[.ca] Ways Of Black Folks (ISBN 0758206348)

Say It Loud:
Lawrence Ross traveled the countries of the African Diaspora to compile the profiles that are featured in THE WAYS OF BLACK FOLKS. The stories seek to show that the people of the Diaspora may be in the different locales however they are very similar in their ideologies. Each story, a day in the featured person's life, is a compelling look into people from a sundry of backgrounds and experiences. The book opens with a stark look into the final moments of a condemned woman awaiting her execution. THE WAYS OF BLACK FOLKS contains narratives about poet Nikki Giovanni, radio DJ Frank Ski and the former Atlanta mayor Bill Campbell. Ross has assembled a book that celebrates our uniqueness as an African people. Although we may be separated by geographical backgrounds; we share a unique voice that is heard worldwide. A reader interested in African studies or those wanting to know more about people of African Diaspora will enjoy this book. Reviewed by Robilyn Heath...

Personal Black experience in global perspective:
This is must reading for black people seeking a global perspective on the daily life of black people. The author's unique storytelling abilty and writing style provides interesting, relaxed, reading based on first-hand observations and conversations with black folks in today's world.

Learning who we are through others:
The Divine Nine introduced the reader to different fraternal organization and from that book, the author gave birth to The Way of Black Folks, which in essence is a journey of the African American connections. Lawrence C. Ross Jr. explores what our links are and whether it is our social status; income or birthplace. I feel truly blessed that Mr. Ross feels passionate about African Americans that he has put it on paper for all to read. For fourteen months the author traveled all over gathering, interviewing and collecting stories from ordinary people with everyday lives. Chapter after chapter The Ways of Black Folks offer invaluable information that anyone can identify with. I found my story in the women who believes that she is not connected to the continent of Africa.It was not until I began learning my history that I realized I am apart of the continent and proud of it. I have to smile now at my ignorance, what is that old saying "Ignorance is Bliss." Under the chapter title, the geography of where the interviewee is from is listed along with a quote. The Ways of Black Folks, A Year in the Life of a People, was a very informative read. It is my hope that many of our people read this book and try to find their own link in someones story. Lawrence C. Ross, pops in and out of the stories but never monopolizes, he is just there to clarify or give additional insight. I am happy I was afforded the opportunity to borrow this book and review it. Missy APOOO Bookclub