Defending the Spirit: A Black Life in America

In 1977, Randall Robinson founded TransAfrica, the first organization to lobby for the interests of African and Caribbean peoples, and it became the galvanizing force behind the anti-apartheid boycott of South Africa, spearheaded efforts to secure the release of Nelson Mandela, and mobilized the fight to reinstate President Aristide and restore democracy in Haiti. Defending the Spirit tells the story of Robinson’s rise from childhood in the segregated South to his role as a Washington power figure. A stunning and uplifting memoir, it also offers stinging commentary on American policies in Africa and the Caribbean, where racism still plays an unfortunate role. Impassioned, charismatic, and unwavering in his convictions, Robinson emerges as an inspiring and empowering example of a great American leader.

• A behind-the-scenes look at some of the most significant moments in recent American and world history.
• Randall Robinson candidly discusses such prominent figures as Jesse Helms, Bob Dole, Charles Rangel, Nelson Mandela, Roger Wilkins, and his famed newscaster brother, Max Robinson.
• Published to coincide with Black History Month.
• As an active public speaker, Robinson appears all over America.
• Randall Robinson is a prominent African-American political figure and a model for the black community.