The Warrior Method is a program designed for parents and teachers to help young black boys to become strong, self-reliant, independent men. This program looks at a male's life as spring, conception to four years old; summer, ages five through twelve; autumn, ages thirteen through twenty-one; and winter, age twenty-two through the remainder of the man's life. Within these seasons are the "Birthing Circle" for mothers and their newborns, and the "Young Warriors Council" as the boys get older. According to the U.S. Department of Justice's Bureau of Justice Statistics, black males die at a rate fifteen times higher than that of white males because of homicidal violence. In 1999, the Sentencing Project reported that 32 percent of black males between the ages of twenty and twenty-nine are in contact with the criminal justice system, whether it be through indictment, incarceration, probation, or parole. Using current rates of first incarceration, the justice Department estimates that 28 percent of black males will enter state or federal prisons during their lifetime. In response to these devastating statistics, psychologist, educator, and father Dr. Winbush has created The Warrior Method . It shows how to protect, educate, and guide boys safely through the minefields of a dangerous and prejudiced society.
The first of many books I hope to read to help me navigate motherhood of a young black boy in modern day America. I hope to see more parenting books like it emerge.
According to Marcus Garvey, Shaharazad Ali, and Booker T. Washington, African-Americans are too dependent on the 'white man'. They have argued that if African-Americans don't like the rules of the society that they should create their own societies. Raymond Winbush proposes that black boys be taught how to be bi-cultural.
"Until lions have historian, hunters will be heroes" Kenyan proverb quoted on page 57.
About a half hour later, my new little friend, who was by now telling me the things six-year olds tell adults, asked if he could sit on my lap during storytime. I told him yes, since I was at the school being a "role model" for the children. He then looked at me quizically and asked in the sincerest of voices, "You my daddy?" I was touched by this simple question. I quietly answered that I was like a father to him, as well as to all the other children there. This was all he needed to hear, and he instantly announced to his friends gathering at the table "He my daddy!" 51
I'd even mused on the idea of creating a for-profit agency dubbed Rent a Middle-class Brother for your Organization (RAMBO) 64
I finished the discussion by passing out my business card--something that all the boys wanted--and told them if they wrote (not called) me, I would send them a book about black people. 67
Lefkowitz'a book "Not Out of Arica: How Afrocentrism Became an Excuse to Teach Myth as History" was a full-frontal attack on the teachings of such educators as John Henrik Clarke, Molefi Asante, and Marimba Ani. 70
Not much has changed since Manuel Alvarado, Robin Gutch, and Tana Wollen found in 1987 that black characters on television are usually portrayed in four different ways: exotic, dangerous, humorous, and pitiable. 122
Definitely a book I would recommend so much so I plan to gift it to others. If doesn't matter if you are personally raising a black boy, Teach them, or live down the hall from one, You need to read this book.
Excellent guide for developing Rights Of Passage Programs for Black Boys. I really like the author explanation for the relationship issues in the Black community.