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The Moment: Thoughts on the Race Reckoning That Wasn't and How We All Can Move Forward Now
The New York Times bestselling author of My Vanishing Country examines the modern political landscape and policies that are impacting Black families and communities and offers solutions for a better tomorrow. In late May in 2020, while discussing the murder of George Floyd on CNN, Bakari Sellers spoke from the heart sharing devastating insight that touched millions around the “It’s just so much pain. You get so tired. We have black children. I have a 15-year-old daughter. I mean, what do I tell her? I’m raising a son. I have no idea what to tell him. It’s just—it’s hard being black in this country when your life is not valued and people are worried about the protesters and the looters. And it’s just people who are frustrated for far too long and not have their voices heard.” In this powerful and persuasive book, Sellers expands on the issues he addressed in his New York Times bestseller My Vanishing Country, examining national politics and policies that deeply impact not only Black people in his home state of South Carolina but the lives of millions of African Americans in communities across the nation. Four years later, Sellers has an answer to the question he raised on CNN, offering much-needed prescriptions to help all Black American lives. Sellers explores inequities in healthcare, education, early childhood education, and policing, drawing on interviews with numerous thought leaders such as pioneering voting rights and poverty activist the Rev. William Barber, and Ben Crump, the civil rights legend who successfully uses the law to achieve justice for people of color in racially charged cases. He also shares his thoughts on conservative media and the forces and dark money behind firebrands such as Tucker Carlson. This thoughtful and practical work is a timely meditation on the state of our world today and how we can all play a part in making it better for tomorrow.
192 pages, Hardcover
First published April 23, 2024
34 people are currently reading
2068 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
March 26, 2024
"The Moment" examines the significant impact of national politics and policies on Black communities across America. Bakari Sellers, drawing from his personal background as the son of civil rights activist Cleveland Sellers, provides insightful analysis rooted in his own experiences and those of his father. In addition to his familial connection to civil rights activism, Sellers made history as the youngest African American person elected to office in the country at 22, serving in the South Carolina statehouse. Despite his relatively short life, Sellers has achieved remarkable feats.
Sellers begins his narrative with a deeply moving reflection following George Floyd's tragic murder. In a poignant live TV interview in 2020, he articulates the profound challenges faced by Black individuals in the United States. Although I couldn’t recall all the details, I set the book aside and delved into the entire interview via YouTube. The experience left a lasting impact on me, resonating deeply within my consciousness. Subsequently, Sellers delicately crafts a heartfelt message to his young son, Stokely, tracing the legacy of resilience and strength passed down through generations on both sides of the family.
The book explores various national policies affecting Black communities such as poverty, police brutality, and healthcare. Sellers offers practical solutions gleaned from interviews with influential figures like Rev. William Barber and Ben Crump. Additionally, Sellers scrutinizes conservative media and the influence of dark money, providing invaluable insights into contemporary society. I found the section on dark money and influential figures like Tucker Carlson particularly enraging! It is utterly irresponsible for individuals like Carlson to propagate falsehoods for personal gain and fame.
One of my favorite parts of the book is the story of Josephine Wright and her fight to keep her family’s land in South Carolina. Through social media connections, Bakari raised awareness of her struggle against developers trying to take her land. Witnessing the community rally around Wright was truly refreshing.
In conclusion, Sellers emphasizes the enduring disparities endured by minorities in crucial aspects like healthcare, education, and law enforcement, advocating fervently for a brighter, more equitable future. His unique perspective, influenced by his father's legacy, captivates and intrigues. Heeding the wisdom of our elders, especially amidst today's turbulent political climate, is imperative. As history unfolds, these reflections serve as poignant reminders to learn from the past and shape a better future.
Thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this one! It was definitely worth it!
Sellers begins his narrative with a deeply moving reflection following George Floyd's tragic murder. In a poignant live TV interview in 2020, he articulates the profound challenges faced by Black individuals in the United States. Although I couldn’t recall all the details, I set the book aside and delved into the entire interview via YouTube. The experience left a lasting impact on me, resonating deeply within my consciousness. Subsequently, Sellers delicately crafts a heartfelt message to his young son, Stokely, tracing the legacy of resilience and strength passed down through generations on both sides of the family.
