Holler If You Hear Me

Publishers Weekly

With his Open Mike: Reflections of Philosophy, Race, Sex, Culture and Religion published by Basic just 60 days prior to this title, Dyson-University of Pennsylvania professor and the author of sensitive and determined polemics covering the legacy of Martin Luther King (I May Not Get There with You), the murder of Tupac Shakur (Holler if You Hear Me) and the political and cultural impact of Malcolm X (Making Malcolm)-is on a roll. This book, mostly set amid Dyson's barnstorming of the lecture circuit, records his meetings and discussions with black women throughout his life, and takes stock, from a highly partisan perspective, of their recent accomplishments. Dyson's descriptions of the women he meets are nearly novelistic: "I can still see her face: a honey chocolate, pie-shaped visage silhouetted by a shock of dark curls and lit by bright eyes that were lanterns of learning through which her students illuminated the first time to dark corners of black history," he writes of his fifth grade teacher in the book's opening sentence. But he goes on to give astute accounts, peppered with dialogue and compelling historical digressions, of the binds facing successful black women, who have to contend with racism in the workplace and the threat they represent to black men still struggling to find their own collective professional identities. He details his youthful fascination with Angela Davis (whom he later meets) and his admiration for "brave black revolutionary" Assata Shakur. He delves into the life and work of Susan Taylor, "In the Spirit" columnist for Essence magazine, and many others, including his wife, ordained minister Marcia Dyson. The author sneaks a remarkable amount of history and political content into this energetic, clearly voiced title. It should attract a diverse audience, from self-help to cultural studies readers. (Feb. 14) Copyright 2003 Cahners Business Information.

KLIATT

This is a much-needed tribute to the black woman. A prominent minister, scholar, and writer, Dyson seems to suggest that there are still some successful black men who value black women. In a rather lengthy chapter titled "Another Saturday Night, or, Have All the Brothers Gone to White Women?" he attempts to make sense of the plight of young, professional black women who are single because there are few black men interested in dating them. He traces this debate by sharing personal discussions with black women and commentary found in leading magazines targeted to black audiences. He does not offer solutions. Instead, he separates himself from the brothers who have decided that black women are not suitable companions. In 18 other equally sentimental and often humorous chapters, he describes a number of black women whom he loves because of their beauty, intelligence and the way they positively impacted his life. From classroom teachers and women he has met around the country to childhood television and music icons and revolutionaries such as Angela Davis and Assata Shakur, Dyson leaves no black woman out. He also writes about women closer to home, including his third wife. He takes great care to describe the accomplishments of these women, their physical attributes and how he came to know them, but he also devotes a great deal of the book to cultural criticism. He explores sensitive yet timely issues often debated within black communities, such as intraracism, illiteracy and black male imprisonment. While Dyson is a bit verbose, black women young and old will appreciate his commitment to helping the public see them as he sees them: loving, complex, strong, and intelligent. KLIATT Codes:SA—Recommended for senior high school students, advanced students, and adults. 2003, Perseus, Basic Books, 314p. index., Ages 15 to adult.
—KaaVonia Hinton