24 Books Published by Lushena Books on AALBC — Book Cover Collage

First published in 1945, Pilates’ Return to Life Through Contrology contains the authorized, legal, edited, and original Library of Congress version of Joseph H. Pilates and William J. Miller’s first complete fitness writings. It details the exercises, poses, and instructions fundamental to the matwork developed by Joseph and Clara Pilates. Based on his concepts of a balanced body and mind, and drawn from the approach espoused by the early Greeks, these are the exercises that continue to sustain a worldwide revolution in fitness strategies and exercise techniques.

Joseph Pilates has been nothing short of revolutionary in his impact on the world of fitness and exercise. Readers will learn and view the original 34 exercises that Pilates taught to his students, many of whom have become exercise gurus in their own right. These carefully designed exercises constitute the results of decades of scientific study and research into the variety of physical ills that upset the balance of body and mind. Practitioners of Pilates’ forms and exercises in the 21st century continue to expand upon this earlier work by presenting a variety of creative new approaches involving circular movements, standing postures, and core strengthening exercises using props such as tubes, weights, poles, bands, magic circles, mini-balls, stability balls, foam rollers, and more.

Now included in this Revised Edition are 18 additional pages of explanations of what has transpired since the original 1945 work, along with several photo/text sequences of the latest 21st-century enhancements in the Pilates world. There are new descriptive pages of text that first describe the fitness principles evolved from Pilates’ original Contrology work. This is followed by detailed text describing 21st-century evolutionary developments that present the key dancers, choreographers, and leaders in the Pilates Studio and certifying organizations through the present. This section ends with a discussion of evolutionary props and apparatus developments, plus 21st-century sample exercises drawn from our larger new book, Pilates Evolution for the 21st Century.

Following this section are three complete prop-based demonstration exercises that include both photographic sequences (four per exercise) and step-by-step instructions for 21st-century Pilates exercises using the magic circle, elastic resistance, and the small fitness mini-ball.

[Originally published in 1998] “The self-described Black feminist lesbian mother poet used a mixture of prose, theory, poetry, and experience to interrogate oppressions and uplift marginalized communities. She was one of the first Black feminists to target heteronormativity, and to encourage Black feminists to expand their understanding of erotic pleasure. She amplified anti-oppression, even as breast cancer ravaged her ailing body.” — Evette Dionne, Bustle Magazine

Winner of the 1989 Before Columbus Foundation American Book Award, this path-breaking collection of essays is a clarion call to build communities that nurture our spirit. Lorde announces the need for a radical politics of intersectionality while struggling to maintain her own faith as she wages a battle against liver cancer. From reflections on her struggle with the disease to thoughts on lesbian sexuality and African-American identity in a straight white man’s world, Lorde’s voice remains enduringly relevant in today’s political landscape.

Those who practice and encourage social justice activism frequently quote her exhortation, “Caring for myself is not self-indulgence, it is self-preservation, and that is an act of political warfare.” In addition to the journal entries of “A Burst of Light: Living with Cancer,” this edition includes an interview, “Sadomasochism: Not About Condemnation,” and three essays, “I Am Your Sister: Black Women Organizing Across Sexualities,” “Apartheid U.S.A.,” and “Turning the Beat Around: Lesbian Parenting 1986,” as well as a new foreword by Sonia Sanchez.

“When I don’t know what to do, I turn to the Lorde.” — Alexis Pauline Gumbs, Bitch Media

The Ethiopian Bible is the oldest and most complete Bible on earth. Written in Ge’ez, an ancient dead language of Ethiopia, it’s nearly 800 years older than the King James Version and contains over 100 books compared to 66 of the Protestant Bible.

Included Works

• Books of Enoch
• Esdras
• Buruch
• All three Books of Meqabyan (Maccabees)
• And many others that were excluded from the KJV

The Ethiopian Bible features 20 books not included in the Protestant canon.

The Book of Lies (full title: Which is also Falsely Called BREAKS. The Wanderings or Falsifications of the One Thought of Frater Perdurabo, which Thought is itself Untrue. Liber CCCXXXIII [Book 333]) was written by English occultist and teacher Aleister Crowley (using the pen name of Frater Perdurabo) and first published in 1912 or 1913.

