What Next: An African American Initiative Toward World Peace

Mosley presents a highly readable story of coming to terms with an America troubled with racism, war policies, and inequitable society. From race riots in Watts to War in Iraq, Mosley's views are inspired by an often wise father. It is a humane yet realistic viewpoint. Common sense, so very rare in much public discourse, is refreshed by a perspective from black (with some Jewish roots too) and non-privileged society. Fun to read, personal, simple, sometimes profound, his ideas put the rhetoric of Ivy elites and news casters to shame.

When I got on the chat room with The AALBC. com founder, Troy Johnson, Thumper and Linda, author of Althea, our topic of discussion was "What's Next" by Walter Mosley, a cleverly interwoven essay designed to encourage African Amercians to take action and bring the world to peace, among all of the latest world issues and tragedies evolving from September 11. I am merciful that this world renown writer survived the tragedies and caught the glimpse of horror in New York on the eventful day from his high rise posh apartment in Manhattan. I am resolved that he tributes his book to Haki Madhubiti. Okay, the man has clout, we're in for a conversation, and all is touching. Kudos go out to Mr. Mosley for listening to his grandpa who shares the irony of war, and plight of Black Americans being faced with the realization that even if Black and in American uniform, are discriminated against, shot and forcefully killed by opposing forces with the same anger and resentment toward White soldiers during World War 2 as an "American." The question of Americanism fuels the reader's daunting emotions, who Mosley seems to sheepishly but intentionally question, " Are you proud to be American?" A gulp of hot fiery tension develops in the base of the readers neck, emotions fly, and before you know it, you too are lashing out at the brilliant writer with menacing anger, but it's really the issues you've been waiting to quell. This isn't a conversation that unfolds, it's a war between those who debate the issue. After the debate is over, you cleverly realize that as an African American you have fallen into Mr. Mosley's trap which unveils the issues within the Black Community and even how we relate to one another. The question is no longer, "Are you proud to be American?" but do you really love and respect your fellow Americans no matter what culture, ethnicity, race, upbringing and race enough to take pride in being an American citizen even with the tragedies bestowed upon Black America from slavery to social upheavals. After all, many Black Americans are living the dream, and financially stable. Are these folks, like White America responsible for helping those not as well off? Are we asking for reimbursement from within our own community of successful Blacks in America to digress from retribution owed to Black America for the injustices and inequitable land bartering reminiscent of the sell out of Manhattan to Native Americans? Questions, questions, questions unfold, and the question of what do we do is so earthshaking, that between all of our responses on the chat room, cause the transcript to be lost forever. My computer also froze. My last thought, "Did someone freeze my computer? Only being humorous. I hope Thumper, and I can make up, and I thank Troy Johnson for being a mediator of cyber war. I would have to blame Walter for this fateful mishap and forbid him to keep his questions to himself. However, expect your heart to palpitate, emotions to fly, and

The gift of the George W. Bush presidency is a wake up call. With What Next, Walter Mosley contributes beautifully and practically to that awakening. Written in a readable voice that is like having a long cup of coffee with Mr. Mosley, this book needs to be spread far and wide --- not just for his specific thoughts and ideas, but also for the inspiration it provides for us all to think for ourselves rather than simply accepting what we are spoon fed.Buy several copies and help spread the word.- Thom Rutledge, author of Embracing Fear (HarperSanFrancisco)

WHAT NEXT is a slim book that is chock full of large, common sense ideas about how world peace can be achieved. Walter Mosley starts off with a scene from his life. His father is explaining to him that he had never felt like an American even though he was fighting for America in the Second World War until he realized that the Germans were actually shooting at him. That must make him a real American. Finding that he could not live among people in the South who could not accept what he had become under fire, he left the South for Los Angeles. Mr. Mosley gives us an idea of the perceptions of African Americans, being careful to note that African Americans do see themselves as Americans, they do not want to leave this country, nor do they wish to abandon its ideals of freedom. African Americans are aware of the pitfalls of unevenly applied laws and philosophies and they have never had the luxury of self-deception but they are still willing to work to make this country a better place.He outlines several simple solutions to working for world peace. One such idea is getting several people into study groups. Each person takes a different aspect of the news and reports on it to the group. That way, everyone will have a wide range of knowledge about what is going on in the world without being burdened with searching out every detail for themselves. He feels that African Americans can use their many experiences to improve the world.It is a book well worth reading and everyone, not just African Americans, would find it beneficial. Reviewed by Alice Holmanof The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers

Walter Mosley's monograph What Next is an impassioned call to African Americans to use their collective experience and history to move this country and the world towards being a more peaceful place. Mosley uses his own history with his father as a jumping off point to help him sort out his feelings towards 9/11, the war on terrorism, and [what was then the impending] war with Iraq. In writing this monograph, Mosley is letting us in on his ruminations. And what wise ruminations they are. Even though I didn't always totally agree with Mosley and even though I'm not African American, I found a lot of good points to think about in this short, but thoughtful book.