Black Men Speaking

by Charles R. Johnson

"The book is a gripping litany of sermon, scripture, and spirituality. It is strident and unembarrassed by its message, urgent in its delivery, somewhat daunting in the tenets it proposes, and clear in its mission." --Black Issues Book Review ..". an important book that offers useful insights into the lives and times of black men everywhere..." --West Africa "Black Men Speaking... provides in its diverse range of black, male voices an antidote for...

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0253332591
• ISBN13: 9780253332592
• Release Date: June 1997
• Publisher: Indiana University Press
• Length: 216 Pages
• Weight: 1.06 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 5.8" x 8.7"

Customer Reviews

I also disagree strongly with Kirkus review

I am NOT a contributor to this book and have no association with it other than being a reader. I got it out of the library and was so impressed with it that I bought a copy to own and keep. I am not black and not a man, but I found the book brilliant and thought-provoking. My only suggestion might have been to give it a title less limiting in subject, perhaps using "Black Men Speaking" as a subtitle, because this is a book about human beings. It isn't the last word on any subject -- nothing is -- and as in all anthologies some writers have fresher insights than others, but sections in it moved me and made me think like no book I've read in a long time. Don't make the mistake of thinking this book is a tired re-hash of issues that have already been covered extensively; rather, it has some superb writing about how human beings have dealt with and will deal with the many challenges of living in society, and where that society is headed.

This book is better than Kirkus states

As a contributor to this book, I strongly disagree with the assessment from Kirkus Reviews. Yes, there is much here we've heard before (but that doesn't mean it isn't worth saying--and hearing--again.) Then, too, there is a range of perspectives in this book--from the conservative to the liberal--that is greater than Kirkus acknowledges. Some writers see racism as black men's greatest enemy; others call for us to take more responsibility for our own lives. "Black Men Speaking" is a worthy companion to Don Belton's "Speak My Name," and essential reading for anyone who cares about black America.