“This book deals with many matters on all planes of the very highest importance. It is an official publication for Babes of the Abyss, but is recommended even to beginners as highly suggestive.”

Joe Louis’s How to Box will teach you to deliver a knockout punch, step by step. The legendary heavyweight champion thoroughly covers all aspects of boxing in this well-written, definitive guide. Louis’s sense of fair play, good sportsmanship, and dedicated training will both instruct and inspire.

Description

Beginning with mental discipline, Louis moves through:

• Mental discipline
• Basic training and equipment
• Stance, punching, and footwork
• Working with a punching bag
• Methods of training
• Various strategic punches

Generously illustrated with diagrams and action photos, here is everything needed to learn how to excel in the ring.

Historical Context

One of the greatest boxers of all time, Joe Louis was in the ring before and during World War II. Some of his famous bouts became symbolic of the larger global conflict at hand; because of this he was the first Black American to be widely recognized as a national hero, playing a key role in the eventual integration of professional sports.

Edition Features

Also included in this edition are listings of Louis’s Heavyweight Title Defenses and championships in every weight class. How to Box concisely presents the best boxing techniques along with a slice of sporting history.

Why Read This Book?

Whether you are a sports fan, want a great workout, or plan to competitively enter the ring one day, this book by the man who famously said:

“You can run, but you can’t hide,”

is must reading.

“The Ruins, Or, Meditation On The Revolutions Of Empires: And The Law Of Nature” is a philosophical treatise composed in the late 18th century that delves into themes of society, morality, and the cyclic nature of empires and civilizations, using historical reflections. Originally published in French as “Les Ruines” in 1791, it became one of Volney’s most influential works.

The book is a reflection on the rise and fall of empires throughout history and an exploration of the underlying principles of nature that govern their cycles. Volney draws on his extensive travels throughout the Mediterranean and Middle East to provide a detailed analysis of the ruins of ancient civilizations.

Volney’s best known work deals with the origins of human society, of government and laws, the evolution of society, and the reasons for the decline and fall of empires. The work is structured around the author’s contemplation of ancient ruins, which serves as a springboard for broader philosophical discussions about human nature, religion, and political systems.

The book gained significant influence in America, where Thomas Jefferson liked the book so much he anonymously translated it into English. Jefferson believed the book’s central premise—Empires Rise If Government Allows Enlightened Self-Interest to Flourish—aligned with his own political philosophy.

The work is notable for its Enlightenment rationalism, its critique of organized religion, and its cyclical view of history. It combines historical analysis with moral philosophy, arguing that natural laws govern both individual behavior and the fate of civilizations. The book was controversial for its time due to its religious skepticism and materialist philosophy, but it became widely read and influential among intellectuals of the era.

Here is the story of one Black American Communist who became disillusioned with Communism and penned this cautionary tale of the perils of his experience. According to the author:

“Ten years I labored in the cause of Communism. I was a dedicated ‘comrade.’ All my talents and efforts were zealously used to bring about the triumph of Communism in America and throughout the world. To me, the end of capitalism would mark the beginning of an interminable period of plenty, peace, prosperity and universal comradeship. All racial and class differences and conflicts would end forever after the liquidation of the capitalists, their government and their supporters…

Little did I realize until I was deeply enmeshed in the Red Conspiracy, that just and seeming grievances are exploited to transform idealism into a cold and ruthless weapon against the capitalist system—that this is the end toward which all the communist efforts among Negroes are directed. Indeed, I had entered the red conspiracy in the vain belief that it was the way to a ‘new, better and superior’ world system of society. Ten years later, thoroughly disillusioned, I abandoned communism.” From the preface.