The book explores various national policies affecting Black communities such as poverty, police brutality, and healthcare. Sellers offers practical solutions gleaned from interviews with influential figures like Rev. William Barber and Ben Crump. Additionally, Sellers scrutinizes conservative media and the influence of dark money, providing invaluable insights into contemporary society. I found the section on dark money and influential figures like Tucker Carlson particularly enraging! It is utterly irresponsible for individuals like Carlson to propagate falsehoods for personal gain and fame.
One of my favorite parts of the book is the story of Josephine Wright and her fight to keep her family’s land in South Carolina. Through social media connections, Bakari raised awareness of her struggle against developers trying to take her land. Witnessing the community rally around Wright was truly refreshing.
In conclusion, Sellers emphasizes the enduring disparities endured by minorities in crucial aspects like healthcare, education, and law enforcement, advocating fervently for a brighter, more equitable future. His unique perspective, influenced by his father's legacy, captivates and intrigues. Heeding the wisdom of our elders, especially amidst today's turbulent political climate, is imperative. As history unfolds, these reflections serve as poignant reminders to learn from the past and shape a better future.
Thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this one! It was definitely worth it!
April 26, 2024
The good - Sellers provides historical context for the situation faced by Black Americans today. He uses recent history, the Civil Rights Movement and the Civil War era to explain how throughout American History people have been marginalized, mistreated and murdered because of their race. My favorite part of the book was when he described how the most successful efforts have included people from all backgrounds working together. That vision is the world I wish we all shared.
The part about the farmers sharing food and working with others to support voter’s rights, was also particularly endearing. When he described the black eyed peas and other food served, I could almost picture the kitchen and the food. The lengths people would go to try to suppress voters and the lengths others would go to support voters, underlines how important it is to vote.
The cons - at first I almost gave up on this book because of the letters to Stokely. For some reason, they seemed hard to follow and would have been better written as facts and things he would like to tell his children. While it is obvious that in America, males suffer the brunt of police brutality, the letter format written only to his son didn’t feel right to me. Sadie surely needs to know about police brutality as well. He mentions how amazing his wife is and at the end dedicates a section to Sadie and how she can follow great female leaders, and while this somewhat brings her into the conversation, why can’t Sadie and Stokely both be educated about all leaders?
Overall an excellent book with many engaging conversations.
The part about the farmers sharing food and working with others to support voter’s rights, was also particularly endearing. When he described the black eyed peas and other food served, I could almost picture the kitchen and the food. The lengths people would go to try to suppress voters and the lengths others would go to support voters, underlines how important it is to vote.
The cons - at first I almost gave up on this book because of the letters to Stokely. For some reason, they seemed hard to follow and would have been better written as facts and things he would like to tell his children. While it is obvious that in America, males suffer the brunt of police brutality, the letter format written only to his son didn’t feel right to me. Sadie surely needs to know about police brutality as well. He mentions how amazing his wife is and at the end dedicates a section to Sadie and how she can follow great female leaders, and while this somewhat brings her into the conversation, why can’t Sadie and Stokely both be educated about all leaders?
Overall an excellent book with many engaging conversations.
August 19, 2024
I revived an ARC from the publishers in a giveaway!
This book is hard-hitting, it had me crying and grieving over things I’ve only ever had to experience from the outside. Where I found it to be lacking was in paying respects to all of the black women who have led and carried out so many movements. This book said that black men are the only ones to do this, having women stand next to them or beside them, rather than acknowledging that black women have always been leaders in these movements as well. Overall, I found Sellers’s acknowledgement of black women to be extremely lacking, even in only writing a letter to his son (when he also has two daughters) and requesting he be the “man of the household”. I’m still giving this book a 4 because I believe it had many incredible things to say that are so necessary for the world we’re living in right now.
This book is hard-hitting, it had me crying and grieving over things I’ve only ever had to experience from the outside. Where I found it to be lacking was in paying respects to all of the black women who have led and carried out so many movements. This book said that black men are the only ones to do this, having women stand next to them or beside them, rather than acknowledging that black women have always been leaders in these movements as well. Overall, I found Sellers’s acknowledgement of black women to be extremely lacking, even in only writing a letter to his son (when he also has two daughters) and requesting he be the “man of the household”. I’m still giving this book a 4 because I believe it had many incredible things to say that are so necessary for the world we’re living in right now.
