Black Man Emerging -- Facing the Past and Seizing a Future in America.

Black Man Emerging -- Facing the Past and Seizing a Future in America by James L. White and James H. Cones III Routhledge, August 2000, $16.95, ISBN 0-415-92572-X

Trying to repair the damage of racism on the black male ego is a formidable task. Two black male psychologists have taken up the challenge. White and Cones combine forces to give an inside perspective on the experiences of black men in America. Although they are both psychologists, they don't spend the whole book talking about pathology. Instead they also offer solutions.

While many books concentrate on nihilism in black communities, these authors chose to take the high road. They give a message of hope and optimism that you won't find in the mainstream media. In their role as myth-busters, White and Cones try to show that our glass is not half empty, but almost two-thirds full. Their clear and concise statistical work proves that most black men have jobs, support their families, pay taxes, and are basically doing the right thing.

The authors stress an Afrocentric view of masculinity that places emphasis on "spiritual beliefs, the importance of human relationships, and the synthesis of opposites as a way of resolving conflicts."

In two extremely gripping chapters, the authors profile four black male writers: Dr. Brent Staples, former LA gang member Monster Kody, former convict Nathan McCall and the ubiquitous Dr. Henry Louis Gates, Jr. It focuses on the choices they made and how they affected their lives and the lives of those around them. White and Cones offer easy-to-read tips on reestablishing fatherhood, manhood training, mentoring, black male academies, emotional skills training, conflict resolution and confronting racism. Not just for black men, it should be read by anyone interested in knowing where brothers are coming from.