Born in Jim Crow–era Monroe, North Carolina, Robert F. Williams and Mabel R. Williams were the state’s most legendary African American freedom fighters. The Williamses’ leadership in Monroe was just the beginning of a lifelong pursuit of freedom and justice for Black people in the United States and for oppressed populations throughout the world. Their activism foreshadowed major developments in the civil rights and Black Power movements, including Malcolm X’s advocacy of fighting oppression “by any means necessary,” the emergence of the Black Panther Party, and Black solidarity with Third World liberation movements.

Robert documented his experiences in Monroe in his classic 1962 book, Negroes with Guns, and completed a draft of his memoir, While God Lay Sleeping, months before his death in 1996. Mabel began a memoir of her own before her death in 2014. The family selected John Bracey Jr., Akinyele K. Umoja, and Gloria Aneb House to edit and complete the manuscripts, which are presented together in this book, offering a gripping portrait of these pioneering freedom fighters that is both deeply intimate and a fierce call to action in the ongoing fight against racial injustice.

It’s been 30 years since Atlantis Browder made her first trip to Africa as a seven-year-old visiting Egypt with family and friends. That sparked a keen interest in travel and history. She has visited seven countries in Africa since 1989, but Egypt continues to hold a special place in her heart. Atlantis has traveled to Egypt 14 times and has spent the last nine years working with her dad excavating two 2700-year-old tombs on the West Bank of Luxor, Egypt. Atlantis and her dad are the first African Americans, father/daughter archaeological team, and she holds the distinction of being the first African American to enter the tombs of Karakhamun and Karabasken.

Originally published by Johnson Publishing Company, Inc.

The black experience in America—starting from its origins in western Africa up to the present day—is examined in this seminal study from a prominent African American figure. The entire historical timeline of African Americans is addressed, from the Colonial period through the civil rights upheavals of the 1960s and 1970s. The most recent scholarship on the geographic, social, economic, and cultural journeys of African Americans, together with vivid portraits of key black leaders, complete this comprehensive reference.

Enoch, the Ethiopian, Patriarch and Prophet, Greater than Abraham, Holier than Moses, is the first perfect human being in the bible and the first immortal man according to Moses the lawgiver (Gen.5:18,22,24), and yet he has been kept a secret until the printing of this revealing book.

First published in 1959, this pair of meditations by the revered civil-rights leader Martin Luther King, Jr. contains the theological roots of his political and social philosophy of nonviolent activism. Eloquent and passionate, reasoned and sensitive.

At the first National Conference on Christian Education of the United Church of Christ, held at Purdue University in the summer of 1958, Martin Luther King presented two notable devotional addresses. Moved by the dear and persuasive quality of his words, many of the 3000 delegates to the conference urged that the meditations be made available in book form. They wanted the book for their own libraries and they were eager to share Dr. King’s vital messages with fellow Christians of other denominations.

In the resolute struggle of American Negroes to achieve complete acceptance as citizens and neighbors the author is recognized as a leader of extraordinary resourcefulness, valor, and skill. His concern for justice and brotherhood and the nonviolent methods that he advocated and uses, are based on a serious commitment to the Christian faith.

As his meditations in this book suggest, Dr. King regards meditation and action as indivisible functions of the religious life. When we think seriously in the presence of the Most High, when in sincerity we “go up to the mountain of the Lord,” the sure event is that “he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths” (Isaiah 2: 3).

"With her first incredibly provocative literary masterwork, Robyn Williams has produced an insightful novel that candidly probes the potent dynamics of black romance. Williams melds explosive passion, eroticism, greed, violence, and pain into an electrifying and climactic entanglement. In the vein of Terry McMillans Waiting to Exhale and Connie Briscoes Sister and Lovers, Preconceived Notions powerfully explores the passions, desires and fears that erupt when a beautiful, fiery black woman and a "strong black man" fall in love. Imagany is a bright and ambitious Fisk University journalism major with a talent for dance. Elliott is the handsome, charismatic star quarterback for Tennessee State University. When they meet, the attraction is immediate; the intensity of their passion leaves their lives irrevocably changed forever. As their relationship unfolds, however, their unrivaled love is challenged by the deep, dark secrets lurking in the shadows of Imagany’s past. These secrets threaten not only to tear apart the paradise they have created for themselves, but also the very soul of Imagany herself." - Regina Lynch Hudson

Here we have the classic recipe. Blend love, sex, romance, deception, raw ambition and intrigue. Add to it a dash of lust, trust, betrayal, friendship and revenge, a light sprinkle to today’s entertainment industry. Stir, and you have commingled all of the key ingredients.