September 29, 2024
Another good book that needs to be read by those who will never even pick it up. Sellers examines policies and practices that have impacted and will impact black families. As he noted on CNN after the murder of George Floyd, “It’s hard being black in this country when your life is not valued and people are worried about the protestors and the looters.” Thumbs up.
January 22, 2024
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for a fair evaluation. I have always been interested in black history. The book looked like something I would enjoy.
The book is easy to read. The chapters are small. The chapters are divided into smaller sub chapters. The writing and language is good and easy to understand.
The book talks a lot about events that happened during covid ( and after). The book, also, talks a lot about the the 1960s ( and before). Some people and events I wasn't aware of ( had to do some googling while I was reading).
The book teaches us about history. Talks about people like Trump and Carlson, that most of us don't understand (me included). Also, talks about some celebrity Republicans, that don't fit our image of a Republican.
The book is good at giving an overview of many historical events. Yet, the book isn't too heavy or too depressing. It does state how things truly are.
Thank you for the opportunity to read this book. I look forward to reading more from the author.
The book is easy to read. The chapters are small. The chapters are divided into smaller sub chapters. The writing and language is good and easy to understand.
The book talks a lot about events that happened during covid ( and after). The book, also, talks a lot about the the 1960s ( and before). Some people and events I wasn't aware of ( had to do some googling while I was reading).
The book teaches us about history. Talks about people like Trump and Carlson, that most of us don't understand (me included). Also, talks about some celebrity Republicans, that don't fit our image of a Republican.
The book is good at giving an overview of many historical events. Yet, the book isn't too heavy or too depressing. It does state how things truly are.
Thank you for the opportunity to read this book. I look forward to reading more from the author.
July 27, 2024
Originally posted on my blog Nonstop Reader.
The Moment is a thought provoking, erudite, and oddly hopeful monograph on race relations in the USA, the pervasive sense of injustice up until the current point in time, and what to do about it *now* presented by Bakari Sellers. Released 23rd April 2024 by HarperCollins on their Amistad imprint, it's 192 pages, and is available in hardcover, audio, and ebook formats. Paperback due out from the same publisher in second quarter 2025. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout.
The problems surrounding culture and race in the USA have been intractable and full of so much rage and pain and unfairness that, given the current political climate and realities in the US ("Very fine people on both sides" and the constant unrelenting murders of vulnerable unarmed black and brown people by the very police who are meant to be protecting them), it has felt hopeless and the resultant despair and cynicism aren't any kind of surprise.
The titular "Moment" to which Sellers refers is the murder of George Floyd which galvanized reactions across the USA. The prose he uses in the book is unvarnished, accessible for all readers, and compassionately written. He writes eloquently on the history of the civil rights movements from the early days and how they have resonated and informed policy down to the present. The later chapters are concerned with the current day and expose some grave threats from extreme end-stage capitalism and how it allies with institutionalized racism and systemic economic and political inequality.
Lots of good points here, logically presented. The author is intelligent and well spoken (he's an attorney and has served as an elected political official). There is a fair bit of pep-talk at the end, but overall, it's an encouraging sign that there's more strength and resilience in his extemporizing than rage (and frankly, given the political circus of the last 6 years, rage seems a perfectly reasonable response and is the default mode along with disgust of many colleagues and friends).
Four stars. It would be a good choice for public or school library acquisition, for fans of layman accessible politics and social commentary, and for home use.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
The Moment is a thought provoking, erudite, and oddly hopeful monograph on race relations in the USA, the pervasive sense of injustice up until the current point in time, and what to do about it *now* presented by Bakari Sellers. Released 23rd April 2024 by HarperCollins on their Amistad imprint, it's 192 pages, and is available in hardcover, audio, and ebook formats. Paperback due out from the same publisher in second quarter 2025. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout.
