Conversations in Black: On Power, Politics, and Leadership

by Ed Gordon

In the vein of Tavis Smiley's The Covenant with Black America, veteran radio and television personality Ed Gordon offers an unvarnished collection of essays about the state of Black America, drawn from his time on the road interviewing some of today's most prominent African American leaders and influencers, including Maxine Waters, Joy Ann Reid, Angela Rye, Ben Crump, Bryan Stevenson, and more.

Gordon tackles vital topics in the Trump era such as


the troubled intersection of race and politics
the gains and regression of Black inclusion
living with functioning White nationalism
navigating the far-right's co-opting of free speech
surviving Trump's xenophobia and restrictive immigration tactics
the role of Black female leadership in America
(re)defining Blackness in today's pop culture


Hard-hitting and inspiring, Gordon will reveal a new blueprint for navigating race in a divisive America. He concludes that in spite of slavery, Jim Crow, the school to prison pipeline, and all the other injustices African Americans face, there remains a deep connection and loyalty to each other and the United States. Through strengthening politics, finances, and advocacy, victory will be revealed again and again. In Conversations in Black, Gordon embarks on the rigorous journey with a mighty team of black intelligentsia to define and outline a plan for what individual and collective leadership must be today.

Genres: Nonfiction, Race, Politics, History, Anti Racist, Essays, Audiobook

256 pages, Hardcover

First published January 14, 2020

Reviews

[Bookishrealm · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a powerful book ! I don't think I truly knew what I was getting myself into when I decided to pick up this book. At first it was just cover appeal especially when I saw all the names that I recognized. However, from the moment that I opened this book my read became so much more. A lot of the topics discussed in this book are things that I often discuss with my friends and family. In fact, I'm not sure there are many black people who haven't discussed the issues brought forth in this book. Gordon does a spectacular job of addressing some of the most important topics as they relate to the black community.

Readers will find that this book isn't one sided. Everyone doesn't agree. In fact, you'll find times during the narrative that designated speakers will actively engage in conversations where they have different opinions and insight. It was such a beautiful thing to watch because I think that sometimes we get lost in this narrative that black people must agree on all topics that relate to the black community and that's just not true. One thing that everyone did seem to agree on was the fact that the black community needs to actively engage in coming up with new strategies to address the educational, political, and economic disparities that black people face day after day and year after year. While we can acknowledge the methods and strategies that have gotten us to this point, it's time for new ideas that can help in this day and age.

Some of my favorite discussion from the book included: Obama, Trump, Black Girl Magic, Mo Money Mo Problems, The Madea Dilemma, and Am I Black Enough For YA. For some reasons these specific topics resonated with questions and ideas that I've had about myself and the black community for some time. There were a great number of perspectives that I agree with and others that I didn't agree with. However, they all gave me better ideas of how I could be better supporting my community.

Whether you're black or not this is an important book to read and one that really asks some difficult questions of the black community. I didn't have my own copy of this book so I plan on purchasing it and re-reading it and annotating it. This is one of the important non-fiction books that I have read this year.

[Starlah · Rating 5 out of 5]

OH EM EF GE. This is literally a book of conversations that we ALL need to be having. I absolutely LOVED how this book was structured! I didn't feel like reading a book but more like watching a round table discussion. And with so many questions asked, even some directed towards the reader, it did an amazing job of pulling the reader into the conversation. Amazing.

[Monica · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very interesting book that is exactly what it says it is; a conversation about being black in America. It's a very interesting approach with Gordon as a sort of narrator with his chosen snippets of conversations with famous leaders, activists, celebrities etc taking on many of the topics that are prevelant in African American households. I found it interesting, enlightening and food for thought. Some very insightful perspectives from unexpected places. A hidden gem.

