Book Reflection: Sixty-One

 

My latest read is Sixty-One: Life Lessons from Papa, On and Off the Court by Chris Paul. As a fellow Demon Deacon and native of the Piedmont Triad, I had to grab this one off the shelf. I'm glad I did because this turned out to be one of the most compelling books I have come across in a while. Sixty-One provides insight into the life of Paul and his relationship with his grandfather, Nathaniel "Papa" Jones. Papa, a business owner and pillar of his community, was tragically killed the day after Paul committed to play basketball at Wake Forest. Throughout the book, Paul recounts the formative experiences of time spent with Papa and how the lessons he imparted have influenced his journey. From childhood to his current status as an NBA superstar, Paul connects these valuable experiences to each of his endeavors. Sixty-One also develops with brief chapters that detail the game in which Paul scored 61 points in honor of his grandfather shortly after his passing. From reading, it's clear how Paul's legendary basketball career is a credit to the upbringing and community that raised him. Before he was known around the world as CP3, Paul was a kid in Winston-Salem helping out at his grandfather's service station. It was here that he picked up many of the values and work ethic that allowed him to flourish as an NBA player and philanthropist. Paul also provides glimpses into other impactful relationships in his life, such as his bond with Skip Prosser, who coached Paul at Wake Forest. I appreciated how this book was both reflective and forward-looking, as Paul seeks to pass the lessons he learned to his children and upcoming generations. These lessons include hard-work, compassion, and finding joy in service. Paul illustrates how these lessons can also help us overcome the collective battles we face as a society. Sixty-One is a testament to the fact that we stand on the shoulders of those that came before us. I recommend this book to anyone, even if you don't consider yourself a fan of basketball. Paul's story highlights the importance of role models and mentorship among youth. As someone that grew up in the 336, this book was a powerful read and new introduction to a hometown hero. 

Book Reflection: Let Love Have the Last Word

How do you define love? It's one of those words that you can feel, but not be able to articulate. In his New York Times bestselling memoir, Let Love Have the Last Word, Common analyzes love from his perspective. He recognizes love as a powerful force that shapes the way we live. The book touches on different aspects of love including God's love, self-love, love of partners, and love of family. He defines love as a practice, something that requires time, effort, and attention. Common acknowledges that love is hard, and discusses his own shortcomings in giving love. It can be difficult to focus on love when there is so much negativity in the world. However, practicing love can serve as an antidote that can help us overcome these challenges. In some of the most impoverished places, love shines and helps people live enriched lives. As Common mentions, love requires us to be vulnerable and honest. It also asks us to listen and be patient with those we love. As humans, we crave love. It influences many of our actions and emotions, but yet we don't fully understand it. This book is powerful because it encourages us to do our own self-assessment of love in our lives. While reading, I often thought about how love has operated in my life. I realized that the people I love are those that have made the greatest impression on my life. They have invested love into me, and I can only hope that I have done the same for them. Love is strengthened when it is reciprocated. Though it may not solve all of our problems, leading with love is the way to ensure that we are on track for progress and healing. Let Love Have the Last Word is also a good read for artists, as it provides insight into Common's creative process. He describes creativity as a way to experience love through divine expression. Art requires us to be vulnerable and be comfortable exposing ourselves to the world. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. It provides a great conversation about love in its many forms. It's not too often that you get to go inside of the mind of one of your favorite artists. If you want to check out Let Love Have the Last Word, feel free to order or preview using the link below. Thanks for reading!