The problems surrounding culture and race in the USA have been intractable and full of so much rage and pain and unfairness that, given the current political climate and realities in the US ("Very fine people on both sides" and the constant unrelenting murders of vulnerable unarmed black and brown people by the very police who are meant to be protecting them), it has felt hopeless and the resultant despair and cynicism aren't any kind of surprise.
The titular "Moment" to which Sellers refers is the murder of George Floyd which galvanized reactions across the USA. The prose he uses in the book is unvarnished, accessible for all readers, and compassionately written. He writes eloquently on the history of the civil rights movements from the early days and how they have resonated and informed policy down to the present. The later chapters are concerned with the current day and expose some grave threats from extreme end-stage capitalism and how it allies with institutionalized racism and systemic economic and political inequality.
Lots of good points here, logically presented. The author is intelligent and well spoken (he's an attorney and has served as an elected political official). There is a fair bit of pep-talk at the end, but overall, it's an encouraging sign that there's more strength and resilience in his extemporizing than rage (and frankly, given the political circus of the last 6 years, rage seems a perfectly reasonable response and is the default mode along with disgust of many colleagues and friends).
Four stars. It would be a good choice for public or school library acquisition, for fans of layman accessible politics and social commentary, and for home use.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
January 28, 2025
Overall it was only ok but there were plenty of individual nuggets that stood out for me that increased the value of reading it. Here are the notes I took that made an impact on me:
- we may be the 1st generation of parents unable to give our kids a better world than the one they found (this has been on my mind a lot the last 5 or 6 years because as a parent I do worry about my kids' futures and right now I'm not optimistic)
- 1 out of 420 Black people alive on January 2020 were dead within 3 years due to COVID (I knew the Black population was disproportionately impacted by COVID, but dang that stat is telling)
- the murderers traded their white robes for black robes (aka legalized genocide in the sense that the justice system does not work the same for POC)
- the goal is always power and money especially dark money for these individuals and they just use racism to get there (he was talking about Tucker as well as certain politicians, especially those in the GOP; however, I would argue it's not just the GOP but plenty of people in power - they are driven by their egos which are fueled by power and money; we are seeing it unfold as we speak with the massive amount of influence the billionaires currently have in our country at the expense of the average American; Citizens United really opened the floodgates for dark money to flow into politics)
- even if you believe erroneously that white man created the US (referring to the Pilgrims), most of us (at least in the states I've lived in) are not actually descendants of the Pilgrims - we're descendants of later immigrants
- capitalization off of hate is the motivation for many in politics
- there are 5 interlocking injustices (systemic racism, poverty, environmental disparity, war economy and a distorted moral view of Christian nationalism)
- if you are not at the table you are probably on the menu
- many who have privilege were born on 3rd base but think they hit a triple
These were all ideas from the book that resonated either because I agree or because it made me think about our current political, social and financial systems. I will be curious to hear what my fellow book club readers took away from reading this book too.
- we may be the 1st generation of parents unable to give our kids a better world than the one they found (this has been on my mind a lot the last 5 or 6 years because as a parent I do worry about my kids' futures and right now I'm not optimistic)
- 1 out of 420 Black people alive on January 2020 were dead within 3 years due to COVID (I knew the Black population was disproportionately impacted by COVID, but dang that stat is telling)
- the murderers traded their white robes for black robes (aka legalized genocide in the sense that the justice system does not work the same for POC)
- the goal is always power and money especially dark money for these individuals and they just use racism to get there (he was talking about Tucker as well as certain politicians, especially those in the GOP; however, I would argue it's not just the GOP but plenty of people in power - they are driven by their egos which are fueled by power and money; we are seeing it unfold as we speak with the massive amount of influence the billionaires currently have in our country at the expense of the average American; Citizens United really opened the floodgates for dark money to flow into politics)
- even if you believe erroneously that white man created the US (referring to the Pilgrims), most of us (at least in the states I've lived in) are not actually descendants of the Pilgrims - we're descendants of later immigrants
- capitalization off of hate is the motivation for many in politics
- there are 5 interlocking injustices (systemic racism, poverty, environmental disparity, war economy and a distorted moral view of Christian nationalism)
- if you are not at the table you are probably on the menu
- many who have privilege were born on 3rd base but think they hit a triple
These were all ideas from the book that resonated either because I agree or because it made me think about our current political, social and financial systems. I will be curious to hear what my fellow book club readers took away from reading this book too.