4+ Stars

Read on kindle

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

5.0

I do not think I have ever highlighted a book, or thought more deeply throughout a book in my entire life. I cannot recommend this book enough! If you are someone who is serious about trying to understand the current state of black America today and place it in a historical context, then I urge you to read this book. This book is vastly superior to so many books out there that are trying to send a message to all the guilt ridden people who want to alleviate their guilt by reading a mainstream book or reposting catchy phrases through social media. Those mediums all have their place and pointing out that there is horrific systemic racism in this country is definitely the first step, but it is going to take a consistent concerted effort by many to undue generations of mistreatment. My fear is that people will do enough to alleviate their guilt, momentarily feel like part of a movement and then move on with their lives. There must be creative and concrete ideas that bring about real change throughout the country. It was so powerful hearing the voices of so many black leaders give their opinions, often conflicting, about major issues facing our country today in Conversations in Black by media legend, Ed Gordon. It helps to drive home the point that there is not one black voice or point that represents the call for change, but a multitude of different views that must be woven together to create real and lasting change. The structure of the book models the important point that serious discourse from varying leaders and people is absolutely critical in building real equal opportunities in this country and that listening to just one voice can be misguided. I also really enjoyed when Ed Gordon infused his personal experiences and beliefs throughout the chapters. Ed's experienced voice was a real strength and I wish he gave himself an even bigger canvas to discuss the issues of each chapter. This book left me wanting to hear the opinions of so many other black leaders, but also the voices of the millions of those regular people living all throughout the United States who are impacted daily by systematic racism.

[LeeTravelGoddess · Rating 5 out of 5]

YAAAAAALLLLLLLL,

LISTEN...

So, initially i was like... wait WHET??

And once I got into the groove of the book I was in THE GROOVE OF THE BOOK!!! This book is so monumental to me in so many regards, from so many different perspectives. I learned so much from this one piece of literature-- my knowledge was bolstered, strengthened and even tested FROM THIS ONE piece of literature!! This book should be on our coffee tables and in our hearts; as a people, this should be required reading just so that we get on one page. I. MEAN. we are more powerful than we know, more influential than we can ever imagine and while some may say that we can't move on or that we should do better as a people... they have not lived our lives, walked in our shoes or taken blow after blow AFTER a 450 year headstart!!!

I also wan't to say that we should just say Thank You to President Barack Obama and be done with it. He did not nor does he currently owe US ANYTHING AS A RACE. NOT NOTHING!!! How dare you out a human being on a pedistal and hope that they wipe away 450 years of damage in 8 years... HOW DARE WE!!! I think that he did what he set out to do, with style, grace, charm wits and most importantly education. PLEASE STOP and take a look in the mirror, that man made HISTORY with his family's life in balance and you criticize him for not doing the menial things that you JUST came to grips with... an idea that you just made up and thought it best for our entire race. SHUT UP cause i dont see you running AND WINNING the highest office in the land... just shush!

And then the book goes into how "we needed 45" to see what America is really about but no we didn't, never did so, kill that noise too. Fourty-Four didn't make your impossible dreams come true but 45 has allowed you to truly see the light? Nah, get off your butt and make things happen in your life, town, city, country... as the old adage says, change begins with you!

Moving on to the rest of the book... I am inspired to do more and to not only do that but to also live my best life while I am doing more! There are so many nuggets of wisdon strewn throughout each page that I simply could not keep up, names, organizations, ideas and even truths that I have acquired from this book. I have passed it on to my family and colleagues and look forward to the conversation that we will have in the near future. I love, love, love the questions at the end of each chapter-- I'm just so proud of what we have risen from and are on the road to... This book is a wonderful beginning for most and I hope that this furthers the conversation, increases our leverage in the world and most of all provides us with a solid foundation of winning collectively and continuing those wins for generations to come! Its a tops guys and if you buy one book in the month of March... let this one be it!!! 💚💚💚

[Katie Bruell · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love the idea of this book, but I'm not sure how well it played out. The conversations are more like disjointed quotes--you feel, reading them, that you're left out of most of the discussion. Also, I see a lot of what seems to this white outsider as blaming the victim. For example, in the discussion of representation in movies, there's a lot of talk about characters that black actors play or write or both that reflect stereotypes or reflect badly on black people as a whole. But isn't that the fault of a society that doesn't let black people be individuals? You don't see white people talking about how they shouldn't have made The Joker because that character reflects badly on white people. Just my two cents.

