The Ways of Black Folks: A Yea

by Lawrence C. Ross

Book Overview

An unrivaled collection of first-hand accounts provides a revealing glimpse into the lives of more than one hundred black men and women from all walks of life as they discuss their heritage, beliefs,... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0758200579
• ISBN13: 9780758200570
• Release Date: January 2003
• Publisher: Kensington Publishing Corporation
• Length: 334 Pages
• Weight: 1.50 lbs.
• Dimensions: 4.5" x 6.2" x 9.2"

Customer Reviews

Where and How We Live

From the continents of North America, South America, and Africa, Lawrence C. Ross, Jr., delves into the lives of black folks with The Ways of Black Folks. With interviews and examinations of their lives and spirits, we are able to get a glimpse of black folks living abroad and amongst us. Ross takes us to different areas within the United States for a look into lives of everyday people, also interviewing some prominent folks. Abroad, the country of Ghana, West Africa and several of its cities and towns is heavily highlighted as we get a peek at black Americans that have made Ghana their home, the reasons for the transformation and their desire whether or not to return to the States. Brazil and the cities of Sao Paulo, Rio de Janeiro and Miguel Cunto are also in the spotlight.Some of my favorite explorations are: The Execution of Wanda Jean Allen: McAlester, Oklahoma; Sex and the Sisters: San Fernando Valley, California (a look into the lives of porn actors and actresses, their world, their desires and their needs; Of Canada, Codfish, and the Caribbean: Toronto, Canada; Books, Books, and More Books: Oakland, California (the founding of Marcus Books); The Lady Harris In Paris: Paris, France (professional tour guide); The Fiddler on the Stage: Chicago, Illinois (an account of the Dave Matthews Band); An American In Brazil: Sao Paulo, Brazil; A Teacher's View of Brazil: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Never Felt So Loved: Accra, Ghana; A Women In Search of a Country: Kingston, Jamaica; The Sage of Blacksburg: Blacksburg, Virginia (a look at a reading and writing group within a community village of elderly people which is facilitated by Nikki Giovanni). There are many other accounts, far too many to list, but I am sure as you read you will develop your own list of favorites.One thing you will receive from this book is an education into other cultures outside of the United States and the way we live here in the States. With The Ways of Black Folks, Ross has pictured another world for us to look at and to relish; a world some may not have known existed. This is not a heavy educational text but an informal, innocent, raw and rare look at the lives of our people. Recommended!Reviewed by Dawn R. ReevesAPOOO BookClub

Personal Black experience in global perspective

This is must reading for black people seeking a global perspective on the daily life of black people. The author's unique storytelling abilty and writing style provides interesting, relaxed, reading based on first-hand observations and conversations with black folks in today's world.

Say It Loud

Lawrence Ross traveled the countries of the African Diaspora to compile the profiles that are featured in THE WAYS OF BLACK FOLKS. The stories seek to show that the people of the Diaspora may be in the different locales however they are very similar in their ideologies. Each story, a day in the featured person's life, is a compelling look into people from a sundry of backgrounds and experiences. The book opens with a stark look into the final moments of a condemned woman awaiting her execution. THE WAYS OF BLACK FOLKS contains narratives about poet Nikki Giovanni, radio DJ Frank Ski and the former Atlanta mayor Bill Campbell.Ross has assembled a book that celebrates our uniqueness as an African people. Although we may be separated by geographical backgrounds; we share a unique voice that is heard worldwide. A reader interested in African studies or those wanting to know more about people of African Diaspora will enjoy this book. Reviewed by Robilyn Heath...

Learning who we are through others

The Divine Nine introduced the reader to different fraternal organization and from that book, the author gave birth to The Way of Black Folks, which in essence is a journey of the African American connections.Lawrence C. Ross Jr. explores what our links are and whether it is our social status; income or birthplace. I feel truly blessed that Mr. Ross feels passionate about African Americans that he has put it on paper for all to read. For fourteen months the author traveled all over gathering, interviewing and collecting stories from ordinary people with everyday lives.Chapter after chapter The Ways of Black Folks offer invaluable information that anyone can identify with. I found my story in the women who believes that she is not connected to the continent of Africa.It was not until I began learning my history that I realized I am apart of the continent and proud of it. I have to smile now at my ignorance, what is that old saying "Ignorance is Bliss." Under the chapter title, the geography of where the interviewee is from is listed along with a quote.The Ways of Black Folks, A Year in the Life of a People, was a very informative read. It is my hope that many of our people read this book and try to find their own link in someones story. Lawrence C. Ross, pops in and out of the stories but never monopolizes, he is just there to clarify or give additional insight. I am happy I was afforded the opportunity to borrow this book and review it. MissyAPOOO Bookclub