BLACK MEN READ?!

Black Men Read?! by Lindsay Robinson--member of a Black, all male, book club near Washington, D.C.

from http://www.kasitimes.co.za/

Th

The Audacity of Hope by President Barack Obama,

When Chickenheads come home to Roost: A Hip-Hop Feminist Breaks It Down by 

Joan Morgan

Bedtime Stories by Trey Ellis

Moving to higher ground: How Jazz Can Change Your Life by Wynton Marsalis

This is just a snippet of the literature that has been digested, diagnosed and discussed in the book club, Black Men Read?! (A name to both poke fun at the stereotype and destroy it simultaneously) 

Let me pose a question. When was the last time an African American male approached you with these words, "I want to start a African American Book club complete with brothers who like to read exclusively?" That is what a friend asked me about 3 years back. This was an interesting idea that I must confess was new to me. I have been a part of male dominated study groups and know of some women’s book clubs, but never one solely devoted to African American men. 

I jumped in, a bit intimidated by the letters and multiple degrees of the gentlemen involved; however, one thing came to the forefront immediately: anyone can read and simply give their opinion, good, bad or indifferent and enjoy other points of view.

Fresh from our, at times, enlightening, and at other times heated meetings on, "Them," by former Washington Post writer Nathan McCall and “The Beautiful Struggle” by Ta-Nehisi Coates and a number of other good books, I wanted to share my experience with others on the fun and benefits of our group. 

The only setback for me comes from the fact the club meets two hours away from me. Going 2 hours away five times a year does not sound that difficult, but at times life and TRAFFIC get in the way.  I considered starting a similar group in my area or get a couple more brothers willing to ride down from time to time.  I was floored by the response and reactions of others when I spoke loud and proud of the Black Men Read?!

When I approached brothers, sad to say, some admitted they did not read books. Some only read hardcore books on the Black experience, which we do that category as well. We just mix in some other genres because we want variety. Some only read papers and magazines and some did read, but the just were not too keen on the idea of an all male book club. Some admitted to only reading when bored. I am not sure whether their reading maintained of lifted their boredom.  

I really gave up on the idea early of a new reading group; however, from time to time, I would just throw the question out there to get a response. I met one brother who loved to read, but like to keep that a secret. Perhaps, it may ruin his reputation.

Another stated, "Do you all read a book then sit around talking about it!?

“Yes,” I responded.  What was his political correct comeback? 

"That is so gay!" A lady accused us of saying it is a book club, but actually we really go to strip clubs. 

My truly unscientific research has minimum if any real credentials to come to any conclusions either way on the subject matter of, Black Men Read!?

I guess stereotypes take time to fall, and I have the audacity to feel that one day, African American men gathering to read will not cause a stir. Until then, although there should be more, I am glad know that SOME, Black Men Read!?