Book Reflection: Shoe Dog

 

My latest read is Shoe Dog by Phil Knight, the creator of Nike. Released in 2016, this memoir chronicles the early days of the global multibillion dollar footwear and apparel brand. Knight takes readers back to 1962, when he was a recent college graduate seeking his purpose in the world. He dreamed of an extraordinary life where he could live out his passion and have a career that didn't feel like work. He embarked on a journey around the world, and began pursuing what he called his "crazy idea". When he returned from that trip, he began distributing shoes that he imported from Japan. He called his company Blue Ribbon, and partnered with his college track coach, Bill Bowerman. More than a business, Knight was looking to develop a lifestyle brand. His company would go on to transform the shoe industry and become a household name. In the book, Knight tells the stories that shaped the brand. Far from a smooth journey, the book is a testament to resilience and risk-taking. A "Shoe Dog" is someone who makes shoes, but finds a deeper meaning in their work. They see themselves as a part of each step a person takes in their shoes on the journey of life. Considering what Nike is today, it's hard to fathom the challenges that the company faced in its infancy. From lawsuits to federal investigations, the company almost didn't live to see its full potential. Even Knight acknowledges the pivotal role that luck played in Nike's success. Shoe Dog was a very uplifting read for me. Few people possess the audacity to chase their wildest dreams. Through Knight's memoir, we see how a shy kid from Oregon went on to develop a multinational corporation. I definitely recommend adding Shoe Dog to your reading list. You will be entertained, informed, and inspired. Feel free to order using the link below. Thanks for reading! 

Book Reflection: We Gon' Be Alright

My latest read is the book, We Gon' Be Alright: Notes on Race and Resegregation by Jeff Chang. The book, first published in 2016, is a collection of essays that analyzes recent issues concerning race in America. Chang takes on many pressing topics including institutional diversity, student protests, cultural equity, urban displacement, and the protests in Ferguson. One common thread that permeates through the book's chapters is resegregation. In his introduction, Chang writes that "even as we have come to mostly celebrate 'diversity,' resegregation is happening all around us: in our neighborhoods and schools, our colleges and universities, even in the culture." This sentence helps set the stage as Chang goes on to highlight the divisions and inequities that still exist in our "post-racial" society. We Gon' Be Alright does an excellent job of discussing social phenomenons that many people feel, but aren't able to articulate. In his diagnosis of issues plaguing American society, Chang provides historical context that helps readers view today's conditions from a broader perspective. Such a timeline of policies and cultural shifts help show that the things we see today don't just happen by chance. Reading this book opened my eyes to the work that still needs to be done to create an equitable society. Though there appears to be progress, racial and economic disparities still exist that significantly affect quality of life for many Americans. These divisions propagate tensions that come to haunt us at times in tragic occurrences. This book details an urgent need for us to begin viewing our future as a nation as interconnected. Chang writes of his own experience as an Asian-American, which highlights the complexities that shape race relations and identity in America. In his conclusion, Chang expresses how critical it is for us to see the humanity in our fellow citizens. It is difficult to read of the pain that has been inflicted upon marginalized members of our society. However, it is necessary to discuss if we are to ever see true progress. We Gon' Be Alright is an insightful dissection of our current times and deserves to be read by all Americans. You can order using the link below. Thanks for reading!

https://www.amazon.com/We-Gon-Be-Alright-Resegregation/dp/0312429487

Book Reflection: Shook One

My latest read is Shook One: Anxiety Playing Tricks on Me by Charlamagne Tha God. The book is the author's second piece of work following his New York Times bestseller, Black Privilege. In Shook One, Charlamagne develops an enlightening conversation regarding mental health. He discusses his own experience dealing with mental health issues and encourages readers to embark on their own journey towards healing their mind. He provides deeply personal life stories that express his struggles with anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Further, he relates his experience to others in the Black community. Through this book, Charlamagne advocates for the need of increased attention paid toward the mental health of Black Americans. He analyzes the many factors that deter Black Americans from therapy such as cultural perception, self-medication, and lack of access. Charlamagne dedicates chapters to these factors among others to help readers gain a sense of how we can overcome these obstacles on our mental health journey. It is apparent that Charlamagne did his research in writing Shook One, but the book also contains expert advice from psychiatrist, Dr. Ish Major. Through reading the book, I appreciated the way Charlamagne frames each topic through his own narrative. His willingness to open up about his experiences makes the book a powerful read. His growth from being a drug dealer in Moncks Corner, South Carolina to becoming a nationally-syndicated radio host is certainly inspiring. In Shook One, Charlamagne acknowledges both the good and bad that molded him into the successful public figure he is today. He presents his stories in a way that is both humorous and impactful, which keeps you from wanting to put the book down. Reading this book, I noticed parallels to my own mental health journey. I too engage in counseling, meditation, and regulation of social media to protect and enhance my mental wellbeing. I recommend checking out Shook One, and assessing how you are investing time and attention towards your mental health. Feel free to order a copy using the link below. Thanks for reading!

