Black
Genius Walter Mosley, Manthia Diawara, Clyde Taylor,
and Regina Austin, editors
African-American Solutions to African-American Problems
Thirteen of black America's most eloquent voices share
their visions for a self-sufficient, self-determined future.
About
Black Genius(as
shown on www2.wwnorton.com)
First Sentence:
A dozen years ago, the independent black film movement was locked in the uphill
battle that has been its lot since the beginning, making a few courageous films-arguably
the most articulate films about African American people-that very few people
got a chance to see.
From Spike Lee's encouragement of independent, community fundraising
to Joycelyn Elders's warning about the failings of our "sick-care" system
to Stanley Crouch's disputation on "heroic" versus "anarchic" individuality,
Black Genius is an exceptional, unique colloquy.
Conceived by acclaimed novelist Walter Mosley and sponsored by
the New York University Africana Studies Program and the Institute
of African American Affairs, this book originated as a series
of community conversations where "visionaries with solutions" shared
powerful views on personal and communal struggles, triumphs,
and aspirations.
The list of contributors suggests the range of perspectives and
talents brought to bear on such issues as economics, political
power, work, authority, and culture. Black Genius is a point
of departure for vigorous discussion of our current realities
and goals for the future-and a portrait of "genius" that
leads the way to enriching American life in the twenty-first
century.
Walter Mosley is the acclaimed author of the Easy Rawlins mystery
series and Always Outnumbered, Always Outgunned, among many other
books. Manthia Diawara is director of NYU's Africana Studies
Program and Institute of African American Affairs. Clyde Taylor
is a professor at NYU's Gallatin School. Regina Austin is William
A. Schnader Professor of Law at the University of Pennsylvania.
2000 / paperback
ISBN 0-393-31978-4
5 1/2" X 8 1/4"
320 pages
AFRICAN-AMERICAN STUDIES
