The 50 Most Positive Things I Know About African Americans

I realize that with this book, I am like a voice crying in the wilderness, as everybody else is crying at the sad state of the black community and finding nothing good to say about us. I dare to believe and argue that we are still mighty people, with much to be proud of. So what I have done with this book is just talk about what I personally feel are the strong points of the black as people and community. You can choose to say that I am living in a fantasy world if you want. But I am confident that African Americans are going to eventually show the world that they are indeed a noble race and that they have much to offer society. History has proven that when things are at their worst is when the tide changes and victory is won. I strongly believe that we are on the verge of a breakthrough as far as our overcoming the problems that presently beset us. I want to show with this book that we are as capable as any other race of growing stronger from the obstacles we face and struggle with. These hard times are ultimately going to make us stronger and give us a hell of a story to tell our grandchildren and write in the history books for future generations to read.

Since 1619, when Africans first came ashore in the swampy Chesapeake region of Virginia, there have been many individuals whose achievements or strength of character in the face of monumental hardships have called attention to the genius of the African American people. This book attempts to distill from many wonderful possibilities the 100 most outstanding examples of greatness. Pioneering scholar of African American Studies Molefi Kete Asante has used four criteria in his selection: the individual''s significance in the general progress of African Americans toward full equality in the American social and political system; self-sacrifice and the demonstration of risk for the collective good; unusual will and determination in the face of the greatest danger or against the most stubborn odds; and personal achievement that reveals the best qualities of the African American people. In adopting these criteria Professor Asante has sought to steer away from the usual standards of popular culture, which often elevates the most popular, the wealthiest, or the most photogenic to the cult of celebrity. The individuals in this book - examples of lasting greatness as opposed to the ephemeral glare of celebrity fame - come from four centuries of African American history. Each entry includes brief biographical information, relevant dates, an assessment of the individual''s place in African American history with particular reference to a historical timeline, and a discussion of his or her unique impact on American society. Numerous pictures and illustrations will accompany the articles. This superb reference work will complement any library and be of special interest to students and scholars of American and African American history.

I wrote this workbook because it disturbs me that a lot of individuals and communities are constantly living their lives in “Crisis Mode'' with little or no time and opportunity to realize their dreams. I believe a certain stigma is attached to those who are deemed by society (others) as always needing someone to rescue them from one crisis after another. Without naming names, I will say that for some this trend grows more prevalent with each passing generation. I want my family and peers to realize that we do not have to live on the edge as though we lack a foundation (culture) to stand on. There inevitably is more to all of us than our struggles but until we get past having our finger on the “Panic Button” we will not get a chance to display our audaciousness. I am confident that this “Crisis Counseling Workbook” can aid anyone whose life has gotten off track or who simply wants to succeed at creating a better life for themselves and their family, as well as improve the community they live in. “In the darkest hour, a pinprick of light is all that's needed to guide the lost home.” That said, please feel free to tweak this crisis counseling program to meet the particular needs and circumstances of those you are counseling.

Essence Books presents a revised and updated edition of its popular 2002 hardcover that sold over 40,000 copies.50 of the Most Inspiring African-Americans features dynamic profiles of some of today's most influential, powerful, and, above all, inspiring African-Americans.This is a coffee table softcover that features people of color who are breaking barriers in political, educational, business, and entertainment arenas, as well as those building up their communities. This exquisite 160-page book includes more than 100 stunning photographs. Includes some of the most inspiring African-Americans of present dayrole models, icons, and innovatorswho are changing our world, are in the news, and are making a difference on both national and grass-roots levels Profiles include such well-known and respected people as Maya Angelou, Will Smith, Denzel Washington, Barack Obama, Condoleeza Rice and Tyra Banks Essence magazine sells over 1 million copies per issue and has approximately 8 million loyal monthly subscribers Essence 50 of the Most Inspiring African-Americans hardcover edition currently has over 57,000 copies in print

A plentifully illustrated guide to the most popular and socially significant movies made for, by, and about African Americans from 1900 to today. Also includes incisive interviews with Hollywood greats such as Ossie Davis and Ivan Dixon.

This comprehensive and entertaining account of African-American history is presented in a fun, engaging, and intelligent way. Significant information in six broad sections includes Great Migrations; Civil Rights and Politics; Science, Inventions, and Medicine; Sports; Military; Culture and Religion.

The Educational Lockout of African Americans in Prince Edward County, Virginia (1959-1964): Personal Accounts and Reflections provides ground-breaking research on the historical events surrounding the Prince Edward County's school closings. For five years (1959-1964), the families of 1,700 African American students were forced to cope with the absence of public schooling in the county. Their efforts led to the case Davis v. the County School Board of Prince Edward County, which was one of the cases that were consolidated with Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka, Kansas. The book offers the reader two exciting sections. In the first section, the contributing authors provide interesting findings on Grassroots schools, the Kennedy administration, and an African American movement during the Prince Edward County school closings. In the second section, the authors provide the reader with personal reflections and a lecture from four professors whose parents were affected by the Prince Edward County lockout. Three of the four professors were graduates of the Prince Edward County school system.

The Negro Motorist Green Book was a groundbreaking guide that provided African American travelers with crucial information on safe places to stay, eat, and visit during the era of segregation in the United States. This essential resource, originally published from 1936 to 1966, offered a lifeline to black motorists navigating a deeply divided nation, helping them avoid the dangers and indignities of racism on the road. More than just a travel guide, The Negro Motorist Green Book stands as a powerful symbol of resilience and resistance in the face of oppression, offering a poignant glimpse into the challenges and triumphs of the African American experience in the 20th century.