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/shook-one-charlamagne-tha-god/1128615643?ean=9781982109820#/

Book Reflection: Becoming by Michelle Obama

My most recent read is Becoming by former first lady, Michelle Obama. The book is a memoir that covers Obama's early life and years in the White House. Through her retelling of past life stories, she provides readers with insight into the experiences that made her the woman she is today. From home piano lessons in Chicago to state visits at Buckingham Palace, Mrs. Obama paints vivid recollections of some of her life's most meaningful memories. I learned a great deal through reading Becoming and gained a newfound respect for the position of first lady. I enjoyed the behind-the-scenes stories about the campaign trail and life inside the White House. This memoir is very honest and helps readers see the humanity in one of the most prominent figures of our time. As a college student, reading this book was very impactful, as it exemplified the surprises that life can present. I found her early quest for fulfillment and meaning to be relatable, as I often ask such questions of myself today. It was also nice to read about her interactions with Americans throughout the years. She beautifully writes about the families, children, and service members that helped shape her experience as first lady. Mrs. Obama's commitment to making a difference during her time as first lady was truly amazing. In an unpaid position, she fought relentlessly for the causes of childhood obesity, healthy eating, female education, and college accessibility. She was able to gracefully balance the demands of being a public figure, a mentor, a wife, and a mother. Through the telling of her story, Michelle Obama encourages others to appreciate the uniqueness and authencity in their own.  Becoming is a truly inspiring memoir that can be enjoyed by people of any background. I highly recommend checking this book out for yourself. Feel free to order using the link below. Thanks for reading!

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/becoming-michelle-obama/1128038172?ean=9781524763138#/

Book Recommendation: The Awkward Thoughts of W. Kamau Bell

I recently had the chance to read The Awkward Thoughts of W. Kamau Bell: Tales of a 6'4", African-American, Heterosexual, Cisgender, Left-Leaning, Asthmatic, Black and Proud Blerd, Mama's Boy, Dad, and Stand-Up Comedian by W. Kamau Bell. The book was first published in May 2017 and tells the story of Bell's life from an autobiographical perspective. Bell provides readers with a humorous, but deeply personal take on the whirlwind of events that shaped him. Through reading, we learn about Bell's childhood, which consisted of many moves across the country. We are introduced to his parents, who of course play a large role in shaping his personality. Bell recounts his experiences as an Ivy League student at the University of Pennsylvania and explores the factors that led to him dropping out. In addition, we learn about Bell's unconventional rise in comedy and experiences as a host of his two television shows, Totally Biased and United Shades of America. Throughout the book, there is the common theme of coming up in the world as an outsider. Bell often faced circumstances that veered form the norm. However, this lack of normality provided him with unique opportunities and wisdom. It was interesting to read Bell's thoughts on race, superheroes, television, and Denzel Washington. He offers a perspective that is both humorous and honest. It speaks to the power of comedy as a truth-telling expression that is necessary in our world. The book possesses a nice balance of intelligence and entertainment. The Awkward Thoughts of W. Kamau Bell is definitely a fun read, but you will also walk away with some things to think about. I strongly encourage checking out this powerful book. W. Kamau Bell's story is dynamic and will give you the opportunity to laugh, cry, and learn. Thanks for reading! 