I really love the questions at the end of each chapter, and the diversity of voices that is included in the book. I especially liked the parts written by Ed Gordon.

[Alana · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an interesting take: taking bits of conversations with real people, and putting them together to form entire conversations and perspectives in a kind of round table approach. I liked it, in affect watching people trade ideas and concepts back and forth, not always agreeing, but all having opinions about the importance of certain activities or ways to go about activism, or politics, or even just discussions. It gives a much more rounded perspective of the black community... showing the many faces and perspectives. Proof, as if we needed more, that not "all black people think alike" and are just as unique as anyone else. Too often we tend to lump people together into groups and forget their individuality when they are striving for the same goals.

[Richard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow - I didn’t know how much I needed to read this book until I read it.

Back in the day I knew something about important Black issues. In college I ran a slate for student body government that was 2/5th Black. I was actively involved in obtaining Black housing for those who desired it. I saw, talked with, heard from, and interacted with Black men and women on a daily basis. That was so many, many years ago.

Since then I have lived in a small, nearly all white, New England town. The number of Black people I normally interact with on a daily, weekly, or even monthly basis can be counted with single digits. I read a wide spectrum of news and try to stay current on important issues. I wear a Black Lives Matter face mask and try to have conversations about what it means. However, until I read this book I did not realize how little I knew about so many current issues.

In his book, Ed Gordon leads a conversation with a large number of Black politicians, entertainers, and business people about a wide range of important topics. What struck me the most was how Gordon managed to get such honest remarks from a diverse group of speakers who hold a wide range of opinions and experiences. Reading this book was like being the proverbial fly on the wall, getting to be “in the room where it happens”.

I must be honest and admit that there were many speakers I was not familiar with. Sure I’ve heard of and/or know something about; Stacey Abrams, Harry Belafonte, Eric Holder, Alicia Garza, D. L. Hughley, Hakeem Jeffries, Al Sharpton, and Maxine Waters. However, people such as; Charlamagne the God, Richelieu Dennis, Jemele Hill, Ericka Huggins, Van Jones, Killer Mike, and Van Latham were not names I was familiar with before reading Conversations In Black.

Reading this book will not make you an expert on Black lives in America. It will expose you to number of issues, thoughts, and feelings, many of which might be as new to you as they were to me. Of course, that is exactly the point. White people run nearly all of the news organizations, film studios, book publishers, and TV and Radio stations and, thus, control the conversation. Ed Gordon introduces you to a different conversation, one that you might not be aware of but one you definitely need to hear.

[E.S. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Insightful, challenging, and unique, Conversations In Black is presented as a Q&A. Author Ed Gordon picks a diverse panel featuring Black Americans from all walks of life, including Alicia Garza, co-founder of Black Lives Matter; former Republican lieutenant governor Michael Steele; rapper and activist Killer Mike; and #MeToo Founder Tarana Burke. Throughout the book, Ed presents a series of questions to his panel as well as a list of questions for the reader to use to start conversations in their communities. Ed asks questions such as: What is the state of Black America today? and What does it mean to be black in America? Throughout the book, the reader will benefit from hearing multiple opinions on questions related to blackness and current politics. Representing women, men, Democrats, and Republicans, the panel offers a deep perspective into the issues facing Black America, including mass incarceration, police brutality, black-on-black violence, and lack of funding for historically black colleges. Readers, especially white, who are unaware of these issues, will gain a better understanding of how to help Black America, and can take the questions Ed presents at the end of each chapter to engage his or her communities to find common ground, create a political agenda, and unionize to make America a better place (for everyone).

