The Covenant with Black America

This book angers me. Why would I say such a thing about a book you ask? Well it shows me how much work there is left to do in America, and how so few of us are willing to take the steps. You don't have to accept the blueprint presented, but you should not ignore the call for positive change. I benchmarked a few chapters in the book as a motivational tool for me as I venture out on a few projects of my own to get back involved with making a difference in the area where I live. When I say I am angry I mean that I must fight my own laziness exposed. We all have a calling, but do we listen for it or recognize it? This book is a great way to lay out a plan for change in America by starting first where you step daily, and connect that effort to the many hard working people around the country doing the same. The day that America can look pass its colors will truly be a great day, but until then we must fight for our right politically, educationally, financially, and spiritually as a race, class, division. I will continue to look at the heart of people and not their color of skin, but I appreciate and love my heritage, too. This is a great book to help balance the scale. I'm still absorbing what I read so I cannot give you a complete review at this time--work in progress.

I just completed my read of the Covenant with Black America and I am inspired to do. I will do more in my home, more in my church, more in my neighborhood, more in my community, and more in my country. Although some of the statistics are heartbreaking regarding the current status of Black America, the book gives hope that change is possible and doable. It is required reading for all African-Americans. Carter G. Woodson gave us The Miseducation of the Negro for the 20th Century and Tavis Smiley has given us The Covenant with Black America for the 21st Century.

"The Covenant with Black America" should be required reading for all Americans. Whether one agrees with the diagnosis and prescriptions is not the point. The point is to increase dialogue, understanding, and mutual progress. "The Covenant" includes chapters on healthcare, public education, justice system, policing, housing, politics, rural roots, jobs, environment, and the digital divide. Each chapter outlines the issues from the author's perspective, provides a bio of the author (if this bio were at the front of each chapter, it would be helpful), collates statistics on the topic (a more diverse collation of statistics could increase the impact of the book), shares what the community can do, explains what individuals can do, tells what works now, and describes what leaders and politicians can do (again, further balance here would be beneficial). "The Covenant" is the brainchild of Tavis Smiley who offers it as a roadmap toward future hope. He brings together a laudable team of experts in their field, though one might wish for greater diversity in political, social, and economic perspectives. Particularly helpful are the sections on what works now. It's always easy to identify a problem, it's somewhat easy to propose a solution, but it's always helpful to provide examples of currently workable and working models. Smiley follows the "best practices" model of illustrating how to move into the future effectively by describing those who are already successfully doing so. A chapter on spiritual and religious values, given their historical and current emphasis in the African American community, also would add to the books value. Or, integrating the religious community more fully into the essence of each chapter's discussion would be another way to advance the message of the book. Not everyone from every political persuasion will agree with the suggested covenants--obviously. However, as the back cover explains, "The Covenant with Black American" is moving beyond talking about "our pain" to talking about "our plan." This is certainly in line with the historic African American focus on moving beyond being a victim to being a victor. Those who may have another socio-economic-political perspective on dealing with issues vital to African Americans (and to all Americans), rather than dismissing a book like this, should engage it; should write their own Covenant with the same specificity of focus, though perhaps with distinctive answers. The front page quote says it well. "The eyes of the future are looking back at us and they are praying for us to see beyond our own time" (Terry Tempest Williams). "The Covenant" is a forward-looking book. Well aware of the past, grounded in the needs of the present, it details a process that can shape a renewed future for African Americans and all Americans-so we can become one America. As stated at the outset of this review and throughout, one does not need to agree with the diagnosis and prescriptions to underst

I attended the State of the Black Union 2006 and have read my copy of The Covenant with Black America. This is an excellent compilation of data regarding the current plight of African Americans and other Americans who are disenfranchised. It offers practical information for individuals and communities to take political action on the issues. It also offers practical areas where political leaders can make a difference. I recommend this book for all individuals interested in making a better America for all Americans.

I think the Covenant is a great plan for getting black people to take action. It is a starting point, and hopefully, individuals will use the facts in the book to make a difference in our community. It really does take a multifaceted plan like the Covenant to get us moving in the right direction. -- Lawrence C. Ross, Jr. The Divine Nine: The History of African American Fraternities and Sororities (author) The Ways of Black Folks: A Year in the Life of a People (author) Sometimes Rhythm, Sometimes Blues (contributor) Friends With Benefits (author: September 2005) www.inglewoodrudeboy.blogspot.com/ http://www.lross.net/