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Isis Yssis Papers: The Keys to the Colors

Frances Cress Welsing

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 138 Average rating: 3.5 of 5

An excelent Book 5 out of 5 stars.
3 of 4 people found this review helpful.

This is a great book for any one that is on a path of enlightening oneself.It is a must read.

FEAR & ESTEEM 5 out of 5 stars.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.

As an African American woman who has been raised and inundated with the "historical facts" presented by my White Brothers and Sisters, I can empathize with those who are Eurocentric enough to want to believe that everyone and everything of importance emanated from the White race. Even conjecture that people of color might have had a larger role in the development of our world cultures, seems to be abhorrent. For African Americans who unquestioningly buy into the Eurocentric views of history, I am sure narratives such as this one are ludicrous.

However, women have been standing up to the version of "his"tory that exists, because women are either ignored or subjugated in one form or another. It seems reasonable to me that if White male historians omitted or subjugated women in their version of "his"tory, why would it be so unseemly that those same White men would omit and subjugate the role of Africans in the origins and development of the world. Especially since one major blemish on Eurocentrism is the deplorable practice of slavery. In order to keep Africans and African-descended peoples in their places (beneath the place of "decent White people"), I presume it would be necessary to blindly perpetuate the vulgar myth that Africans are ignorant, backward and worthy of enslavement; or at least, that they cannot possibly have been the original peoples of Egypt (Egypt is NOT an extension of the Middle East and was originally inhabited by dark-skinned people, just like the other indigenous peoples of Africa prior to the extensive European colonization that took place over the centuries.

I truly believe that if the tables were turned, more individuals would be willing to ignore the status quo and the accepted myths of our current culture, and would be interested in learning whether or not accepted "his"tory is really plausible. If Eurocentric people were conditioned to believe that they were not as important as African-descendants and that all of literature, education, art, language, religion, science, history and civilization in general was acquired through the brilliance of the Africans and that Whites were only good for being chattel, there would likely be serious investigations into the "truth."

Bear in mind that even in Eurocentric "his"tory, when one culture conquered another, most of the remnants of the previous culture were destroyed. To me, it makes sense that when the Greeks decided to conquer Egypt, they would especially want to destroy anything that would attribute brilliance or intelligence to such "dark savages." And, thus, just as Eurocentric people who believed in justice, freedom and uniting for the common good, those very people nearly exterminated the Native peoples of what we call the United States. Native peoples were driven from their own lands and their holy places were desecrated and used for Eurocentric purposes (for instance, Mt. Rushmore). To me, this is an example of how Eurocentrism operates and I don't believe it started first in the New World. I believe that same fear, dread and dislike of others who are different has prevailed over centuries and cost Native Americans, Mayans, Africans, and other cultures much pain and degradation.

Rather than following in the footsteps of those "who protest too much" as the great writer suggested, why not be mature enough to consider the mindsets of those who came before: people who were fearful of being over-run, people who were attempting to build their own self-esteem by putting down others who didn't look enough like them. Prejudice and racism will ALWAYS exist as long as White is Right and everyone else is wrong! Rather than focusing on how you can "tolerate" others who don't look exactly like you, why not consider that maybe White people don't know everything! Maybe the self-esteem of my White Brothers and Sisters doesn't have to be built upon negating, denigrating and exterminating people of color, and in this instance, Africans and African descendants. Especially because we are not the ignorant, talentless, chattel the Eurocentric believe us to be.

How can I possibly be sure of this? Look at how Africans were stolen from their homeland, sent to various parts of the world, stacked like sardines in a can in the bowels of ships where they involuntarily urinated and defecated upon those below them, tossed overboard if diseased, sick or "defective" in any way, separated from fellow tribesmen, fellow villagers, family members, and those with a common language, sold on auction blocks (whether men, women, or children}, raped, forced to "mate" with strangers so that they would produce brawny slave stock, denied decent food, wages, respect and even common decency, were beaten, tortured, murdered, burned with huge audiences as though it was a picnic (there are postcards that prove this!), denied the benefits of the majority culture in this country, segregated into unfunded schools, neighborhoods, denied jobs, clean water fountains, hospitals and public restrooms, lynched, burned on crosses, terrorized, secretly experimented upon, you name it.

