Black Men: In Their Own Words [Hardcover]

Patricia Mignon Hinds (Editor), Susan L. Taylor (Contributor)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 14, 2002

From ESSENCE Books comes an exquisitely designed collection of essays from some of today’s most influential, respected, and recognized Black men, who speak candidly and eloquently about their lives and passions.

Black Men: In Their Own Words is an inspiring look at men of color who have reached the top of their chosen professions. Beautifully illustrated with striking photographs, it features prominent Black men speaking openly about the forces that have shaped their lives—from their friendships, passions, loves, and family relationships to racism and historical legacies.

A unique who’s who of contemporary African-American history and culture, Black Men: In Their Own Words is a fascinating compilation of personal testimonies from almost a hundred men. Filled with rich and powerful reflections from leading civil-rights activists and news-making politicians (Julian Bond, Jesse Jackson, Jr.), artists and entertainers (Samuel L. Jackson, Damon Wayans, Wynton Marsalis), sports stars (Kobe Bryant, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar), media stalwarts (Ed Bradley, Tavis Smiley), and powerful thinkers and businessmen (Omar Wasow, Alvin Poussaint, Russell Simmons), this book’s thoughtful, enlightening stories and dynamic photographs will evoke feelings of pride and purpose in every reader—male or female.

A wonderful combination of poignant writing and photographic artistry, Black Men: In Their Own Words is a deeply felt and engaging book that acknowledges the past, celebrates today’s accomplishments, and salutes the future of Black men in all walks of life.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Adult/High School-More than 90 black men from a wide variety of backgrounds, professions, and age groups share their insights with readers. Nine chapters address themes of manhood, passion, the arts, family, friendship, success, choices, the Civil Rights Movement, and legacies. Each one, prefaced with a poem by Amiri Baraka, features the personal experiences and ideas of several men on the selected theme. Black-and-white photographs appear throughout. Captions next to the pictures briefly summarize the men's professional achievements, but the focus of the book is on their words of wisdom on how to live life, achieve goals, and contribute to the well-being of others. Teens will be familiar with most of the athletes and performing artists included, but they may be less familiar with astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson, former Virginia governor Douglas Wilder, and the University of Maryland's president, Freeman A. Hrabowski III. Authors, businessmen, visual artists, ministers, and others who have broken down barriers to progress and helped improve our society are all featured. The examples of what these men have achieved combined with the impact of the stories that they share make for powerful inspirational reading.
Joyce Fay Fletcher, Rippon Middle School, Prince William County, VA
Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

From Library Journal

Featuring nearly 100 black men, from Jesse Jackson Jr. to Wynton Marsalis.
Copyright 2001 Reed Business Information, Inc.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 252 pages
• Publisher: Crown; 1 edition (May 14, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0609603663
• ISBN-13: 978-0609603666
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,499,523 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Famous black men speak for multiple purposes and audiences., May 11, 2002

By 

Jeffery Mingo (Homewood, IL USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Black Men: In Their Own Words (Hardcover)

Two female editors of Essence magazine, a publication for black women, produce this anthology of writings from black men. Because of this, I get the sense that the book is intended for readers of various genders. (And let's face it, women are more interested in studying how men think and what makes men tick than men are.) The book is a photographic spread, an inspirational text, and a veritable "Who's Who?" of famous African-American men. The book is similar in art to the Latino book "Suave" and its text is very similar to Tavis Smiley's "How to Make Black America Better" (Smiley having an entry here as well). Approximately 100 famous black men relate biographical vignettes about their struggles and triumphs. Each entry includes a small bio of the author, so the book feels like an encyclopedia in ways. The chapters are divided into such topic areas as family, success, art, etc. Unlike most texts on black men which bemoan high rates of incarceration, systemic racism, police brutality, etc. (recent books by Kunjufu and Cose are examples), most of the entries in this text discuss the men's relations with their wives, children (especially sons), fathers, and mentors. Thus, black manhood is displayed as relational to how one supports black individuals and the black community. The authors are diverse; they include older brothers, mixed-race brothers, gay brothers, brothers from the Continent, etc. This is a feel-good text; controversial topics are avoided. The dark sides of some of the entrants' histories are not mentioned. (For example, there is no mention of Jim Brown's history of misogynist attacks, or Damon Wayans' and Amiri Baraka's continual homophobic performance pieces.) Still, this book was a great concept and sincerely motivating. Plus, I like having photos of hotties like Sinbad, Forrest Whitaker, and Omar Wasow. I would recommend this book for black men, women, and families.