Book Recommendation: The Anatomy of Peace

My latest read is The Anatomy of Peace: Resolving the Heart of Conflict  by The Arbinger Institute. The book, first published in 2006, uses a powerful narrative that provides you with the tools to combat conflicts at work, school, and in the home. Set at a teen rehabilitation center in Arizona, a group of parents dropping their children off engage in a moving discussion with the center's counselors. Through this discussion, the parents are challenged to re-evaluate their interactions with others, and to begin living in a way that promotes peace. One central idea in this book is transitioning from a heart at war to a heart at peace. It teaches how we often betray our human sense of compassion by treating others as objects instead of people. Further, it discusses how we seek to justify our self-betrayal by constructing boxes of better-than, need-to-be-seen as, and I-deserve complexes. The book uses several real-world examples to illustrate how both sides of a conflict can play a role in maintaining tension. A major lesson I learned from The Anatomy of Peace, is that we must evaluate areas where we need to improve before we can expect a change in others. By using a story, the concepts in this book are both relatable and easy to digest. By adopting the concepts in this book, I sincerely believe that we could begin to work through the many conflicts that exist in today's world. In general, we don't often consider how the opposing party of a conflict is affected by our actions. We tend to get so caught up in winning the conflict that we disregard the humanity of the other party. This book will help you take on a new perspective that both encourages you to consider the humanity in all people and to interact in a way that works in the best interest of all. I strongly recommend checking out The Anatomy of Peace. Feel free to order using the link below. Thanks for reading!

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-anatomy-of-peace-the-arbinger-institute/1107766563;jsessionid=F7DD404A59D1A6AEA9C62A43E9E123FE.prodny_store01-atgap13?ean=9781626564312

Book Recommendation: Dreams from My Father

My latest read is Dreams from My Father: A Story of Race and Inheritance by former president Barack Obama. The book is a memoir, first published in 1995 that recounts Obama's early life leading up to his enrollment at Harvard Law School. Throughout the book, Obama takes a deep dive into exploring the many experiences he faced growing up as a young biracial man in America. Dreams from My Father is split into three parts, which represents three distinct chapters in his life. The first part is titled "Origins", and analyzes his childhood experiences in Hawaii and Indonesia. He speaks on his relationship with his grandparents, his mother, and the one time in which he was able to meet his father. As you will see by reading, Obama's relationship with his father is a recurring theme throughout the book. He often struggles with the contrast between the physical distance of his father living in Kenya and the intangible influence that follows him around the globe. The second part ,"Chicago", speaks on Obama's time as a young community organizer in the city's South Side. Readers are able to gain a sense of the beautiful struggle that created an intimate bond between Obama and the city of Chicago. It is amazing to see how this period foreshadowed the rise of the future politician. The final part is titled "Kenya", in which Obama takes readers along for the monumental journey of visiting his father's home country. In Kenya, Obama meets members of his paternal family and learns of his rich ancestral history. This was an incredibly powerful part of the book, as Obama is able to gain a sense of himself through exploring this vital piece of his identity. I enjoyed Dreams from My Father not only for its autobiographical perspective of a future world leader, but also for what it had to offer in its story of self-discovery and interconnection of culture. I encourage you to check out this powerful memoir for yourself, which you can do by ordering using the link below. Thanks for reading!

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/dreams-from-my-father-barack-obama/1100832650#/ 

My Awakening

It seemed like any ordinary day in my middle school experience. I had taken the two-hour bus ride from home, with my sights set on finishing my seven-hour shift and returning back to my PlayStation. Little did that young twelve-year-old know, that the perception through which he viewed society and himself would on that day change forever. Up to that particular day in my life, I innocently viewed my world as a place where other’s perception of me was solely based on my character. I had heard of America’s dark past, but I naively believed that we had all overcome the ludicrous sentiments that were prevalent in the time of my grandparents and earlier generations. It was not until that morning period in sixth-grade language arts that I realized my appearance was subject to being associated with cruel and demeaning stereotypes.

