Reach
40 Black Men Speak on Living, Leading, and Succeeding
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5.0 • 2 Ratings
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- $13.99
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- $13.99
Publisher Description
A timely and important compilation of first-person accounts by black men—including some famous like Russell Simmons, Rev. Al Sharpton, John Legend, along with community leaders known primarily in their respective neighborhoods—this New York Times bestseller describes a defining moment in each of these black men’s lives which motivated them to give back.
Reach includes forty first-person accounts from well-known men like the Rev. Al Sharpton, John Legend, Isiah Thomas, Bill T. Jones, Louis Gossett, Jr., and Talib Kweli, alongside influential community organizers, businessmen, religious leaders, philanthropists, and educators. These remarkable individuals are living proof that black men are as committed as ever to ensuring a better world for themselves and for others.
Powerful and indispensable to our ongoing cultural dialogue, Reach explodes myths about black men by providing rare, candid, and deeply personal insights into their lives. It’s a blueprint for better community engagement. It’s an essential resource for communities everywhere.
Proceeds from the sale of Reach will go to BMe Community, a nonprofit organization dedicated to building caring and prosperous communities inspired by black men. Reach is also a Project of the Kapor Center for Social Impact, one of the founding supporters of President Obama’s My Brother’s Keeper initiative.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
This is an energetic and inspiring collection of short essays from an eclectic group of successful Aftican-American men. Contributors include an actor, a physicist, a musician, and a financial manager, and range in age from 20 to 78. As the essays unfold, so do a number of recurring themes: "hope is the saving grace"; education's importance to attaining success. Most selections touch on childhood mentors and share their encouraging words ("you can do this"). The essayists also share in common an unwavering commitment to help "change the narrative" about black men and success. In 40 different ways, they have found how to give back, whether by becoming mentors, starting organizations, or leading campaigns. Some stories begin on a gritty note, most notably one from motivational speaker Shaka Senghor, who spent close to half his life in prison, and emerged determined to help others. Without exception, the contributors are authentic and honest, even when recounting their lowest moments. This is a moving book that will motivate readers to join these agents of change.