June 22, 2024
A Review of the Audiobook
Published in 2024 by HarperAudio.
Read by the author, Bakari Sellers.
Duration: 4 hours, 33 minutes.
Unabridged.
The Moment that Bakari Sellers refers to in his book is the so-called moment of racial reckoning that came with the murder of George Floyd and the protests all around the country that followed.
Sellers discusses a lot of relevant things that lead up to this moment including the murder of 9 African Americans by a young White supremacist in Charleston in 2015 and Covid-19. But, events like the Buffalo shooting of 2022, continued questionable acts of and media and political-types discussing the Great Replacement Theory from 2017 until the present day have shown that moment of reckoning was not a big a moment that people supposed it was. Or, it demonstrates that the racist elements in America are pushing back hard.
I have run across Sellers as a guest on a couple of different podcasts that I follow and have always found him to be thoughtful and engaging. I have to admit, however, that I was a little disappointed in this book.
To me this book felt like two different books. I think there was too much time spent discussing the effects of Covid-19 on African American churches. Similarly, Sellers spent a lot of time discussing a police shooting case with an African American that he was involved in as an attorney. It is a sad commentary that I can say that I was only vaguely familiar with the case - and I'm not even sure if the case he referred to was the one I was thinking of because there are just so many.
On the other hand, the other half of the book was compelling. He talked about the hope he had (and still has) after the George Floyd protests, his family, and some successes he has seen.
Because of this wide variation, I am going to rate this audiobook 3 stars out of 5.
https://dwdsreviews.blogspot.com/2024...
Published in 2024 by HarperAudio.
Read by the author, Bakari Sellers.
Duration: 4 hours, 33 minutes.
Unabridged.
The Moment that Bakari Sellers refers to in his book is the so-called moment of racial reckoning that came with the murder of George Floyd and the protests all around the country that followed.
Sellers discusses a lot of relevant things that lead up to this moment including the murder of 9 African Americans by a young White supremacist in Charleston in 2015 and Covid-19. But, events like the Buffalo shooting of 2022, continued questionable acts of and media and political-types discussing the Great Replacement Theory from 2017 until the present day have shown that moment of reckoning was not a big a moment that people supposed it was. Or, it demonstrates that the racist elements in America are pushing back hard.
I have run across Sellers as a guest on a couple of different podcasts that I follow and have always found him to be thoughtful and engaging. I have to admit, however, that I was a little disappointed in this book.
To me this book felt like two different books. I think there was too much time spent discussing the effects of Covid-19 on African American churches. Similarly, Sellers spent a lot of time discussing a police shooting case with an African American that he was involved in as an attorney. It is a sad commentary that I can say that I was only vaguely familiar with the case - and I'm not even sure if the case he referred to was the one I was thinking of because there are just so many.
On the other hand, the other half of the book was compelling. He talked about the hope he had (and still has) after the George Floyd protests, his family, and some successes he has seen.
Because of this wide variation, I am going to rate this audiobook 3 stars out of 5.
https://dwdsreviews.blogspot.com/2024...
January 27, 2025
The author, Bakari Sellers , is the millennial son of Civil Rights activist Clive Sellers and is also a father in his own right as well as a politician in South Carolina, attorney and CNN contributor.
This book was written in 2024 so it is topical although it was published before the elections of November 2024. He writes about issues concerning Black Americans today: the racist attacks against us, the split between Black men and Black women, Black men, and who is actively serving us today.
Sellers doesn’t go deep into these issues and dismisses complex situations with sometimes a crude unsupported statement which he declares as fact. It’s this type of thinking that has made CNN decide to cut hundreds of jobs ( at the time of this review on January 25, 2025.)
The author comes off as self-righteous and self-important due to his somewhat famous father; it’s like reading an essay from someone who was a member of Jack and Jill with all of the name dropping.
There are some gems written here. But there’s a clear bias away from Black conservatives with whom he has missed an opportunity to connect.
