From Brotherhood to Manhood: How Black Men Rescue Their Relationships and Dreams from the Invisibility Syndrome

I understand the anger and frustration regarding the experience man and women of color have had through out history. (It's upsetting to me that salvery existed at all and discrimination continues! ) Additionally upsetting is that I also belive there are many others, not necessarily of color, who have had the same negative and discrimantory experiences. Yet the book portrays it as a condition unique to people of color only. Yes, I know it was/is not exactly the same, but to say that ONLY people of color have had these experiences because of their color seems to further separate race, culture and people of any color because of this implication of uniqueness. I do agree that focusing on this victimazation leads to a victim mentality and does not necessarily help the individual. I was thankful, however, to finally reach the last section of the book where concrete suggestions or helpful ideas/insight were offered to those who have been treated this way or to those who are in the helping profession so that this invisibity syndrome can be changed and individuals can grow beyond their negative thoughts and experiences. Overall, as painful and disturbing as it was to read the first half, I am thankful for this read and would recommend it to anyone who would like a better understanding of how others struggle and how to help build better communitys of support and love.

Dr. Franklin visited Howard University earlier this month. He gave a powerful lecture; however, his lecture was not nearly as powerful as his book.