1 comments about Teaching Equality: Black Schools in the Age of Jim Crow.

1. Adam Fairclough presents an informative, scholarly, and engaging overview of the significant and invaluable contributions made by African American teachers to the civil rights movement era in Teaching Equality: Black Schools In The Age Of Jim Crow. Fairclough (Professor of American History at the University of East Anglia) explores the development of educational ideals within the black community that culminating with the civil rights movement that ultimately changed the culture and politics of the American landscape -- especially in the southern states. Fairclough uses a broad definition of "teacher" that includes anyone, anywhere, who has taught someone else, anything else that has contributed to opposing a prejudice-based social order of discrimination and devaluation. Teaching Equality is very highly recommended reading for students of Black Studies, the Civil Rights movement, and the history of education in America.

1 comments about Asbury Park: A West Side Story - A Pictorial Journey Through the Eyes of Joseph A. Carter, Sr.

1. Senior Citizens and their family and friends are spending hours looking at the photos from the 1940's to 1980 that were taken by Joseph A. Carter, Sr. during his life as a community photographer in the one square mile town of Asbury Park, NJ. I gave it a four star because there is truly more to come!

1 comments about David C. Driskell: Artist and Scholar.

1. Awarded the National Humanities Medal for his contributions to American public life, "David C. Driskell: Artist And Scholar" surveys nearly fifty years of Driskell's artistry, scholarship, humanitarianism, creativity and vision, as well as his work as an artist, teacher, curator, collector, and diplomat. Simply stated, there is no one who has done more to establish the study of African American art within the canon of American art scholarship that David Driskell. Now teacher, researcher and art historian Julie L. McGree (specializing in modern and contemporary visual culture of Africa and the African diaspora and who has spent more than a decade teaching art history at Bowdoin College, Bunswick, Maine) has created a showcase of more than 200 full-color and b/w images featuring Driskell's work and life - including personal photographs of Driskell, his family, friends, and associates. More than 50 years of Driskell's paintings, drawings, prints, and collages are represented, along with an insightfully informative text providing background and biography. "David C. Driskell: Artist And Scholar" is an enthusiastically recommended and substantive addition to academic library African American Studies and American Art History reference collections.

4 comments about MOTOWN: THE VIEW FROM THE BOTTOM.

1. This book by Jack Ashford was very limited in its inside peek behind the scenes at Motown. I was more interested in the actual recording sessions themselves and what took place. What I got were constant, annoying comparisons between Motown and basketball teams. I wish there would have been more meat to this book.I did enjoy reading about the musicians themselves. Need more.



2. I first saw Jack in the "In the Shadows of Motown" movie. A cool dude with a super pleasant on-screen persona... His life story is a great bumper car ride going the course from a fantastic, old-fashioned (I would say a "cheese-steak- sandwich/mustard-on-pretzel") Philly-kind of beginning to a Berry-Gordy-pulled-the-plug-on-Motown kind of near-end. There are a lot of great forks in the road.... being drafted; burgeoning success touring; being scouted for Motown by Marvin Gaye and becoming a cog in Berry's music dyno; and independent label activities. Jack Ashford survives (no matter what it takes this side of the law) in the bleak, post-Motown vacuum.

   Jack is blessed in being able to return to his niche in the vibes department and to re-unite with the Funk Brothers for that masterpiece movie and subsequent musical performances. As with most of us, his "what-if"s are un-resolvable. His book is a good read of his trials and tribulations. Jack seems like a nice guy with a great love for his family and those with whom he shared his passage through life. His wife and co-author must have steered him through the sensitive recalling and selecting of memories. I value this volume as a new and clear perspective of the Motown whirlwind by one of its great musical talents. Thanks, Jack!




3. A quick read from one of the conerstones of the Motown Sound with another viewpoint. Some great photos of important people who have often been overlooked who made the company tick. Martha's intro says it all about the Funks. She has credited these musicians for years! Only wish the book had been longer and the photos on better paper.



4. This is a top read for anyone who's interested in Motown and the Funk Brothers, who were behind the distinctive Motown Sound and can be heard on hundreds of hit records. The style's immediate and readable, and there are some wonderful anecdotes about some of the top Motown stars. If you saw the movie Standing in the Shadows of Motown you'll want to read this book. I can't recommend it highly enough. Just buy it - and make sure you catch the Funks in London in January 04!

