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White Lies, Black Issues Book Review's Founder Passes - April 5, 2022


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ShowtheWorld Ad AALBC 28659 1p 1sec
 

Show the World is a celebration of self-expression and the power of using your voice, centering Black children, and exploring the many things they can do, create, and say to make their mark. Buy Now ▶

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9780358447757

A riveting biography of Walter F. White, a little-known Black civil rights leader who passed for white in order to investigate racist murders, help put the NAACP on the map, and change the racial identity of America forever Walter F. White led two lives: one as a leader of the Harlem Renaissance and the NAACP in the early twentieth century; the other as a white newspaperman who covered lynching crimes in the Deep South at the blazing height of racial violence.

 

Born mixed-race and with very fair skin and straight hair, White was able to “pass” for white. He leveraged this ambiguity as a reporter, bringing to light the darkest crimes in America and helping to plant the seeds of the civil rights movement. White’s risky career led him to lead a double life. He was simultaneously a second-class citizen subject to Jim Crow laws at home and a widely respected professional with full access to the white world at work. His life was fraught with internal and external conflict—much like the story of race in America. Starting as an obscure activist, White ultimately became Black America’s most prominent leader. Read More ▶

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9781975784140

The Miseducation of Obi Ifeanyi by Chinedu Achebe

Some of the world’s finest fiction has been written by Nigerians. Let’s look at the writers from that area in the Motherland, who have created a distinctive collection of classic works of imagination and timelessness: Wole Soyinka, Ben Okri, Chinua Achebe, Sefi Atta, Helon Habola, Teju Cole, and the popular Chimamanda Nzogi Adichie. Joining this roster, Nigerian-American Chinedu Achebe, The Miseducation of Obi Ifeanyi, stands tall with its particular brand of cultural irony, sexual intrigue, and political awareness. Read the Entire Review ▶

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9781735140810

Black Chess by Roberta Roberts

To succeed at chess, players need to be—among other things—tactical, strategic, calculating, in control, focused, and vigilant. In Black Chess the characters represent both players and game pieces, who make it to the opposite end of the board in their individual and corresponding ways. In the process, they reassess their values, needs, support systems, and aspirations. Their stories are now fresh and hopeful. Roberts’ use of the game of chess as a metaphor for Black lives seeking to survive and thrive against all odds is genius and provides scope for layers of interpretation that are sure to intrigue readers. Checkmate. Well played. Read the Entire Review ▶

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9781594485503

A masterful, moving novel about age, memory, and family from one of the true literary icons of our time.

 

Ptolemy Grey is ninety-one years old and has been all but forgotten by his family, his friends, and even himself as he sinks into lonely dementia. His grand-nephew, Ptolemy’s only connection to the outside world, was recently killed in a drive-by shooting, and Ptolemy is too suspicious of anyone else to allow them into his life. until he meets Robyn, his niece’s seventeen-year-old lodger and the only one willing to take care of an old man at his grandnephew’s funeral. Read More ▶

 

N. Ojo of Richmond, VA. was the winner of an autographed copy of The Last Days of Ptolemy Grey in AALBC’s last contest.

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Dr. William E. Cox Passes

drbill-cox

The Cox family regrets to announce the passing of Dr. William "Bill" E. Cox, 79, of Clifton, Virginia, on March 21, 2022. Bill passed away, surrounded by his loved ones after a long illness. He leaves a rich legacy from his lifelong career advocating for equity and opportunities in higher education.

 

Bill’s legacy was important to the Black community, because he understood the importance of storytelling. He founded Black Issues Book Review, and helped to put Black authors on the radar by pushing these writers to self-publish their work. BIBR, as it was commonly known, was published from 1999 to 2007 and was the only large circulation forum solely devoted to covering both fiction and nonfiction books written by black authors. More about BIBR ▶

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Troy-D-Johnson-AALBC-Founder-2020-news

Dear Troy,

During the next few months, we will be upgrading the AALBC website — AALBC 3.0! We are aiming to enhance the look and feel of the site to help visitors appreciate the tremendous repository of information about Black Books AALBC provides. We are also planning to make enhancements under the cover to make AALBC a world-class platform.

 

Troy, you are the primary reason AALBC continues to grow in an increasingly competitive environment. Your paid subscriptions, book purchases, suggestions, engagement on the site, social sharing, advertisements, and feedback help support AALBC’s mission of celebrating Black culture through books.

 

Peace and Love,
Troy Johnson
Founder & Webmaster, AALBC.com

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This message is sponsored by Viking Books for Young Readers.
Consider sponsoring our eNewsletter or a dedicated email.
★ AALBC.com eNewsletter – April 5, 2022 - Issue #356

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