Date: Wednesday, January 6, 2010
By: Tonya Pendleton, BlackAmericaWeb.com

Now that the publishing industry is in steep decline, black male authors with anything significant to say are in an even smaller minority than ever before. If you’re not writing about sex or violence via street lit, and if you’re not a celebrity, it’s hard to get a book deal since "conventional wisdom" is that black men don’t read.

Has anyone ever thought that maybe it’s because there’s just not enough books geared toward them?

If you’re a black man or raising one, you might want to check out this list of books that every black man should read. They are all written by black men - one by a sitting president - and represent a myriad of time periods. The amazing thing is that even the books written decades ago, like Richard Wright’s classic “Native Son,” are still extremely relevant today, which doesn’t say much about this society’s evolution when it comes to black males.

Here's our list of books that should be part of any brother's library.

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“The Pact,” by George Jenkins, Rameck Hunt, Sampson Davis and Lisa Frazier Page  (2002)

Three young black men from single parent homes make a pact to support each others' goals of becoming doctors. Despite their modest background and their dismal surroundings, all three realize their dreams and become doctors, practicing medicine in the very Newark, N.J. neighborhoods they came from. Definitely a must-read for any brother, but particularly for the younger set in need of positive motivation.

"Black Men: Obselete, Single, Dangerous: The Afrikan-American Family In Transition," by Haki Madhubuti (1991)

Madhubuti, the famed professor, author and poet who also founded indie book publishing company Third World Press, wrote this book in 1991, but it remains just as relevant today. A look at the wounds of the black male psyche, Madhubuti explores their origins while providing real-life examples of how to overcome them. This is a must-read for any black man striving to improve himself and his community.

“The Black Male Handbook: A Blueprint for Life” by Kevin Powell (2008)

Author/activist Powell may be a generation younger than Haki Madhubuti, but his book is similarly themed, as it relates to solutions for black males. In his book, he talks about everything from spirituality and sexuality to finances and positive ways to direct your life. This is another great book for young men, especially those who lack guidance from a father or other male figure in their lives.

“Autobiography of Malcolm X,” by Malcolm X and Alex Haley (1965)
 
Not much needs to be said about this timeless autobiography, but if you’ve just seen the movie and not read the book, you’ve missed out. The story of Malcolm Little and his evolution into Malcolm X is one that everyone should read, but will particularly resonate for black men, especially those who seek redemption. It was originally published 45 years ago, but it is as important a work today as it ever was.

“Soledad Brother,” by George Jackson (1970)

The story of George Jackson and his brother Johnathan may have been forgotten by most over time, but a look at the dehumanization of America's prison system is more important now than ever. In jail, Jackson became an author,  activist and the reported love interest of 70’s icon Angela Davis. This book consists of his letters from jail, and although the times were very different, the problems of incarceration and poverty remain the same.

“Seize The Time,” by Bobby Seale (1970)

Seale’s book on the formation of the Black Panther Party, reissued in 1996, is a fascinating look at the inner workings of the organization and his relationship with Huey P. Newton, its controversial leader. This book also refutes many myths about the Panthers and, most of all, provides a look from an insider at one of African-American history’s most powerful and controversial organizations. 

“Souls of My Brothers: Black Men Break Their Silence, Tell Their Truths and Heal Their Spirits,” edited by Candace Sandy and Dawn Marie Daniels (2003)

The companion book to “Souls of My Sisters,” another collection of essays from black women, the men’s version is particularly touching as men deal with loss, love, life and everything in between. Prominent black men, including a few celebrities, contributed their stories, and the result is an interesting look at the rare book that is not just for black men, but written by them.

“Manchild In the Promised Land,” by Claude Brown  (1965)

A coming of age tale set in the 60’s, Brown's epic autobiographical novel of life as young black male set the tone for many memoirs to come. Of course, technology has drastically changed the world since his book, but substitute 1980's Los Angeles, 1990's Brooklyn or 2000's Chicago, and the story is pretty much the same. This is yet another book that chronicles the specific struggles of the black man in America.

“Makes Me Wanna Holler,” by Nathan McCall (1995)

For those who want a more modern depiction of the plight of some black men, seek out McCall’s reflection on his life growing up in Virginia. It’s a raw work that has inspired some and polarized others as it graphically depicts McCall’s criminal past and his subsequent turnaround to become a writer and professor. You may not agree with everything in the book, but it’s fascinating reading regardless.

"Dreams of My Father," by Barack Obama (2004)

You may have heard of this guy, perhaps the most famous best-selling author to ever become president. But this book is not about politics or his presidential ambitions; it’s about a young man trying to connect with an absent father and find his way in life. As someone once said, he couldn’t have known he would ever run for president before writing this book. You’ve seen him make history; now read how the person who did was shaped in his formative years.

"Bloods: Black Veterans of the Vietnam War," by Wallace Terry (1985)

This is a profoundly disturbing account by the soldiers themselves of the toll that the Vietnam War took on many young black males. It’s a difficult read, as their graphic descriptions of some of the hardships and violence they faced there is heartbreaking. If you know a veteran of Vietnam, they probably won’t want to read it, but if they’re a loved one, you may gain some insight on what they dealt with. A truly significant book that has sadly faded into obscurity.