My teacher was introducing the class to a new research assignment. It was a paper in which we were to study the neurological effects of any topic of choice. The example provided, which the teacher read aloud, was on a street drug known as “crack”. In one of the sentences of the example, the term “crack baby” was used. I then found out that one of my classmates said my name to a group of kids when that term was read by the teacher. As one of two Black students in the class, it was apparent that this remark was made about my race. Though long ago, I can still recall the painful sensation that took place when I heard those words. I felt isolated from the rest of my classmates, consumed by a combination of anger and sadness. This event marked a dramatic shift in my mindset.

From that day on, I never truly felt accepted into American society. It showed me that no matter how intelligent, successful, or well-mannered I thought myself to be, I could still encounter people that sought to confine my existence within their lines of distasteful preconceived generalizations. I was moved to discover how such generalizations could be made on something as trivial as skin color. I began to read books that elevated my consciousness of the Black American experience. It was comforting to see how others have encountered similar experiences to the one I had on that day in sixth grade. I became more aware of the atrocities that have affected Black Americans for centuries and I even viewed myself in a different light. With my life I was working to prove a more positive perception of Black Americans.

Though spawned from a negative experience, I consider my altered state of perception to have had a desirable impact. It motivated me to discover more about my identity as a Black American. It taught me that America’s dark history still seeps through the cracks into our current society. This altered state of perception was vital for my growth towards viewing the society in which I live through a more enlightened lens.

Book Recommendation: My Bondage and My Freedom

One of my most recent reads is the second autobiography written by Frederick Douglass titled, My Bondage and My Freedom. The book is a thrilling first-person account about the life of Douglass through his years as a slave and his journey to becoming a freeman. I learned a great deal about Douglass through reading this book and was inspired by his turbulent quest to liberty. He truly transformed his life by educating himself and sought to dedicate his life toward fighting against the slave system. In My Bondage and My Freedom, Douglass provides readers with a window into his thoughts as he faced abuse from slave masters, criticism against his intellect, and inner-conflict as he sought to emancipate himself from the bondage that had held him captive since birth. Through reading this account, I believe we can gain great insight into this period of our nation's history as well as a deeper appreciation for the many individuals that have heroically sought to provide all Americans with the rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. The life of Frederick Douglass is an extremely intriguing story, and I could definitely see a great film being adapted from this autobiography. I strongly recommend checking out this compelling book or at least doing some research on the life of Frederick Douglass. Thanks for reading!

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/my-bondage-and-my-freedom-frederick-douglass/

Creative Quest Review!

My most recent read is Creative Quest by Questlove. The book was released on April 24, 2018 and is the fourth book by the author. As a four-time Grammy Award-winning musician, disc jockey, culinary entrepreneur, and more, Questlove offers readers an eye-opening perspective on creativity. He explores how we can identify the creative genius within ourselves and make the greatest use of that energy. The definition of creativity is broad enough that this book will connect with people from all walks of life. One of things I learned from this book is that we all apply creativity in some form during our daily lives. Questlove talks about finding that creative spark, dealing with criticism, the science of collaboration, and more in this thought-provoking book. Creative Quest introduces its readers to an array of concepts through stories from the music industry, anecdotes from renowned creative professionals, and enlightening metaphorical viewpoints. This book is especially valuable for young professionals looking to make their mark on the world. I suggest you keep a notebook as you read, to jot down some of the many jewels dropped throughout. Order your copy of Creative Quest using the link below!

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07192GT9Z/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&btkr=1

Illmatic Turns 24!