1 comments about When Hell Froze over: The Untold Story of Doug Wilder : A Black Politician's Rise to Power in the South.

1. 
   Doug Wilder is still the only African-American to ever be elected governor of a state. And he did so in a conservative southern state as a Democrat. The foundation for that historic governors race was put in place in the mid 1980s when Doug Wilder ran an upstart, grassroots campaign that shocked the state.
   
   This book documents that lieutenant governor's race and does it well.. it can be enjoyed by political junkies and lovers of biographies equally. in fact it is simply a good story that is a good read.
   
   There probably needs to be a folllow up book now that Governor Wilder held office for four years, ran a brief presidental race and in his 70s decided to be the first full-time Mayor of crime ridden Richmond, Virginia.
   
   This book tells an important story about an interesting campaign.

2 comments about Life Notes: Personal Writings by Contemporary Black Women.

1. This book exhibits the extreme skill and insight possessed by the editor, Dr. Patricia Bell-Scott. Joining a volume of similar works, the words in this book become more than a narrative or a story. They become a way to engage your innermost thoughts and emotions and not feel alone, isolated or ashamed.

   This book is a source, a reference and a guide to feminist thought and qaulitative expression. It sits on my shelf as a handy reference when discussing and further exploring the rich, complex and beautiful lives of black women.

   Excellence does indeed still exist in the scholarly world. Bravo!




2. What a wonderful opportunity to see into the lives of other African American women and to hear how they handle different life challenges and general occurences. It's rich in candor and honesty.

4 comments about YellowBlack: The First Twenty-One Years of a Poet's Life.

1. This book has been a long time coming. Privately & prayerfully I have wished that Haki would write this... I have read most of his work over the years, and he often mentioned his family and his childhood pain... Being a relative (his mom was my father's niece)I had intimate knowledge of what he was writing about.
   
   Immediately upon reading "Yellow Black", I came back to Amazon.com and ordered 5 additional copies for family members... They were totally happy to read it, and we have had several conf call conversations about the book and my father's side of the family. It almost has a "family reunion" effect on us.
   
   I remember cousin Maxine as a very lovely and loving person. I lived with her and cousin Johnny Graves briefly in Chicago in the 50's, just prior to enlisting in the United States Air Force.
   
   This is great reading, even if you are not a relative (smile)...
   
   Also, it is great to know that I have relatives I have not met, and I will be making every effort to contact them...
   
   PS: There are some in the family who do not appreciate this work because it "exposes information about Maxine", but I say "Great Work by a Great Poet", and I wish cousin (Haki) nothing by continued success.
   
   In some small way I hope "Yellow Black" provided a cathartic effect for Haki... I feel great after reading it.
   
   Lastly, I rate this work 5 stars - not just because he is "cuz", but because he has become exactly what he set you to be: A great Writer / Poet... His work will stand the test of time...
   
   Albert Weekly-Jones
   Singapore / U K & Northern California



2. Mr. Madhubuti cleverly uses prose, poetry, and narrative vignettes to tell readers about his life. He describes in great detail how life experiences, artists, writers and other people of influence have shaped and molded his character and stirred his creative juices. I especially enjoyed the poetic tidbits. Mr. Madhubuti's memoir is truly an inspirational story that shows with hard work, vision and determination you can reach your goals and make a difference in the world.



3. I am a relative by marriage. I am the wife of Haki's sisters son. This book was an insightful journey into the hearts and minds of my in-laws. It gave me a deeper understanding of where they came from and who they are. When I look at the book cover, I see my daughter, her cousins and their grandmother. This is my childrens history. From humble beginnings.....



4. I found out about this book on someone's blog and was not disappointed. This is a very well written memoir that reads almost like poetry. I truly enjoyed it and highly recommend it to others. He is real.

No comments about The Habit of Surviving: Black Women's Strategies for Life.

4 comments about Git Off the Porch! And Embrace Your Destiny.

