The Classroom and the Cell: Conversations on Black Life in America [Paperback]

Mumia Abu-Jamal (Author), Marc Lamont Hill (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 1, 2011

This collection of conversations between celebrity intellectual Marc Lamont Hill and famed political prisoner Mumia Abu-Jamal is a shining example of African American men speaking for themselves about the many forces impacting their lives. Covering topics such as race, politics, hip-hop culture,

education, mass incarceration, and love, their discussions shine a spotlight on some of the most pressing issues in 21st century African American life.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Mumia Abu-Jamal is an award-winning journalist and author who has spent the last 29 years on Pennsylvania’s death row. He is the author of six books, including Live from Death Row, All Things Censored, and Jailhouse Lawyers.

 

Marc Lamont Hill is Associate Professor of Education at Teachers College, Columbia University. He also holds an affiliated faculty appointment in African-American Studies at the Institute for Research in African-American Studies at Columbia University. Dr. Hill has lectured widely and provides regular commentary for media outlets such as NPR, MSNBC, and CNN. He is the host of the nationally syndicated television show, “Our World with Black Enterprise.” He is the author of the award-winning book Beats, Rhymes, and Classroom Life: Hip-Hop Pedagogy and the Politics of Identity and a co-editor of Media, Learning, and Sites of Possibility and The Anthropology of Education Reader.

Product Details

• Paperback: 180 pages
• Publisher: Third World Press; 1ST edition (December 1, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0883783371
• ISBN-13: 978-0883783375
• Product Dimensions: 6 x 0.5 x 9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #487,309 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 4 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A conversation worth having and listening to. January 25, 2012

By Read-A-Lot

Format:Paperback

This is like sitting with Mumia and having a conversation about various issues concerning Black life in America. The book flows very easily and is a fast read. Mumia is well known and thoroughly conversant with today's issues despite being on death row for over 20 years. The dialogue he is having with Professor Marc Hill is an important one, and we get a glimpse of each persons intellect and bits of their personal lives. They are mostly in agreement on the various subjects but there are areas of disagreement. I think those areas make for the livest parts of the book, because you get a deeper understanding of the position one is taking, when there is a spirited give and take.

The chapters are broken down into different subject matters like; Reimagining Race in the Era of Obama, Black Leadership: A Continuing Crisis?, and Black Life in the Age of Incarceration. Each of the chapters serves as the basis of the conversation for that particular part of the book. And one of the great things about the book is that each chapter ends with a "For Your library" section. So if you want to follow up on some of the books or ideas mentioned there are a list of suggested books. I think this format works well for this type of book.

I would reccomennd it for young and old. The conversations will certainly make you think about where you stand on some of these issues and may provoke you to start your own dialogue with those in and around your circle. So from that point alone this book is well worth your time and investment.

2 of 5 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Must Read January 24, 2012

By Mike

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

This intense, passionate collection of conversations examining black societal issues between Dr. Marc Lamont Hill and Mumia Abu-Jamal provides brilliant insight for a better tomorrow. Both Dr. Hill and Abu-Jamal poignantly articulated on issues such as: black cultural politics, leadership, education, incarceration and many other pressing questions that have gone unanswered.

What astounded me the most about this book is how "in tune" Mumia Abu-Jamal is with society. As an award winning author, journalist and political prisoner on Pennsylvania's Death Row, Abu-Jamal's spirited acumen of black life in America is brilliant. Dr. Hill's humility throughout this book is of brilliance as well. As a professor at Columbia University, award winning author and host of "Our World with Black Enterprise," Dr. Hill is one of the most accomplished black men of our time. Despite his accomplishments, Dr. Hill illustrates that provocative thirst for more throughout this book. Both authors are beacons of light in some of our nation's darkest hours. Complex and deeply moving, this book shows us that with a deep understanding, love and compassion for one another, against all odds we can stand as one. This book is a must read.

2 of 5 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars JAPAN January 18, 2012

By Dr. Wu

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

Great book, must read. Collaborates freedom, with "FREEDOM." The authors discuss and explore profound elements of the Black nature in our current culture.