Overview

In Black Genius 13 of black America's most eloquent voices share their visions for a self-sufficient, self-determined future: Farai Chideya, Stanley Crouch, George Cutty, Angela Davis, Jocelyn Elders, bell hooks, Spike Lee, Haki Madhubuti, Julianne Malveaux, Walter Moseley, Randall Robinson, Anna Deveare Smith, and Melvin van Peebles.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0393047016
• ISBN13: 9780393047011
• Release Date: February 1999
• Publisher: W. W. Norton & Company
• Length: 314 Pages
• Weight: 1.20 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.2" x 5.8" x 8.5"

Customer Reviews

Heather Covington's 5 Star Review of the Day: Black Genius

Why are we intrigued by all of Spike Lee's Movies no matter how bad or good, or Easy Rowlin's character in Walter Mosley's Devil In A Blue Dress? Is it the casting of characters, the mystery of the black experience or the marvel of these geniuses who seem more talented then life itself at times. they are the folks who encourage to hold on to life, catch a dream, and believe that success doesn't have to be a thought but a realization. This book contains the very folks who may or may not seem like geniuses to everyone, but just the mere power of their actions has transformed a generation through movies, literature, sports, fashion, journalism, and Humanitarianism. I always sink into these anthology compilations because I am curious to find out the reasoning behind some of the great Black African Americans featured in anthologies like this. It may be true that to be a success is to know success, but for those who don't have that convenience...why not read about it?

Diversity of Opinions and Backgrounds very welcoming

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. Too many times the Black community is treated as if we all believe only one idea or follow one way of doing things. "Black Genius" brings out the qualities our many talented Kings and Queens by providing personal narratives with solutions to many concerns that effect the Black Community daily. I highly recommend this book. If you are concerned about issues in the Black community you wont be dissapointed.

EXCELLENT!

The only reason I bought this book is because Walter Mosley's name was attached to it. Mosley is one of America's most valuable treasures, and I jump at any opportunity to experience his words. However, while his essay is excellent, the other authors more than hold their own.I don't know who the intended audience is for this book, but I think it should be required reading for everyone. From age 15 through 90. Liberal, conservative, egalitarian, libertarian, agnostic, spiritual, what have you.I cannot put my respect for this book into words. I am saddened with the realization that this book will go unnoticed by many because of a number of reasons. This book deserves much more recognition than it has received to date.

Powerful, thought-provoking, and most of all, accessible!

This is a very serious piece of writing. So often, African-Americans look to others for help in "handling our business." Here are 13 essays from people of thought and action that have decided to lay out some ways we can handle it ourselves!The real beauty of this book is the accessibility of what is written. No offense to Cornel West and other Black Intellectuals (they have voices that must also be heard and heeded!), but this book is written in such a way that even the casual reader will be touched and moved to action. There is no lack of depth here but rather a casual familiarity as well as a sense of urgency that will immediately draw the reader in.Further, there are a variety of voices presented here. From Spike Lee to Randall Robinson to Walter Mosley, these essayists cover a tremendous amount of ground and touch all of us along the way. There is something here that speaks to the many facets of the African American experience.Buy this book - I dare you not to be inspired by it!

THIS BOOK HAS BECOME THE BLUEPRINT FOR THE REST OF MY LIFE!!

THIS BOOK HAS TOTALLY CHANGED MY LIFE. I WILL NO LONGER SQUANDER THE GIFT OF LEADERSHIP,MOTIVATION AND UNCONDITIONAL LOVE FOR BLACK PEOPLE THAT GOD HAS GIVEN ME. NOT ONLY WERE MANY OF THE PROBLEMS IN THE BLACK COMMUNITY ADDRESSED, BUT WE WERE GIVEN SOLUTIONS. 99% OF THE PARTICIPANTS IN THE DISCUSSIONS HAVE DIFFINENTLY GOTTEN MY COMPLETE RESPECT. THANK YOU,WHOMEVER CAME UP WITH THE IDEA FOR THIS BOOK(AS IF I DID'NT KNOW}. I FEEL THAT EVERY BLACK PERSON IN AMERICA SHOULD HAVE THIS BOOK IN THEIR POSSESSION. THIS BOOK IS THE NUCLEUS OF AN IMPORTANT MOVEMENT WHOSE TIME HAS SURELY COME. I WILL DO MY PART HERE ON THE WEST COAST TO IMPLORE EVERY BLACK PERSON I KNOW, AND MEET TO BEG, BORROW, OR CHECK OUT(AS IN LIBRARY) THIS MAGNIFICENT PIECE OF WORK.THANK YOU,THANK YOU,THANK YOU FOR "BLACK GENIUS"