On April 19, 1994, Nas released his masterful debut album, Illmatic. The timeless ten-track project is widely regarded as one of the greatest albums of all-time. With hits like "N.Y. State of Mind" to "One Love", Illmatic certainly stakes its claim as a monumental project within the Hip-Hop community. Even outside of music, Illmatic has been praised in academia. The album was selected in Harvard's library as part of the institution's Hip-Hop archive. Likewise, Harvard has named a fellowship in honor of Nas. This rich body of work has shown how we can begin to view Hip-Hop intellectually. With vivid storytelling and poetic delivery, Nas invites listeners into his life as a youth in Queensbridge. Each time I listen to Illmatic, I can close my eyes and picture myself riding through New York. The album's complex subject matter and diction speaks to the wisdom and maturity that Nas possessed at this early stage of his career. Considering the album was released when he was twenty, Nas established himself as a truly unique artist with this debut project. Features include Az, Olu Dara, and Q-Tip. The production of the album gives you that early '90s east-coast vibe. Production credits include DJ Premier, Large Professor, Pete Rock, Q-Tip, L.E.S., and Nas himself. Illmatic in my view, stands as more than music. It's an experience that pulls you in, gives you knowledge, and allows you to appreciate the complexity of true Hip-Hop. I often listen to the album while writing papers, because Nas will spit out sophisticated words that I can use in my next sentence. If you call yourself a fan of Hip-Hop without having listened to this album, I have to say you've played yourself. On this day, tune in and listen to Nas as he graces the mic with "mechanical movement" on the masterpiece of an album that is, Illmatic. My favorite tracks are "The World Is Yours" and "Halftime". Thanks for reading!

Book Review: Black Privilege

My latest read is Charlamagne Tha God's book, Black Privilege: Opportunity Comes to Those Who Create It. I must start by advising viewer discretion for anyone that chooses to purchase this book. It was published in 2017, and follows the story of Charlamagne's life. If you're unfamiliar with Charlamagne, he's a prominent media figure whose work can be found on his radio show The Breakfast Club, his podcast Brilliant Idiots, his television show Uncommon Sense, and more. Black Privilege is an autobiographical account of his eventful story. He describes his upbringing, his rocky adolescent years, and his ascent in the media industry. He walks you through his school expulsions, jail experiences, multiple job terminations, and much more. My favorite aspect of this book is the self-help element within it. Through all his mistakes and shortcomings, Charlamagne is able to draw valuable lessons. Despite some crude stories and details, he drops some serious knowledge in this book. His personality is certainly expressed through the pages, with his brutal honesty and unrestrained sense of humor. Never have I read a book that made me laugh out loud as much as this one. It really captivates you within his experiences, and by the end you'll feel that you know him personally. He touches on some serious topics like race, homophobia, and gender norms. Some of his advice includes living your truth, viewing losses as lessons, and accessing your personal privilege. If you're of age, and you can handle some suggestive language, I definitely recommend this book. It's motivational, it's humorous, and it's insightful. Read and learn how a young boy from a trailer in Moncks Corner, South Carolina became a renowned media personality.

https://www.amazon.com/Black-Privilege-Opportunity-Comes-Create/dp/1501145304

The Hollywood Commandments Review!

DeVon Franklin, Hollywood producer, best-selling author, preacher, and motivational speaker released his third book in the fall of 2017 titled, The Hollywood Commandments. The book teaches you how to apply spiritual principles in the pursuit of secular success. Often times we learn spiritual lessons in church, but we don't learn how to use them outside of church. In this book, Franklin shows us how to translate those lessons into our careers and relationships using ten powerful lessons that he learned as a man of faith in Hollywood. As a person of character, you can be discouraged to follow certain paths at the risk of losing your character. However, by staying true to yourself you will be given an edge that allows you to thrive in all areas. This was one of the most important lessons that I learned from The Hollywood Commandments. Reading this book, it was amazing to see just how Franklin's values played a role throughout his successful career in Hollywood. Regardless of your beliefs, this book can serve as an excellent guide to achieving success. Lessons include following your passion, negotiating what you're worth, the importance of connections, and how to not get caught up in past failure or success. This is perhaps the most inspiring book that I have read, and it has taught me principles that I will be sure to hold on to. I encourage you to give this book a read, and I hope that it will have a positive effect on your life. Feel free to use the link below to order your copy. Thanks for reading!

https://order.hollywoodcommandments.com/