No Sweet Without Brine: Poems by Cynthia Manick is both a soulful and celebratory collection that summons sticky sweet memories with an acrid aftertaste of deep thought. Satisfying moments are captured in odes to Idris Elba’s dulcet tones on a meditation app and the satisfaction of half-priced Entenmann’s poundcake; in childlike observations of parental Black love, the coveted female form on Jet Magazine covers, and the desire for Zamunda to be a real place full of Black joy. The sour taps into an analysis of reclusiveness, silencing catcalls from men on the street, and detailed recipes and advice to the Black girls forced to endow themselves with armor against the world. Buy Now ▶ Side Notes from the Archivist: Poems by Anastacia-Reneé is a preservation of Black culture viewed through a feminist lens. The Archivist leads readers through poems that epitomize youthful renditions of a Black girl coming of age in Philadelphia’s pre-funk ’80s; episodic adventures of “the Black Girl” whose life is depicted through the white gaze; and selections of verse evincing affection for self and testimony to the magnificence within Black femme culture at-large. Buy Now ▶ | Hiding and distorting the history of Black people is a global phenomenon and has persisted for hundreds of years. The attempt to separate, or delink, Egypt from Africa is a prime example. It is our responsibility to support the histories that challenge false narratives that marginalize the contributions of Black people to civilization. The following books help accomplish that mission. | Nile Valley Contributions to Civilization challenges the notion that Western civilization is the sole source of human progress. It is an eye-opening book that explores the profound impact of the Nile Valley civilization on human history. With meticulous research and captivating storytelling, Browder takes readers on a journey through time, unraveling the extraordinary achievements and contributions of the ancient Nile Valley civilization. Learn More ? | African Pyramids of Knowledge empowering book that delves into the issues surrounding the dominance of Eurocentric perspectives and their impact on African people. Through insightful analysis and passionate storytelling, Asante sheds light on the detrimental effects of Eurocentrism on the African psyche, identity, and collective consciousness. He eloquently argues for the urgent need to reclaim African narratives, histories, and ways of knowing, and to dismantle the pervasive structures that perpetuate the marginalization and erasure of African voices. Learn More ? | The book serves as a testament to the resilience and ingenuity of the Kushite people, highlighting their mastery of various industries, including agriculture, trade, and craftsmanship. Moreover, it explores the profound influence of Kush on neighboring regions, including Egypt, and challenges long-held Eurocentric narratives that have overshadowed the accomplishments of African civilizations. Kush: The Jewel of Nubia not only examines the historical aspects of the Kushite civilization but also delves into its cultural and spiritual practices, offering a comprehensive exploration of their belief systems, rituals, and societal structures. The author pays homage to the cultural continuity and interconnectedness of African civilizations, emphasizing the importance of understanding and celebrating African roots. Learn More ? | From the Nile Valley to the new world, science invention, and technology. The London lectures of Dr. John Henrik Clarke and Dr. Yosef ben-Jochannan were delivered for the minority Ethnic Unit of the Greater London Council in 1986. Since then there had been a great demand for these lectures, which were recorded along with an extensive question-and-answer period. Dr. Clarke has edited these lectures and has expanded the collection to include important biographical notes on both Dr. ben-Jochannan and himself as well an invaluable reading guide on African history. Learn More ? | As a proud Nubian/African, with an affirmative self-awareness, Dr. Hefny challenged a system that immediately classified him as a white man, purely because he originates from Egypt. He paid a heavy price for his self-assertion with personal harassment, professional isolation, lack of legitimate promotions at work, and tremendous legal costs resulting, in mental, physical, and financial stress. Learn More ? | The thirteen gripping tales In The Last Suspicious Holdout, the new story collection by award-winning author Ladee Hubbard, deftly chronicle poignant moments in the lives of an African American community located in a “sliver of southern suburbia.” Spanning from 1992 to 2007, the stories represent a period during which the Black middle-class expanded while stories of “welfare Queens,” “crack babies,” and “super predators” abounded in the media. Buy Now ▶** Inspired by a 112-year-old woman the author discovered in an 1870 U.S. Federal census report for Ohio, loosely based on the author’s real-life female ancestors, spanning more than a hundred years, from the mid-eighteen-century to the end of America’s Civil War, and spanning across the globe, from what is now southern Nigeria to the islands of the Caribbean to North America and the land bordering the Ohio River. Things Past Telling is a breathtaking story of a past that lives on in all of us and a life that encompasses the best—and worst—of our humanity. Buy Now ▶ | Our website upgrade is still in the works. The original plan was for it to be completed in the spring, but it looks like the summer or early fall is more likely. There are a lot of moving parts and the website continues to grow at a rapid rate. “Scope creep” and life has been factors too. As always, your support is crucial to helping us continue to improve the African American Literature Book Club. Your paid subscriptions, book purchases, suggestions, engagement on the site, social sharing, advertisements, and feedback help support the African American Literature Book Club’s mission of celebrating Black culture through books. If you are already a supporter, please accept my sincere thank you! Peace and Love,
Troy Johnson
President, AALBC.com, LLC | This newsletter is sponsored by Amistad
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? AALBC.com eNewsletter — June 21, 2023 - Issue #390 | |