The title of the book is “ The Moment: thoughts on the race reckoning that wasn’t and how we all can move forward now.” I don’t think he delivers on the subject “ how we all can move forward now.”
Interesting read though because it’s so timely and rooted in our everyday political life as black people in America.
This book was written in 2024 so it is topical although it was published before the elections of November 2024. He writes about issues concerning Black Americans today: the racist attacks against us, the split between Black men and Black women, Black men, and who is actively serving us today.
Sellers doesn’t go deep into these issues and dismisses complex situations with sometimes a crude unsupported statement which he declares as fact. It’s this type of thinking that has made CNN decide to cut hundreds of jobs ( at the time of this review on January 25, 2025.)
The author comes off as self-righteous and self-important due to his somewhat famous father; it’s like reading an essay from someone who was a member of Jack and Jill with all of the name dropping.
There are some gems written here. But there’s a clear bias away from Black conservatives with whom he has missed an opportunity to connect.
The title of the book is “ The Moment: thoughts on the race reckoning that wasn’t and how we all can move forward now.” I don’t think he delivers on the subject “ how we all can move forward now.”
Interesting read though because it’s so timely and rooted in our everyday political life as black people in America.
December 27, 2025
I would describe myself as a conservative libertarian who does indeed watch Fox News, but I also occasionally read books like this that explore the progressive side. I am very aware that the algorithms feed me conservative news and that the left is served progressive news and I suspect somewhere in-between is the truth. For my money the major failing of the book is the lack of annotated footnotes. The author is quick to dispense with his truth and outline the right's mis/dis-information but never gives us any sources to rely on.
Some items of questionable note is the fact that the right ended abortion rights for all women. What was done as it should have decades earlier is to allow this topic to be a state's rights issue. As I understand things there were more abortion in 2024 than in the prior year so apparently the evil plan of the Right failed miserably. Likewise the banning of books is total fantasy. All that has been done is to make it a bit more difficult for the child to access such books which by and large were deemed age inappropriate. If a parent wants to expose their child to such material then they can find the book but it becomes a parental decision rather than a societal one. I ask you what is wrong with that
Some items of questionable note is the fact that the right ended abortion rights for all women. What was done as it should have decades earlier is to allow this topic to be a state's rights issue. As I understand things there were more abortion in 2024 than in the prior year so apparently the evil plan of the Right failed miserably. Likewise the banning of books is total fantasy. All that has been done is to make it a bit more difficult for the child to access such books which by and large were deemed age inappropriate. If a parent wants to expose their child to such material then they can find the book but it becomes a parental decision rather than a societal one. I ask you what is wrong with that
May 22, 2024
Let me say I have admired Bakari Sellers for years: his inner calm, his partnership with Van Jones at CNN and always wondered why he didn't stay in Congress? Well, now that I read two of his books, I
know exactly why he left and how much more good he will do for the Country outside of politics.
This book was outstanding, for me: short ( less than 200 pgs. ), succinct, and written so well that I
was done in two days! For such a young man and young father his life experiences are vast and his
promises of hope and change expound on every page. Alongside such pragmatic hope is also intense
fear, hopelessness and a bone tired desperation for this Country to overcome, get back to what is
right and true and to find help in getting it done.
I was validated by this book : his father and grandfather were the lions of the Civil Rights Movement
that I grew up with before Bakari was born...why has no one taken up the fight? Why have no Churches stepped up to the plate to assist? Why has an entire generation been lost to greed,
complacency and the status quo? These, my friends, are the unanswered ills that have yet to be
resolved. A great read!
know exactly why he left and how much more good he will do for the Country outside of politics.
This book was outstanding, for me: short ( less than 200 pgs. ), succinct, and written so well that I
was done in two days! For such a young man and young father his life experiences are vast and his
promises of hope and change expound on every page. Alongside such pragmatic hope is also intense
fear, hopelessness and a bone tired desperation for this Country to overcome, get back to what is
right and true and to find help in getting it done.
I was validated by this book : his father and grandfather were the lions of the Civil Rights Movement
that I grew up with before Bakari was born...why has no one taken up the fight? Why have no Churches stepped up to the plate to assist? Why has an entire generation been lost to greed,
complacency and the status quo? These, my friends, are the unanswered ills that have yet to be
resolved. A great read!
