In 2001; Thomas DeWolf discovered that he was related to the most successful slave-trading family in U.S. history; responsible for transporting at least ten thousand Africans. This is his memoir of the journey in which ten family members retraced their ancestors' steps through the notorious triangle trade route—from New England to West Africa to Cuba—and uncovered the hidden history of New England and the other northern states.
#235289 in Books Cornel West 2015-09-01 2015-09-01Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.00 x .74 x 6.00l; .81 #File Name: 0807018104264 pagesBlack Prophetic Fire
Review
25 of 26 people found the following review helpful. A Moral Rebuke of the "I-Consciousness" in a Consumer SocietyBy M. JEFFREY MCMAHONCornel West reinvigorates the "Black Prophetic Fire;" which he defines as those voices who fight for justice for the voiceless and the disgraced. These are powerful figures; including Martin Luther King and Malcolm X ; who sacrificed wealth; comfort; and personal safety to articulate a "We-Consciousness" instead of an "I-Consciousness."West wrote this book because many black leaders; including the aforementioned King and Malcolm X; have been co-opted in a consumer society that; coveting wealth; health; and status; has reshaped these figures into "self-made men" and have contributed to the cult of the individual.West argues passionately for a social justice movement to counteract a threatened middle-class; decrepit schools; and the "hyperincarceration" of black men in what is the New Jim Crow.This book is a well written primer that gives voice to the true prophetic tradition in a selfish consumer society. Highly recommended.24 of 25 people found the following review helpful. Yet I recommend the book highlyBy Eric JohnsonI came to adulthood from a small; rural community in northern Iowa; with zero personal contact with Blacks. My adult life (I am now 67 yrs) has been a growth pattern to overcome that deficiency. However; my parents and grandparents gave me a solid foundation in what Cornel West would certainly call "prophetic tradition"; albeit absent the Black experience in USA history. This book introduced me to a few additional people in the "black prophetic" tradition; and further illuminated those that I already appreciated.My only reason for not giving a 5th star; is that I find the conversational format throughout the book to be quite repetitive; and at times lacking a coherent outline. Yet I recommend the book highly. For years; I have followed West's inspired work; and this book is a continuation of that gift to us.13 of 13 people found the following review helpful. A " MUST" read for anyone who wants to wake up and take a good look at what is going on and what has ...By m.j.dearsonCornel West is a gifted writer. He gets right to the point. Reveals inspirational traditions that restore faith and trust in all humanity.Profiles well known people from the Black community with a keen intellectual insight that will astound you. A " MUST" read for anyone who wants to wake up and take a good look at what is going on and what has been going on around them within the context of this country.