More recently, the racism is more underground and shows up in movie stereotypes, the disproportional number of Black men in prison and on death row, denial of decent jobs, harassment at work and by the police, denial of appropriate housing and medical care. Yet, like Maya Angelou says in her poem, "Yet, still I rise." We must be a very special people to be able to withstand such torment. We do have our own fair share of problems, some of which involve institutional racism: deny us jobs, force us to live in squalor, and then, call us "dirty" and "smelly." Denying us medical care is akin to slow extermination.

I urge you to keep reading and challenge the status quo. You may find that there may be more truth to this book and many others that American culture is blind to. Take college courses, talk to African Americans and Africans, read between the lines when you read a news story about African Americans, you might just be amazed and fascinated by the caliber of this strong, spiritual people. I know I am and I am proud and grateful that Black scholars and, gratefully, Eurocentric scholars are beginning to discover things that have been kept hidden for many, many ages. Think outside the box and have an open mind: you might be surprised by what you learn.

April 4, 1968: Martin Luther King Jr.'s Death and How It Changed America

Michael Eric Dyson

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 5 Average rating: 3.5 of 5

Editorial Review:

On April 4, 1968, at 6:01 PM, while he was standing on a balcony at a Memphis hotel, Martin Luther King, Jr. was shot and fatally wounded. Only hours earlier King—the prophet for racial and economic justice in America—ended his final speech with the words, “I may not get there with you, but I want you to know tonight, that we as a people will get to the Promised Land.”

Acclaimed public intellectual and best-selling author Michael Eric Dyson uses the fortieth anniversary of King’s assassination as the occasion for a provocative and fresh examination of how King fought, and faced, his own death, and we should use his death and legacy. Dyson also uses this landmark anniversary as the starting point for a comprehensive reevaluation of the fate of Black America over the four decades that followed King’s death. Dyson ambitiously investigates the ways in which African-Americans have in fact made it to the Promised Land of which King spoke, while shining a bright light on the ways in which the nation has faltered in the quest for racial justice. He also probes the virtues and flaws of charismatic black leadership that has followed in King’s wake, from Jesse Jackson to Barack Obama.

Always engaging and inspiring, April 4, 1968 celebrates the prophetic leadership of Dr. King, and challenges America to renew its commitment to his deeply moral vision.

A Practical Guide to Racism

C. H. Dalton

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 14 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Editorial Review:

A hilarious look at the races of the world—capturing the proud history and bright future of racism in one handy, authoritative, and deeply offensive volume

Meet “C. H. Dalton,” a professor of racialist studies and a leading authority on inferior people of all ethnicities, genders, religions, and sexual preferences. In the grand tradition of The Protocols of the Elders of Zion and Birth of a Nation, he is on a mission to clarify the truth about self-supremacy, drawing on eminent scholarship to enlighten a new generation of hate-mongers. Presenting evidence that everyone should be hated (even white people), A Practical Guide to Racism contains sparkling bits of wisdom on such subjects as:
• The good life enjoyed by blacks, who shuffle through life unhindered by the white man’s burdens, such as reverse racism and white slavery, to become accomplished athletes, rhymesmiths, and dominoes champions.
• The sad story of the industrious, intelligent Jews, whose entire reputation is sullied by their unfortunate taste for the blood of Christian babies.
• A close look at the bizarre, sweet-smelling race known as “women,” who are not good at anything— especially ruling the free world.
• A crucial manual to Arabs, a people so sensitive they are liable to blow up at any time.
• A country-by-country breakdown of the “Yellow Peril,” with pointers for telling apart a race of people who all look the same.

Also included is a comprehensive glossary of timeless epithets, with hundreds of pejorative words for everyone from Phoenicians to Jews. A Practical Guide to Racism is sure to spark honest, instructive discourse.

Assata: An Autobiography (Lawrence Hill & Co.)

Assata Shakur

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 58 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

If you are into racism, women issues and simple reading, this book if for you! 5 out of 5 stars.
1 of 2 people found this review helpful.

This is by far the best autobiography I have read so far. It was an easy read and extremely expressive. In many ways it is disturbing if you think of what the character goes through. The explicit racism, abuse, pain that Assata had to endure is decribed really well. You get to in fact life in her era, in her life when you read this book. I literally could not put it down and read it in 2 days.

It pretty much gives you and idea of how things were in the 70's, what black people went through especially women, what the black panther party was really all about, the dirty system we call law, explicit racial comments and treatment etc. If you like stuff like that, then you'll love this book.

Eyes opening... 4 out of 5 stars.
0 of 1 people found this review helpful.