July 1, 2024
This book synthesizes the modern political landscape and policies that affect Black families and communities. Bakari's book merges personal family history with a broader narrative of the Black experience in America. It also recounts the traumatic birth of his twins and his wife’s near-fatal complications, which revealed systemic inequalities in the healthcare system.
In addition to the commentary on Black Lives, I also appreciated the embedded story of his personal family throughout the book because it takes us through the author's family history and the history of Black people experiencing post-traumatic slave disorder. It also discusses what we can do going forward and encourages us to take action. The unique aspect of the book is that it's not just an acknowledgment of the past, but it also provides a plan for moving forward.
To listen to my interview with the author, go to my podcast at:
https://zibbymedia.com/blogs/transcri...
In addition to the commentary on Black Lives, I also appreciated the embedded story of his personal family throughout the book because it takes us through the author's family history and the history of Black people experiencing post-traumatic slave disorder. It also discusses what we can do going forward and encourages us to take action. The unique aspect of the book is that it's not just an acknowledgment of the past, but it also provides a plan for moving forward.
To listen to my interview with the author, go to my podcast at:
https://zibbymedia.com/blogs/transcri...
May 25, 2024
Doesn't live up to his first book, but still worth reading.
The Moment covers a lot of territory - the COVID-19 pandemic, current politics/political issues, civil rights history, and family anecdotes. These could have been organized more coherently throughout, but all of them were interesting and readable. Some parts feel like they were written a couple years ago/during the actual pandemic.
That said, it's also interesting to see growth and change in his perspective vs My Vanishing Country. Some of the writing feels more inclusive, more understanding of how other groups are also impacted by oppression impacting his community.
I wish he were writing this as a lead up to running for something.
Overall, could have been organized better, but good reading if you already know and like the author.
The Moment covers a lot of territory - the COVID-19 pandemic, current politics/political issues, civil rights history, and family anecdotes. These could have been organized more coherently throughout, but all of them were interesting and readable. Some parts feel like they were written a couple years ago/during the actual pandemic.
That said, it's also interesting to see growth and change in his perspective vs My Vanishing Country. Some of the writing feels more inclusive, more understanding of how other groups are also impacted by oppression impacting his community.
I wish he were writing this as a lead up to running for something.
Overall, could have been organized better, but good reading if you already know and like the author.
May 11, 2024
Upon receiving a nice copy from the publishers, my heart was enamored by the power of words interweaving the present and the past. This book eloquently portrays a tapestry where individuals from diverse backgrounds collaborated hand in hand. It unflinchingly exposes the harsh realities juxtaposed alongside these heartwarming narratives. Through its pages, a stark reflection of current and historical treatment unfolds – where race, caste, and poverty persist as unyielding forces. While the letters penned to his son stir the imagination, they could plumb the depths further. The final release could differ, but I recommend this as it stands.
May 17, 2024
I received this book as part of a Goodreads giveaway.
This was a great read to get insiders views on race issues that have plagued our country for decades. I learned more about historical events that were maybe only glossed over in school. It has helped to create even more empathy for what people have to face on a day to day basis even in 2024. The author is able to show the problems without saying it is the fault of an entire group, and doesn't necessarily have the answers. This is a great book to start or continue conversations that will (hopefully) lead us as a nation to find the solutions and implement them.
This was a great read to get insiders views on race issues that have plagued our country for decades. I learned more about historical events that were maybe only glossed over in school. It has helped to create even more empathy for what people have to face on a day to day basis even in 2024. The author is able to show the problems without saying it is the fault of an entire group, and doesn't necessarily have the answers. This is a great book to start or continue conversations that will (hopefully) lead us as a nation to find the solutions and implement them.
July 30, 2024
There were moments I cheered and celebrated while listening to the author read this book. I enjoy learning about black history and the civil rights movement and the work people did to expose and change racism in this country. Sellers' book is raw, reflective, and deeply personal. Even so, I didn't always feel empowered while reading. I felt the ache of the wound and scars of racism in America. Sellers connects people from the past to explain the present but he leaves many more heroes to be explored. I want to read more about Nina Simone and the other civil rights activists and I feel motivated to do my own research into the past for insight into the present day.
