Well, I'm sure brother Ashe would be proud. Yep, I'm a fan of non-fiction books.
I recently read the first and second volume of Countering the Conspiracy to Destroy Black Boys. Jawanza Kunjufu is speaking the truth. There are some concepts I wholeheartedly agree with and others where we disagree(hip-hop). I purchased the books from a small book shop called "One Force Bookstore" a while back. Overall, the books are very engaging, but what's amazing is how this topic can even be applied to "grown black men". Why? Well, the book focuses on peer groups and how they can possibly influence decisions in a young black male's life. It made me think back to a conversation during my first book club discussion. Brothers shared some of their struggles on getting black brothers to possibly join a book club. (Shhhhh!!, you're in a book club.. for men.. and you read) Even though we laughed at some of the examples provided, it made me seriously think. Are black men more likely to participate in an athletic gathering versus one that challenges the mind/thought? if so where does this process begin.. In "Countering the Conspiracy to Destroy Black Boys", the author suggest it starts with peer groups and school. in both circles, athleticism is favored over education (honor roll, debate teams, etc..) I would say it continues to play out well into adulthood.
I could go on and on. I would suggest that everyone pick up a copy of the book (Again, somethings will apply and others you can just toss out the window). The books are very quick reads (70 to 80 pages max). Also, check out some of his speaking engagements:
I wholeheartedly agree that peer groups and our associations can influence our decisions even as adults. Emphasis on the word "can". As adults we have more opportunities to encounter potentially influential people than children due to our access to transportation, greater exposure to society due to jobs, and other factors. Personal decisions continue into adulthood about who we choose to associate with. Unfortunately, some adults remain vulnerable to the pressure of peers. Perhaps age is not the decisive factor in this, but personality type is. Some people are more easily influenced by people's opinions than others. Also, the goal of life-long learning and personal improvement that affect our associations are a factor of personality-type. I think the process of preferring athletic gatherings over mentally-challenging discussions relates to the skewed perception of education that previously existed in the black community. This perception is changing. Attending an athletic event that you have considerable knowledge about is easier than attending a function that may put you in a position of not knowing as much as others. Which goes back to self-improvement and life-long learning. Changing this perception of learning is "acting white" has been prevasive in the black community. That, I believe, is also changing with the support of involved educators, community leaders, etc. Moving beyond "comfort zones" requires confidence aided by support.
ReplyDeleteThe books sounds interesting. Perhaps a future nominee?