Moments In BlacK: A book review of The Convenant with Black American

Post date: Feb 11, 2012 2:42:46 PM

“The eyes of the future are looking back at us and they are praying for us to see beyond our own time."--- Tempest Williams A collaborate work with some of Black America's most recognized pioneers, civil rights activist, and most influential political figures at the fore front, The Covenant with Black America urges Black America to demand equality at all levels of social and economic class.Seven years after it was first written, The Covenant with Black America, even today, continues to speak to many of the social and economic issues that plaque Black America. Written from various authors’ perspective, a series of essays, The Covenant with Black America specifically focuses on issues affecting black communities throughout the United States. While, The Covenant with Black America discuss at length some of the problems facing Black America, it also provide solutions to remedy both social and economic unequality in Black America. From education to incarceration, to accessing jobs and building wealth, The Covenant with Black America points out the importance of receiving a quality education as well as the harmful effects of wrongful incarceration of juveniles and women; at the same time, The Covenant with Black America examines the "State of Black America" jobs and wealth. Despite the many strives and efforts of Black America, the economic recession of 2008 deeply impacted Black communities throughout the United States thus causing a reduction in economic progress. Furthermore, since the 2008 economic recession many of the social and economic issues discussed in The Covenant with Black America have been compounded, as a result of high unemployment and economic disparity. To conclude, of the three essays I reviewed, "Establishing A System Of Public Education In Which All Children Achieve At High Levels And Reach Their Full Potential";"Correcting The System of Unequal Justice"; and "Accessing Good Jobs; Wealth ,and Economic Prosperity";the overall message of each essay included the following:

Black America should demand equality

Black America should ask for accountability

Black America should "hold all leaders and elected officials responsible",

and Black America should insist that the government educate instead of incarcerate. Without a question, The Covenant with Black America just as One Million in Black did in its time effectively communicates the social and economic disparity threatening the growth of Black America.