December 11, 2024
I think an algorithm recommended me this book because I had read his first one, which discusses his family's activism and how it propelled him to run for office. I'm not really the target audience for this book because he's really addressing the Black community very directly, but I truly believe that this book is stronger than his first one. It goes deeper into many topics and doesn't focus on his path to election but rather his actual political ideas and actions. It was powerful and gave me a new way to think about my place in anti racism.
December 22, 2024
I like it when I pick up non-fiction and it is engaging enough that I can finish it in one day. Was very interesting reading about Sellers' family connections to the civil rights movement in the 60s and continuing into today, and about the challenges and perspectives that we continue to struggle with. Includes discussions about poverty, voting rights, and the many issues that black families have had to deal with for decades, with a focus on the impacts of George Floyd's murder by police in 2020, and other hidden elements of systemic racism baked into our capitalist society.
August 17, 2024
I found it quite interesting and helpful in adding to my understanding of institutional racism. We live in a society that believes itself to be open and receiving to black and brown people yet our actions speak differently. Actions count! Sellers book gives so many examples of how institutional ways of thinking and behavior impact our fellow Americans. As a white woman, it helps to read and understand how ways of knowing, being and doing are habitual and lead to implicit bias. Worth a read.
May 24, 2024
Thank you Bakari Sellers for "The Moment." I am a millennial and I appreciate you exploring the inequities African Americans are facing in 2024. It is sad we are still facing injustice in education, healthcare, politics, and so much more. Thank you for sharing how we can all play a part to make a better tomorrow. Folks just need to listen and act accordingly.
July 28, 2024
The book was an easy read, it was written in a plain and simple manner. If you didn’t know some of the history the book gave you a bottom line of some of the causes and outcomes specifically related to black folk in America. I only wish there was more of a dialogue on what needs to be done now, yes there is potential hope with the upcoming generations, but how do we get them there.
August 2, 2024
I had the pleasure of hearing Bakari Sellers speak in person a few weeks ago, and I was excited to read his book. It's under 200 pages but worth reading, and he talks about the George Floyd case, his Civil Rights hero father, his concerns for his kids, and tries to think how we can move forward and create a better world.
August 2, 2024
4.5. Enjoyed the personal mixed with the political. It was heartfelt and heart breaking, well-told, insightful and inspirational. Always liked his takes on CNN and this book proved to be even better. Was especially relevant in light of Kamala Harris’s campaign. I think we are poised for a pivotal moment.
October 18, 2024
"The Moment" felt especially timely as we approach what may be the most crucial presidential election in our history, just 17 days away. It’s a deeply engaging read that resonated with me on many levels. This book is a significant addition to our discussions about the dark side of America. Bakari Sellers’ voice is both essential and refreshing, providing insights that truly make an impact.
February 22, 2025
This book is on point and a great read. “If you’re not at the table you’re on the menu.” That statement says it all. His observations of his career, his thoughtful reflections of his lived experiences and commentary on the plight of America and the steps needed to move forward make this a must read.
June 9, 2024
I really enjoyed this book, but it felt a little disjointed. The content is amazing, particularly the back half. But many of the chapters feel more like disconnected blog posts all put under one book as opposed to a cohesive message. Highly recommend, but I did like his first book more
August 23, 2024
Much of what the author says is well documented, so his point of view is so important, like hearing about recent Supreme Court decisions as part of the backlash against the Civil Rights Act and the Voting Rights Act and the election of Obama.
September 29, 2024
I was assigned this book for my Human Behavior in Social Environment class for my MSW. The writing style could use some work but was overall invested in Seller’s story of his father, black history in America, and current racism the black community, men specifically face in America today.
October 2, 2025
We are all too tired of giving in! Bakari says it will take a certain amount of grit and vigor to get to where we want to go. He believes that the darkest times are not here yet. I will be anxious to talk to him further about these issues; he is going to be a guest at my house this weekend,
May 8, 2024
The book gives a lot of history on the civil rights movement and how there is still more to do.
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