As I Am: Young African American Women in a Critical Age

This is a wonderful book. Okwa focuses on the narratives of young African-American women who have taken their passion to heart and made successful careers and important contributions to society. A highlight of this text is that it not only has amazing photographs anchoring these women within the contexts they work and live in, but also highlights their struggles, especially academic and personal, along the way. This book is also helpful for people agonizing over career choices. For every person who has wanted to major in Women's Studies or History but wondered what to do with it--here are examples of powerful people who take the study of the humanities and arts to exciting new places, from television producing, to free-lance photography, to well-respected academia.This book also has a companion one---"Face Forward." This other volume examines African-American men, who, as a whole, are also facing a critical time in American society. Get both---buy Both, and draw strength and power from those who have struggled before you. Okwa is a master photographer and lets the compelling narratives of these women shine. We all should do the same.

I finally have found a book that is true to life and modern concerning the plight and challenges of young Black women. It is a truly magnificent collection. The women with the pages fulfill the purpose of motivating and inspiring others. Each women in this book is an example of hope. As I was reading the book, I was emotionally struck by the uniqueness of their lives yet many other women, I know, can relate to their experiences.Okwu seems to have the gift of finding beautiful people with outstanding lives. The photo shots were magnificent and added a particularly captivating life to the words.Thanks again for a true to life teaching book of amazing stories. One may use their examples of coping and harvesting energy for development of their own positive future. Truly a gift to have to read or give to someone who you love.

This book is worth the paper it is written on, the photographs are beautiful, the words are rich, and the stories offer various views of what its like to be a young black woman in the 90's. If you have a few hours to expand your mind, then this book will assist you.

"As I Am" is a perfectly edited and beautifully photographed collection of thoughts and images from some of today's most eloquent and inspiring young women like, Danzy Senna (author of "Caucasia"). The images and quotes bring to mind Brian Lanker's "I Dream a World". I can't wait to share this one with my friends and family. Truly inspiring!!!!