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
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.
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?
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!?
