The Ways of Black Folks.

by Lawrence C. Ross, Jr. Dafina, January 20003 $24.00, ISBN 0-758-20057-9

In his latest book, The Ways of Black Folks, Lawrence Ross, author of The Divine Nine: The History of African American Fraternities and Sororities, explores the meaning of blackness in the new century through a series of exchanges among black people throughout the diaspora, including those who don't see themselves as part of it. If it does nothing else, the book demonstrates the diversity of people of African descent in every aspect of their lives. Ross collected interviews and anecdotes from around the world in an attempt to examine black folks' similarities, their differences and what may have changed their views.

The breadth of the stories alone makes for engaging reading. In his yearlong journey to gather material, Ross spent time with people who detail iconic symbols of black culture. The interviews dispel stereotypes by revealing aspects of black life that aren't as familiar. The car designer in Detroit, the Jamaican couple who run a successful restaurant in Toronto, the black woman elected to Parliament in the United Kingdom, the American born student-turned Afro-Brazilian activist, and the undergraduate single mom who maintains a popular journal on the Internet.

The book suggests a cultural and social commonality found in the Western Hemisphere. Ross' own reaction to what he hears is at times entertaining, as well. It could be argued that Ross didn't visit enough places, since the diaspora is limited to Paris, London, Brazil, Toronto and Ghana. Still, given the wide variety of ages, occupations and points of view, such an argument isn't necessary. The Ways of Black Folks reminds readers that black folks are far from monolithic in thinking and behavior, despite stereotypes to the contrary.