From Publishers Weekly

This newest addition to the bestselling series features Chicken Soup's trademark stories in a "tribute to a culture that prides itself on survival, resiliency, healing, prayer and perseverance." This collection hits all those notes, with inspiring contributions from familiar names, including Martin Luther King Jr., Nelson Mandela and Maya Angelou, as well as heartfelt vignettes from everyday folks. While the writing quality varies, most essays are moving. Stories of helping others, of gifts received from strangers and of pursuing one's dreams speak to our common humanity. Yet the struggle of being black in America pervades this collection; many contributors discuss issues of identity, discrimination and injustice. Writers describe the difficulty of becoming comfortable in one's skin; of not being "a Black girl posing in a white girl get-up." Most writers also make clear that as they meet challenges, they honor the past and forge into the future: "[My father] has shown me that when a black man fulfills his own potential, he makes it possible for his future generations to come to the table and experience the world in a different and better way." Resonating throughout is the rallying cry of doing one's best, whatever the situation.While this volume speaks to a specific audience, it has lessons for everyone, including that "for folks of color, living with race isn't a choice, it just is."
Copyright ¬ Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.


Book Description

This is the book everyone has been waiting for-an inspiring celebration of the joy, challenges, and triumphs of being African American. Combine Ilyana Vanzant and Terry McMillan, then include a dash of E. Lynn Harris, and you've got Chicken Soup for the African American Soul. This book captures the spirit of the community through inspiring storytelling that understands both the struggles and joys of being African American. From Jim Crow to the Civil Rights movement to today's business leaders and gangsta culture, this book is a primer on black history. And like all Chicken Soup books, it's a moving tribute to the small things-a moment of insight, a mentor, a lover, the loss of innocence-that make life worth living. This great volume is focused on representing all facets of African American life-man and woman; young and old; rural, suburban, and urban; rich and poor; race conscious and mostly color-blind. Chapters Include: Celebrating Our Strength, Strong Roots, The African American Family, Love and Relationships, The Power of Community, Praise, Worship and Prayer Featured Celebrities Include: Maya Angelou, Angela Davis, E. Lynn Harris, Yolanda King (daughter of Martin Luther King), Muhammad Ali, Mean Joe Green, Bishop T.D. Jakes, Bill Cosby, Colin Powell