1. I have had the pleasure of knowing Willie Crawford for the past few years and must say that he is one of the most inspiring human beings that I have ever know. Willie has a unique ability to overcome every excuse in life and instinctively know how to consistently achieve the high goals that he sets for himself. Willie Crawford's story is the ultimate proof that hard work and a positive mental attitude is all you need to overcome failure and recreate the life that you want for yourself.
   
   Joanne Mason
   [...]



2. First, I need to be straight and honest with you...
   
   Willie Crawford is a dear friend.
   
   But don't let that admission color your opinion of this review. This book is important -- and belongs on your bookshelf.
   
   Why?
   
   Because this inspirational book explains in detail how a man can conquer any adversity placed in his path!
   
   I bought this book for not only myself, but for my daughter. I want her to see, not only from my example -- but from the example and lessons of "Uncle Willie" that she is FREE. She decides her future. No one else.
   
   She can be FREE of government. FREE of an employer. FREE of even a spouse. She can help herself to anything she wants in life!
   
   Buy this book for yourself. Buy it for your kids. Buy it for your loved ones.



3. They would never make a movie based on this book because it is simply too good to be true. Yet this one is true -- and incredibly inspiring.
   
   The book itself is an easy read (and I might add that it was one that I did not want to put down). Coming from a background that would doom most people to a life of poverty, Willie has managed to succeed -- in spite of incredible obstacles -- in several areas, to include the United States Air Force and in business.
   
   I had the pleasure of meeting Willie at a conference where he was speaking. Quiet, unassuming, and incredibly people-oriented, Willie is simply an incredible individual who gives back what has been given to him. And now that his autobiography is available, everybody should read it. If it doesn't inspire you to be your best, then you need to check your pulse and call a mortician.



4. Git Off The Porch is a typical 'Willie Crawford' book: nice and gentle story telling style, mixed with valuable information that lead to the 'Guru'-status Willie has today.
   
   A must have for everyone who wants to become successful, because Willie has taken the hard way to discover what it takes and that's what he writes about.
   
   Beside that, you will have a nice 'insight' in the different stages of the life of a poor boy and how he managed to establish himself as an expert in his field. Remarkable story that also teaches you how a hobby could grow into a six-figure income.
   
   Recommended wholeheartedly!
   
   Case Stevens

3 comments about Brown Eyed Handsome Man: The Life And Hard Times Of Chuck Berry.

1. I've been reading this book for the last few months (it's been my reading material on the train on the weekends hehe) and it's been an enertaining read of the life and hard times of Chuck Berry.
   Previous to reading this book, I had only heard Chuck Berry's music and loved it, but did not know much about the man himself.
   Bruce Pegg has done a good job of detailing Chuck's life, from the early days in The Ville, his begginings in music, Racism in the USA in the 50's, Chuck's relationship with Chess Records, concerts, all his court appearances (the Mann Act Trial, the Southern Aire Restuarant Video Tape Scandal (which I first heard about on E! News!) plus much more.
   There are some great photos in the book which i'm not sure have been seen before.
   Pegg also has also rounded up all the important people in Chuck's life and they all give interesting comments.
   I haven't read Chuck Berry's offical Autobiography, but upon reading this, i'm sure this gives a much better view into his life.



2. As a long time fan of Chuck Berry, I have tried to read everything I could find about him, from enclyclopedia's to Rolling Stone Magazine. Over the past 20 years, I have tried to piece together the various differing messages about him, from musical genius to "difficult to work with" entertainer. This book puts it all together in an extremely well written and well documented manner. Pegg ties together all of the pieces with a lot of information and insight otherwise unknown, with interviews of principle persons in Chuck's musical and professional life. He is obviously a fan of Chuck's, but the book is very honest with the facts and never sensational.

   If you are a fan of Chuck Berry, please do yourself a favor and get this book. You will not be able to stop reading it! I think it also would be helpful for anyone interested in the social/historical milieu of this time period in relationship to black entertainers in general as well.




3. Great Book. Very informative. A thorough body of research was completed in order to have this book published. I thought I knew all about Chuck Berry until I read this book. I would recommend it to anyone who is a fan of Chuck's. The book is balanced and pulls no punches. No wonder the biography is unauthorized. It contains information that is both provoctive and endearing.