Book Review: Who's Afraid of Post-Blackness by Toure'

Who’s Afraid of Post-Blackness by Toure’


Review by Tavares S. Carney

“Rooted In, Not Restricted by Blackness”

I first learned about this book when a friend mentioned having picked it up to take along on her travels. Shortly after, I began seeing “tweets” from Goldie Taylor, a CNN correspondent, which further peaked interest. The tweets pertained to “eating watermelon at the Ritz.” I just had to learn for myself what the buzz was swarming around Toure’s Who’s Afraid of Post-Blackness.

During the Civil Rights era, there was a commonly understood meaning and acceptance of what it meant to be “black.” Post-civil rights era, what does being black really mean? Who’s Afraid of Post-Blackness delves into this thought-provoking subject matter; however, after reading it, I gather there is no definitive, unifying response to the question. Toure’s latest release embarks upon discovering possible answers and commencing the conversation of what it means to be black in America in today’s day and age. Obviously, being Black today is not the same as being Black in the 1950s and 1960s, even the early 1970s.

Toure’ moves that the definition of the Black culture is the “plasticity” amongst our individual belief systems, morals, values – in essence, you can’t put Black in a bottle, it is many, many things. One thing I carry with me personally after reading “Post-Blackness,” is that Blackness is a gamut of individual actions and reactions to the environment, society and the world in which we as Blacks navigate in present day. I am open to acceptance of the realization that Blackness is a constant change and can be dependent upon individuals themselves, timing, places, things and events.

Additionally, I am accepting of the fact, too, that everyone is not as accepting of this idea of “Post-Blackness.” For example, Toure’ discusses the “old perception” vs. the “new perception” of what it means to be black. Of course, times and circumstances are not the exact same as in the Civil Rights era. Many doors have been opened and many roads paved by those before us. Because of these very things, Black people today do not have the same issues; however, this is not to say there is no struggle. Present-day struggles of Black people are quite different. We know that racism still exists, just in more subtle ways. Let’s take climbing the corporate ladder for example - I so agree about the judgmental peers who critique a friend for “talking white.” Why does the friend have to be “talking white” as opposed to “speaking proper English” or “being professional?” I so felt this topic. Who is one group of Blacks to judge, or even another, on what Black is or is not. Blackness is many things.

Like the book says, “to maximize yourself as a human is to maximize your Blackness.”

I recommend this book to anyone interested in race relations, self-improvement or anyone who is developing relationships personally or professionally with people of color, including people of Caucasian descent. This is where the conversation begins.

Review by Tavares S. Carney

For more on the author, Toure', click here:

TOURE'

*No Compensation or Gift-In-Kind Received for this review.*

Book Review: Till You Hear From Me by Pearl Cleage

Till You Hear From Me by Pearl Cleage
Amazon Rating: 5

Review by Tavares S. Carney

Different Road, Same Destination

Only child to a stern, know-it-all, old-school civil rights pastor emeritus, and an ultra-feminist mother, Ida B. Wells Dunbar finds her way, and herself, in this tale of old school vs. new school, family and politics.


Post-Obama campaign, Ida hopes to land a position working in the White House, especially after she and her father have worked so hard to help President Obama become elected. The challenge begins when the parent and child dynamic is rocked for differences of opinion, casual outbursts, media frenzy and people with alternative motives.

I particularly enjoyed the way Ms. Cleage wove themes of traditional and new ideologies, politics, community and family into this story. Some of the issues I found myself pondering while reading this selection were the emotional struggles an aging generation may face in passing responsibilities to a younger generation, and acceptance of new technologies and ways of doing things; the level to which some will go for the almighty dollar - greed; and, the importance of not only family, but the well-being of the community and the nation as a whole.

The characters in the story made it even more interesting. I found one of the characters, Miss Ionia, to be very direct, and she even made me laugh a few times. She was my favorite. I read this selection in 2 days, wanting to know what happened next and to finally get to the bottom of the mystery. I recommend this selection and will definitely consider other titles authored by Ms. Cleage.

Review by Tavares S. Carney

Book Review: Wench by Dolen Perkins-Valdez

Wench by Dolen Perkins-Valdez
Amazon Rating: 5
Reviewed by Tavares S. Carney

A Fine Line of Favor

Dolen Perkins-Valdez delivers the gripping tale of primary characters, Lizzy, Reenie, Sweet and Mawu's, lives as slave maids and mistresses during the mid-19th century. Although from separate southern plantations, the mistresses vacation with their white masters to a free-state resort in Ohio each summer, forming a sisterly bond and developing relationships with each other.

Suffering emotional, physical and sexual abuse at the hands of their "owners," the women grow weary, often dreaming of their and their children's freedom. While each of the women has a unique relationship with her respective master, Lizzy, Reenie, Sweet and Mawu share the bond of slavery and mistreatment. Despite the seeming perks each wench receives over all the other slaves at their home plantations, each woman still finds herself living in misery. This story brings readers into the heart-wrenching decisions, painstaking moments and emotional turmoil endured by each of the women as they struggle to save themselves spiritually, physically and emotionally. They walk a fine line of favor with their masters. Should the women stay, or should they run, when the opportunity is staring them right in the face?

This story is unlike any other story I've read about slave women and children. Yes, I've heard the stories and knew these type things happened but never have I been drawn into the minds of the women that have lived this life. Themes of particular interest to me while reading this story were the relationship between the master's wife, Fran, and Lizzy. Lizzy's character is also of the most interest to me in that she was quite indecisive. I understood her indecision. I felt these women's pain and suffering. I also acknowledge the author's underlying message of the possible cause and evolvement of black-on-black prejudices.
After reading this story, I am even more deeply appreciative of the women before me. They suffered tremendously and if it weren't for them I would not be living the life I am today. Any time you read a story and you feel the emotions jumping from the pages, you've got a page turner. The history behind the Tawawa House and what the land is actually used for today is also quite interesting. I would have never known had I not read this book.

Based on this novel, I would read a second offering from Ms. Perkins-Valdez.