Robyn Williams, masterful storyteller and literary genius, displays her extraordinary talent for characterization in A Fool’s Paradise. Like her previous novels, she lures readers into an intriguing world of lifelike imagery and memorable, colorful characters. The story is robust with suspense, romance, tragedy, humor and elements of the supernatural intricately woven into a series of well-conceived plot twists guaranteed to leave readers spellbound long after the last page is turned. From the majestic heights of Utah s mountainous Alps to the splendor of Italy and France, to the opulence of Los Angeles, to the gritty streets of Washington, D.C. and New York City, A Fool’s Paradise reveals the story of Dr. Aaryn Jamison, one of the nation s most prominent African American physicians. She is brilliant and immensely successful and has a penchant for mountain climbing. Gifted with healing hands, she ambitiously places her career first and has ruled out the magic of love. She is more comfortable in the healing spiritual realm of the supernatural than she is in a glittering world of lustful, intimacy-starved, celebrity-driven fortune seekers. Enter Jayson Denali, internationally acclaimed Academy award-winning actor. The handsome, charismatic, potently virile male superstar rose from meager beginnings to become king among Hollywood s elite. He is the talented A-list movie star that every director covets and every woman fawns over. The complete antithesis of Aaryn Jamison, their personalities, temperaments and egos clash from the moment they meet at Shriners Medical Center where Jayson s mother is admitted for long-term rehabilitation. Repulsed by what she sees as Jayson s vanity, bravado and conceit from widely publicized accounts of his womanizing behavior, Aaryn wants no contact with the brazen superstar and abruptly refers the Denalis to another physician. Appalled by Aaryn s objectionable and perceived arrogant behavior, Jayson is only too eager to leave the hospital in pursuit of another medical facility. Fate, however, intervenes and plunges the two down a startling road of self-discovery fraught with meddling parents, scheming ex-lovers, jealous co-stars and an ever-watchful, over-protective entourage. Passions simmer as forces conspire for and against the destinies of these two diametrically opposed individuals. Equally compelling is the unexpected and vivid depiction of the powerful and mysterious nature of the supernatural at work in the character s lives. A Fool’s Paradise is storytelling at its best. Robyn Williams illustrates with compassion and intensity a beautiful story laced with seduction and sensuality so skillfully crafted that no reader will be able to resist this unbelievably cinematic tale. Savor the richness, enchantment, and emotionally infused chemistry of genuine relationships of the heart, for A Fool’s Paradise is as complex and inspiring as the real world it parallels. This poignant novel explores the imperfections of people, relationships, friendships and families. Perhaps Williams best work, A Fool’s Paradise is a powerful transition into mainstream fiction. It is a literary treasure and a must read for any mature, sophisticated reader’s collection.

Long Awaited Much Anticipated But, let me ask the question, Have you been vaccinated? Because here comes an Inoculation of Truth, Guaranteed to immunize you niggtivity proof. Niggativityis that deadly mental disease killing-off the Black Community;making us live like slaves, even though we born free.But exempt and liberated God will soon be God will soon, Be. Here comes that healing cupful of truth.Bitter to some, but sweet to the true, So, pass the cup, after you have drank the down. And never again let evil hold The Originals Dow.

AALBC.com Note: Despite the popularity of this title on our website, the Willie Lynch Letter is a hoax.