Wow...When you read this book you feel in another era , in another world but the sad part is that is not, it is our world and what hapened to this woman was real.I recommended to everyone regarding your ethnic gropu, but specially to blacks and whites in this country.

Editorial Review:

This presents the life story of African American revolutionary Shakur, previously known as JoAnne Chesimard.

Where We Stand: Class Matters

bell hooks

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 32 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

Book encourages reflection on recent events 5 out of 5 stars.
8 of 10 people found this review helpful.

I started reading this book shortly before Hurricane Katrina struck the Gulf Coast and news clips began pouring in from New Orleans. More clearly than ever, I understood the need for books like Where We Stand to encourage us to think about issues of class in America and then take action in our own lives.

I read bell hooks because she challenges the notions I have from my white supremacist, patriarchal, capitalist upbringing. Where We Stand continues in this tradition. While reflecting upon the events of her own life and her own actions, hooks is able to examine our culture while inviting us increase awareness of how issues of class impact our own lives. For example, while critically examining the influence of materialism in our society, hooks offers her own personal experience with owning a BMW and how her attitude toward the vehicle subtly affected her relationships with other people.

Anyone willing to examine how class, race, gender, and consumerism all collide will want to read this book.

Editorial Review:

Drawing on both her roots in Kentucky and her adventures with Manhattan Coop boards, Where We Stand is a successful black woman's reflection - personal, straight forward, and rigorously honest - on how our dilemmas of class and race are intertwined, and how we can find ways to think beyond them.

The fire next time

James Baldwin

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 31 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Simply riveting; 1960s and Today: It holds its power 5 out of 5 stars.
0 of 1 people found this review helpful.

My sense is that Baldwin wrote The Fire Next Time for anyone who had ears to hear, regardless of color or faith or gender. The emotional intelligence with which he speaks is riveting.

It came true 5 out of 5 stars.
0 of 1 people found this review helpful.

The man knew what he was talking about, when he said the U S would burn because of racial discord.

Not sure yet 4 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

I had to read this book, as many people told me if your a reader this is one you must not simply read but own. So I got it and started reading. It never really grabbed me, but I made it through. I plan to read it again within at a different time.

james baldwin's fire 4 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

The Fire Next Time is a wonderful collection of 2
spirited essays on Baldwin's evolution from a naive
church boy into a spirited man. His journey leads
him to question his relationship with Christ and
particularly Christianity. He truly believes that
one should not be drawn into a particular religion
out of fear but out of love for humanity.

His beliefs on the acceptance of others and racial
equality are provocative and yet sorely needed in
today's mixed-up world. However, I believe that
Baldwin is almost utopic to the point of being
naive in believing that racism will one day
completely evaporate, though I do believe that
things have gotten better. Still, it's truly sad
that this book and his work has been swept under
the rug but Baldwin always seems to amaze me with
his thought-provoking outlook on life. This book
is a gem of a novel, an easy read and his underlying
message of believing in humanity is sure to be praised
by open-minded readers for years to come.

Editorial Review:

Since it was first published, this famous study of the Black Problem in America has become a classic. Powerful, haunting and prophetic, it sounds a clarion warning to the world.

Eyes on the Prize: America's Civil Rights Years, 1954-1965 (African American History (Penguin))

Juan Williams

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 9 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

An Excellent Primer 5 out of 5 stars.
14 of 14 people found this review helpful.

By now the number of volumes written on the Civil Rights Movement could fill whole libraries. Yet fifteen years later, this book still stands as one of the best introduction to the early years of the movement. Books such as Taylor Branch's Pillar of Fire and Parting the Waters may cover the same era of 1954 to 1965; this book is a good introduction for those who may be intimidated by Branch's comprehensive volumes. Rather than trying to cover everything, the book takes its cues from the documentary series and examines a select set of pivotal moments of the movement: school desegregation, the Montgomery bus boycott, the march on Washington, the Selma to Montgomery march and others. Each chapter delves into the story of the events, but also fleshes out the areas between these momentous events, both telling the background and hearing the experiences of those there, in their own words. The book is readable, not the dry tone that many associate with history books. But most of all it gives the reader the chance to delve into an important part of American history in the second half of the 20th century. This is an excellent book that should be picked up by anyone wanting to get a sense of where America was moving in these pivotal eleven years.

Editorial Review:

Arguably the most tumultuous time in recent American history, the Civil Rights years inspired the most rational and irrational of human behaviors and set the stage for sweeping reform in the nation's race relations. Juan Williams's moving chronicle of the movement stands as the definitive history of the era.

