The Ninties

The Nineties has been categorized as the "Attack on the Black Male." The number of black males being put in prisons and killed on the streets increased tremendously in the nineties.Black on Black crime has risen at an astronomical rate. The nineties saw the Freeing of South Africa, Million Man March, the L.A. Riots, O.J. Simpson trial, increases in police brutality, and the murder of Tupac Shakur. Racial tension has increased dramatically over the decades with church burnings, recorded police beatings, hate crimes, and an attack on affirmative action. Black literature during the Nineties includes themes such as Black female-male relationships, urban life,self-awareness,economic power and black unity.

Beals, Melba Pattilo. "Don't Cry." Pocket Books, 1994.

The book is an historical look at the affects of forced school integration in the South had on the black community. The author recalls the first day of school integration. He remembers how black students had to be escorted by armed guards in order to keep white groups from harming them. She recalls the mental and physical abuse inflicted upon herself and her friends.

Bell, Derrick. "Faces at the Bottom of the Well." Basic Books, 1992.

This book takes a harsh look at how racism blatantly dominates American society. The author takes an interesting look at common situations that makes the reader think. This is a great book for young adults because it gets them to look at certain situations in a new perspective. This book keeps the readers attention because the scenarios are very familiar.

Campbell, BeBe Moore. "Brothers and Sisters." G.P Putnam Sons, 1994.

This book is about a friendship between two women, one black the other white. The story focuses on the two women's lives in regard to race, class, and sex. This book should be read because the author addresses situations such as racism, sexual harassment, racial obligations, and the prices paid for success.

Gaines, Patricia. "Laughing in the Dark: From Colored Girl to Woman of Color- A Journey from Prison to Power." Crown Publishers, 1993.

This novel is an autobiography of a strong black woman who struggles to find her place in the world. The emphasis can not be placed enough upon the perception of the black woman today. No more will disrespect of our black women be tolerated. The book should be read because it emphasizes the true beauty of black women in a time when black women are being disrespected and taken for granted.

Harris, E. Lynn. "Invisible Life." Anchor Books, 1994.

This novel is about a successful African-American man's journey through life. It highlights his struggles with his sexuality. The main character has to come to terms with his attraction for males and females. This book should be read because the author deals with a topic that many try not to talk about. The book gives the reader a glimpse at what it feels like to be in two oppressed groups: minority and homosexual.

Harris, E. Lynn. "Just As I Am." Anchor Books, 1995.

This novel is a sequel to Invisible Life. The main character tries to come to terms with his conflicting sexuality and the demands of his family. This book should be read because it deals with the issues that confront many African-American homosexuals.

Hutchinson, Dr. Earl Ofavi. "The Assassination of the Black Male Image." Middle Passage Press, 1993.

This book includes a collection of essays and documentaries that refute the stereotypes about the black man. This book should be read because we are living in the times where the black male is under attack. The author emphasizes the fact that young black males need to learn to stop playing out the stereotypes and to gain control of their lives and their families and communities. Only then can the African-American race progress.

Lucas, John. "Winning a Day at a Time." Hazelden Publishing Group, 1993.

This book is an autobiography of a professional basketball head coach. The author discusses his playing career and the setbacks he suffered due to drug abuse, and his rebound as an NBA coach. In this book he discusses his unique coaching sytle and his current efforts to assist other recovering athletes. Many kids today come up only to take a fall to drugs and alcohol. This personal testimony is very motivational and takes self-esteem to new heights.

McMillian, Terry. "Waiting to Exhale." Viking, 1992.

This book is the story of four friends who are going throught the ups and downs of life. This book deals with issues such as infidelity, the "white woman," black sexuality, family, and black love relationships. The movie does not even touch the surface of what the author was talking about. This book should be read because it stresses the strong bond between female friends and the situations many African-American females have to go through in their everyday lives.

Scott, Kody. "Monster: An Autobiography of an L.A. Gang Member." Atlantic Monthly Press, 1993.

This autobiography is a riveting account of the life a true modern day assassin. He depicts and narrates the violence and mayhem of everyday life in South Central. This documentary chronicles a world and subculture where constant war and respect mean everything. This book should be read because it deals with the harsh realities of growing up in a violent environment and the lack of respect for human life in our generation. Also, this book will help the youth to realize how senseless genocide is.

Sherman, Charlotte Watson. "Sisterfire: Black Womanist Fiction and Poetry." Harper Perrenial, 1993.

This book is an anthology of inspirational stoies and poems that address the lives, loves and concerns of contemporary black women. This book is a must read becasue in order for young males to know and understand that black women are not just sex objects, and for young females to educate themselves on what it means to be black women.

Smith, Anne Deavere. "Twilight." Addison-Wesley, 1992.

This book brings together the voices of many who experiences the riots that erupted after the acquital of four white police officers after the beating of black motorist, Rodney King. Testimony is provided by former Police Chief Daryl Gates, truck driver, Reginald Denny, who was nearlybeaten to death after being dragged out of his vehicle by angry black residents, and a host of others. This book showcases the way of life and the atmosphere at an irreversivle moment of social change. Many young adults do not understand the significance of the riots but this book will shed a light on the event.

West, Cornell. "Race Matters" Vintage Books, 1993.

This book is a combinatin of philosophy, sociology, and political commentary. His thoughts constantly challenge the imagination. It is also a cultural critique. This books should be read because a lot of the ideas expressed in this book cause the reader to grow mentally, spirtually, and emotionally.

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