The African Unconscious - an Afro-centric look at human history - Classic Book of the Month

For an Afro-centric look at human history this month's Book of the Month The African Unconscious Roots of Ancient Mysticism and Modern Psychology by Edward Bruce Bynum.

This book, originally published in 1999, has become a true classic offering a fascinating view on the roots of our human existence, positing that all humans at their deepest core are variations on the African template, creating a shared identity and collective unconscious in all. 

Author Edward Bruce Bynum looks at both phenotypical types and psychic structures that form and identify us as human beings. During these times of the Black Lives Matter movement and many question the position of African Americans in American society, this book provides an intriguing backdrop to humanity and our daily life.

Praise for The African Unconscious:

The Moynihan Report - The Negro Family and the Case for National Action

 

While 2020 is the year that the Black Lives Matter movement has drawn attention to the problems facing the African American population, the problems of black poverty had already been addressed years ago in an important 1965 report by then Assistant Secretary of Labor under President Lyndon B. Johnson, the liberal Daniel Moynihan: The Negro Family: The Case for National Action aka The Moynihan Report

Different from the orthodox view at the time that economic conditions determine social conditions, this report concluded that the conditions under which black children were being raised, generally in single-mother households, were the leading cause of black poverty. In order to address this, Moynihan called for jobs programs and vocational training for blacks. In his words:

"The fundamental problem… is that of family structure. The evidence - not final but powerfully persuasive - is that the Negro family in the urban ghettos is crumbling.”

While this report was believed to have influenced the creation of President Johnson's War on Poverty, its conclusions were critized by many black and civil rights leaders. Whatever the various criticisms, this controversial report... 

Black Fatigue - the Intergenerational Impact of Racism

 

It is not a common occurence that we present books by other publishers, but we are happy to make an exception for an unique book, Black Fatigue - How Racism Erodes the Mind, Body, and Spirit by Mary-Frances Winters and published by Berrett Koehler Publisher (an Oakland based publishing company dedicated to change the world for the better).

Black Fatigue is the first book to define and explore Black fatigue, the intergenerational impact of racism on the physical and psychological health of Black people--and explain why and how society needs to collectively do more to combat its pernicious effects.

Positive reviews

“Black Fatigue is unbelievably well-written, unrelentingly honest, and unapologetically focused on the specific experiences of Black people. This book is indispensable for anyone who wants to thoroughly analyze and dismantle racism.”

—Dr. Marc Lamont Hill, award-winning author, and Professor of Media Studies and Urban Education, Temple University

“Black Fatigue tells the truth. Mary-Frances Winters brilliantly shows us how......