Postville: A Clash of Cultures in Heartland America

Stephen G. Bloom

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 83 Average rating: 3.0 of 5

Editorial Review:

In 1987, a group of Lubavitchers, one of the most orthodox and zealous of the Jewish sects, opened a kosher slaughterhouse just outside tiny Postville, Iowa (pop. 1,465). When the business became a worldwide success, Postville found itself both revived and divided. The town's initial welcome of the Jews turned into confusion, dismay, and even disgust. By 1997, the town had engineered a vote on what everyone agreed was actually a referendum: whether or not these Jews should stay.

The quiet, restrained Iowans were astonished at these brash, assertive Hasidic Jews, who ignored the unwritten laws of Iowa behavior in almost every respect. The Lubavitchers, on the other hand, could not compromise with the world of Postville; their religion and their tradition quite literally forbade it. Were the Iowans prejudiced, or were the Lubavitchers simply unbearable?

Award-winning journalist Stephen G. Bloom found himself with a bird's-eye view of this battle and gained a new perspective on questions that haunt America nationwide. What makes a community? How does one accept new and powerfully different traditions? Is money more important than history? In the dramatic and often poignant stories of the people of Postville - Jew and gentile, puzzled and puzzling, unyielding and unstoppable - lies a great swath of America today.

Lessons from My Uncle James: Beyond Skin Color to the Content of Our Character

Ward Connerly

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 2 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

A Brave Guy Who Gets It 5 out of 5 stars.
9 of 9 people found this review helpful.

Ward Connerly is an amazing guy who totally "gets it." His critical thinking, demonstrated time and time again in this book, places him on absolute par with Thomas Sowell and Walter Williams, two of the countries other amazing African American thinkers, authors and professors of fair play for all! Connerly's book should be required reading in all California schools just to counter the slanted view of "quotas by race, gender and ethnicity" foisted on the public for decades, quotas which have almost destroyed the fabric of my state! Hear, Hear, for Ward Connerly, a guy who not only gets it, but a guy who has and is doing something about it! His book speaks volumes regarding honesty, fairness and a way out of the incredible mess that political correctness has created!

Editorial Review:

Fiercely committed to the ideal of a color-blind America, Ward Connerly has successfully campaigned to ban racial preferences in state institutions in California, Washington and Michigan. Yet, in Lessons from Uncle James, Connerly argues that even after we move beyond the color of our skin, we must still address the content of our character. With this Connerly extols the traditional virtues of personal accountability as a ballast to race industry's culture of victimhood.

Courageous Conversations About Race: A Field Guide for Achieving Equity in Schools

Glenn Eric Singleton, Curtis Linton

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 5 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Editorial Review:

"Glenn Singleton and Curtis Linton have offered us an important book that provides us with empirical data and well-constructed exercises to help us think through the ways that race affects our lives and our professional practices. My sincere desire is that after you have had an opportunity to read this volume you will, indeed, engage in some courageous conversations about race."
-Gloria Ladson-Billings, Professor
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Author, The Dreamkeepers

". . . challenges educators to talk in honest and open ways about race and provides various tools to stimulate and inform the conversation. Singleton and Linton remind us that the achievement gap will not be eliminated until we learn to talk about race in ways that build bridges of understanding that lead to effective action."
-Dennis Sparks, Executive Director
National Staff Development Council

Deepen your understanding of racial factors in academic performance and discover new strategies for closing the achievement gap!

Educators are acutely aware of the statistical gaps in achievement between different racial groups. Considering the rapidly changing racial composition of student populations, how can educators reach a level of cultural proficiency necessary to eliminate this disparity?

Examining the achievement gap through the prism of race, this comprehensive text explains the need for candid, courageous conversations about race so that educators may understand why performance inequity persists, and learn how they can develop a curriculum that promotes true academic parity. To help guide policy analysis and instructional reform, the authors present a systemwide plan for transforming schools and districts.

Practical features of this book include:

• Implementation exercises
• Prompts, language, and tools that support profound discussion
• Activities and checklists for administrators
• Action steps for creating an equity team

Only when educators have established both a language and a process for addressing the intersection of race and achievement, will they be able to restructure their schools in ways which improve student performance and fulfill the promise that every child has a right to learn regardless of their race, culture, or class.
See Facilitator's Guide to Courageous Conversations About Race

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