The Willie Lynch Letter and the Making of a Slave is a study of slave making. It discribes the rationale and the results of Anglo Saxon’s ideas and methods of insuring the master/slave relationship. The infamous Willie Lynch letter gives both African and Caucasian students and teachers some insight, concerning the brutal and inhumane psychology behind the African slave trade. The materialistic viewpoint of Southern plantation owners that slaver was a business and the victims of chattel slavery were merely pawns in an economic game of debauchery, cross-breeding, inter-racial rape and mental conditioning of a negroid race, they considered sub-human. Equally important is the international nature of the European economic, political and cultural climate that influenced the slave trade. Within the time scale of African History, it was a relatively short period, a mere one and a half centuries from the most intensive phase of the Atlantic slave trade to the advent of European administration and dominance. Long before that the Slave Coast had been chartered by the Portuguese and the people off the area west of Benin, between the volta River and Lagos, European traders traced a cultural history which linked them with the earliest Yoruba settlements to the north and eastern borders of Africa.

The second publication co-authored by 13-year-old Atlantis Tye Browder and her father Anthony Browder. It chronicles her experiences while participating in a 15-day study tour of West Africa during the Summer of 1993.

…a message to the Black Youth.This is a compilation of individual essays written during the summer-fall of 1992. The essays are designed to inspire thought within the Black Mind. These writings are primarily targeted toward the Black Youth of this day, of which I am a part of. I am not a "Master" of these teachings, but these teachings I wish to "Master.""They" say that my generation is not intelligent enough to read a book. I say that "They" are wrong. It is just that "They" are not writing about anything of interest that is relevant to our lives!And when "They" do write something, they have to write in the perfect "King’s English" to impress their Harvard Professors! Here we are with a book in one hand, and a dictionary in the other, trying to understand what in the hell the author is talking about!If you have got something to say, just say it! We are not impressed by your 27-letter words, or your Shakespearian style of writing. The Black Youth of today don’t give a damn about Shakespeare!!! This ain’t no damn poetry contest! Wear are dealing with the life, blood, and salvation of our entire Black Nation!If you want to reach the People, you have to embrace us where we are, and then take us where we need to go. So, these writings are from my generation and for my generation with respect and love.If no one will teach, love and guide us, then we will teach love and guide ourselves.Peace.

African Origins of the Major “Western Religions” first published in 1970, continues to be one of Dr. Ben's most thought-provoking works. This critical examination of the history, beliefs, and myths remains instructive and fresh. By highlighting the African influences and roots of these religions, Dr. Ben reveals an untold history that is completely unknown, Dr. Ben says covered up by the White race, by the rest of the world.

Reprint. Originally published: Sheed and Ward, 1968.

For nearly 500 years the illusion that Jesus was white dominated the world only because white Europeans dominated the world. Now, with the emergence of the nationalist movements of the world’s colored majority, the historic truth is finally beginning to emerge—that Jesus was the non-white leader of a non-white people struggling for national liberation against the rule of a white nation, Rome. The intermingling of the races in Africa and the Mediterranean area is an established fact. The Nation Israel was a mixture of Chaldeans, Egyptians, Midianites, Ethiopians, Kushites, Babylonians and other dark peoples, all of whom were already mixed with the black people of Central Africa.

That white Americans continue to insist upon a white Christ in the face of all historical evidence to the contrary and despite the hundreds of shrines to Black Madonnas all over the world, is the crowning demonstration of their white supremacist conviction that all things good and valuable must be white. On the other hand, until black Christians are ready to challenge this lie, they have not freed themselves from their spiritual bondage to the white man nor established in their own minds their right to first-class citizenship in Christ’s kingdom on earth. Black people cannot build dignity on their knees worshipping a white Christ. We must put down this white Jesus which the white man gave us in slavery and which has been tearing us to pieces.

An important work that carefully analyzes the events that led to the Haitian Revolution of 1804. Dr. Carruthers highlights Bookman, Toussaint L’Overture, and Jean Jacques Dessalines.

A friend of Carl Jung, The Secret of the Golden Flower describes a straightforward and silent meditation method that has been characterized as “Zen with details.”

According to countless mainstream news organs, Elijah Muhammad, by far, was the most powerful black man in America. Known more for the students he produced, like Malcolm X, Louis Farrakhan, and Muhammad Ali, this controversial man exposed the Black man as well as the world to a teaching, till now, was only used behind closed doors of high degree Masons and Shriners. An easy and smart read.