from the editor-in-chief.

The world has changed more than seems possible in one year. Looking at the cover of our September-October 2001 issue of BIBR, it seems a luxury that we could devote an entire issue to matters of literary culture. (Our focus was the hip-hop influence on black poetry, fiction, and nonfiction.) Just a year after "9/11" we all must, by necessity, address issues of war, personal safety, the balance between civil rights and security precautions, and the future of national leadership.

These are heady issues for a magazine devoted to the reading lifestyles of African Americans. Yet it is impossible to prompt readers to the best current fiction by black authors and bring you the vast assortment of nonfiction on contemporary topics of interest--both of which we still do in this issue--without reflecting on September 11, 2001 with both a remembrance and a vision. In order to do both, we have for the first time at BIBR, prepared a dual-cover edition.

On the cover of the issue that goes to subscribers of the magazine--our family--we feature TV and radio journalist and author Tavis Smiley. My friend Tavis' groundbreaking Philadelphia broadcast on black perspectives on that tragic day will not be forgotten. He has contributed an important assessment of the literature and thinking on the terrorists attack from black America for BIBR. (See "What Black America has to say about 9/11" on page 20).

On the cover issue for those of you who purchase BIBR from the newsstands--our valued friends--we feature activist and potential presidential candidate, Reverend Al Sharpton. His forthcoming book, Al on America, details an issue-by-issue vision for the future of the United States.

In this issue, only the covers differ. The content is exactly the same, from the first page to the last. But for those BIBR subscribers who would like to collect both covers, we will send you a copy of the magazine with the "Reverend Al" cover for $4.95. To receive the newsstand cover issue, call 1-800-783-3199 between the hours of 9:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m., EST to request a copy.

As the nation revisits "9/11," let BIBR also serve as a reminder that illiteracy is also a serious "threat" to our nation. BIBR's report on black education, "Why Jamal Still Can't Read" (page 52) reveals that 63% of black fourth graders read below grade level. Reading and literacy cannot be forgotten as we heal from the tragedy and look toward the future.

Among some of the books that offer spiritual guidance in these troubling times is Bishop Vashti McKenzie's new book, Journey to the Well (page 40), which explores how we all can experience life-changing transformations through faith.

We have all been touched by the events of 9/11 in some way--personally, emotionally, financially. But we at BIBR are committed to standing firm. To those still healing from their losses and to those caring for someone in their healing process, we offer our deepest compassion and hope that this issue will, in some small way, encourage you.

Sincerely,

William E. Cox
President/Editor-in-Chief