A provocative look at what it means to be black today. It includes excerpts from over 100 interviews with Rev. Jesse Jackson, Cornel West, Skip Gates, Melissa Harris-Perry, Kara Walker, Kehinde Wiley, Glenn Ligon, Malcolm Gladwell, Paul Mooney, NY Gov David Paterson, Harold Ford, Jr., Soledad O'Brien, Kamala Harris, Chuck D, Questlove and others. A memoir of the racist and racial incidents that have shaped Touré's life. An examination of Chappelle's Show and its brilliant way of playing with and skewering racial politics (informed by interviews with all of the major creative members of the show including Chappelle). And a trip through the modern Black art world focused on the work of Kara Walker, Kehinde Wiley, Glenn Ligon, William Pope.L, and Rashid Johnson.
©2011 Touré (P)2011 Dreamscape Media
"[P]owerful...A likely bellwether for America's future struggles with race." (Kirkus Reviews)
"Touré candidly tackles a burning issue confronting us today. Black America is undeniably a community 'free, but not equal,' and people from all walks of life are compelled to devise new approaches to confronting today's structural inequalities. Here Touré explores insights from many perspectives to help guide the way." (Reverend Jesse L. Jackson, Sr.)
"A fascinating conversation among some of America's most brilliant and insightful Black thinkers candidly exploring Black identity in America today. Touré powerfully captures the pain and dissonance of Black Americans' far too often unrequited love for our great nation." (Benjamin Todd Jealous, President and CEO of the NAACP)
"Who's Afraid of Post-Blackness is a tour de force! I applaud Touré's courage in standing up and telling it like it is. This special book will make you think, laugh, cry - and it will make you look at race and at yourself differently." (Amy DuBois Barnett, Editor-in-Chief, Ebony)
"Touré has taken a question I have asked myself uncountable times over the course of my life and asked it of everyone: 'What does it mean to be Black?' The answer in this book are thought-provoking, uplifting, hilarious and sometimes sad. His sharp writing and self-effacing stories help digest some hard facts about how identity can be used for and against each of us - and why it matters so much to all of us." (Soledad O'Brien, CNN anchor and special correspondent)
"Food for Thought"
Interesting, provocative and deep.
He is unmistakingly recognizable and his personality shines through. He is really passionate about the subject and he moves the book along at a really good pace.
I had heard an interview with Touré on the Canadian Arts & Culture show Q with Jian Gomeshi and was intrigued.This book has made me think about and question how I define myself and see others as well as how they see me. It has given me insight into why I often feel wary and uncomfortable, even frustrated when there seems to be an incongruence. I've been thinking about and discussing with friends, family and co-workers the ideas he raises in the book in the weeks since. Great read. Hopefully this is obvious but it is not just a book for blacks but everyone.
BTW I was also really excited to find it on Audible. You really are
"Understand Your Neighbor - Understand Yourself"
Toure Neblett turns from fiction (The Portable Promised Land: Stories; Soul City) to explore the concept of Post-Blackness. Already known for his essays (Never Drink the Kool-Aid), Toure applies the essayists’ skill for analysis to his new book Who’s Afraid of Post-Blackness. Toure’s power of observation flashes off of every page and readers of all ethnic and racial strains will be struck by what appears there. The insights are stunning. Some may need time to get used to his writing style, but the content of this book is so instructive it is well worth the reader’s time. You will not agree with all of Toure’s conclusions (opposition to President Obama is based in racism for example) nor will you feel comfortable with all conclusions drawn in the book. However, be not afraid. Gird yourself up with courage and open Toure’s new addition to the cultural diversity literature. Toure narrates the audio version of the with great results.
"Not what I expected but some of it was interesting"
Not really. It sounds a lot like a conspiracy theory at times- making you want to say, man get over it already. I understand where he's coming from but he really didn't tell us Black folks anything that we didn't already know about racism and inequalities. I didn't quite catch the point. I don't know if he ever gave an answer to his title.
I love the quote by Chris Rock because if you think about it, it is the honest to goodness! He said "For Black people, America is like the uncle who sent you to college, but molested you", and he is absolutely right. It's like -thank you for freeing us and allowing us to grow, but you still scared me for life.
I'm sorry but Toure' sounds lame and didn't give the book that inspiring edge like if MLK would have read it vs Steve Urkel.
No, not anything that I wasn't already inspired to do before reading this book.
,':^/
"Toure pleads his own case."
A story that supported the title.
No, there is nothing to learn from this book.
Toure narrated his own book, and did not detract from it.
Disappointment.
Toure's book is typical of the "Me Generation," it's all about them.
"Excellent Read"
I loved. the. Narrative style. Felt like a friend was sitting down with me and having a conversation.
Very well written and conversational style.
Never
Yes I laughed many times. He has great way of making the ordinary funny.
I would recommend to everyone. It's a very empowering book.
"Great experience!"
As of right now, it's the top rater! The audio for this book was pleasant and easy to follow.
The sky diving passage
Yes. The author is a great narrator. I would highly recommend.