[AerialsShelfieLife · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could spend hours telling you all the lessons I learned from this collection of interviews. We could then spend months dissecting the proposed solutions and opinions, the generational gaps, the coloration exchanges, the highs and the lows of Black America. But I won’t. There are some books that need to speak for themselves and some conversations that need to happen organically because of them, and this is one of those books.
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“No monolithic thought can be—or should be— reached by all African Americans in any subject. Our beliefs on how best to achieve the goal of equality are shaped by, among other things, our experiences, backgrounds, education, and social status. However, we can and should work toward building consensus.” ~Ed Gordon
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If you have read it, let’s chat! If you have not read it and you are genuinely interested in being a solution to racial inequities, then this title should move to the forefront of your TBR.
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#conversationsinblack #edgordan #blackreads #diversespines #nonfiction #blacklivesmatter #wellreadblackgirl #booksofig #ownvoices

[Austin J Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book! It was like reading an historical analysis of the Black experience in America in regards to different subjects such as civil rights, education, wealth building and more. My favorite chapters in this book was Chapter 2 on President Obama; Chapter 9 on education; and Chapter 10 on the economics of being black. This is the book I would want to keep for my personal library and it has inspired me to tell my own story about my own journey in life. I reiterate, I loved reading this book and would highly recommend it to others who care about the progress that minorities have made and what needs to be done to continue that fight toward equality.

[Cindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Audio was the way to go with this book. Listening to it felt just like listening to a conversation and I am not sure that aspect would have come off the same if I had read it. Anyway, great listen. Feels like a long podcast.

[Elizabeth M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Listened to this book on audio, and let me tell you, it was an uncomfortable privilege for this Southern white woman just to sit on the back row, keep her mouth shut, listen, and learn.

[Seth Brady · Rating 5 out of 5]

Journalist Ed Gordon brings together a diverse host of Black writers, activists, journalists, entertainers, politicians, and more to deep dive on a diverse range of topics, like Education, Hollywood, Black Lives Matter, Inter-generational leadership, life post-Obama, and more.

With each chapter framed around a specific topic, Gordon kicks off each with a conversation-sparking question that leads to an engaging, thoughtful dialogue. It feels like you’re either somehow at the table directly with these leaders, listening in a Stacey Abrams and Revered Al Sharpton weigh in alongside Eric Holder and T.I., or watching a PBS special unfold where the speakers may rotate for each subject, but each segment gives you some great insight into current thinking within the Black community.

Published in early 2020, it also features reflection throughout on what 45’s presidency has done to people of color. And the end of each chapter also includes a series of questions to ponder individually or use to power a related book club conversation.

Admittedly, I wasn’t familiar with Gordon before this, but am so glad I picked up this book. Even those topics affecting the Black community today that have been covered in other books took on a whole new dimension in this ensemble-style open dialogue, adding some depth and nuance as these leaders shared their thoughts quite openly.

You felt privileged to be at this table, getting the chance to see these conversations unfold seemingly in real time as the world continues to unfold and we (hopefully) all continue to make steady progress (despite some horrific setbacks along the way).

In a world where we all need more education and therefore more empathy for those around us that do not share our same skin color, this is a must read. Enjoy!

[Jeffrey P · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ed Gordon curates paragraph-sized discussion and answers from a panel of black leaders and influencers. It's a hard book to read as an old white guy, especially in trying to be an ally. My greatest take-away is that quite apart from the last 4 years of regression of rights for POC (under the Trump administration) the new challenges for the Black community are more complex than they used to be. It's no longer "Blacks should not be slaves" then "Blacks should not be segregated" and then "Blacks should not be discriminated" against, but rather how do we as a society tackle systemic racism and oppression?

This book offers no easy answers, but maybe in doing so it helps us understand how one march or one bill or one President are not going to fix these problems.

[Seth Lancaster · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great way to hear a diverse perspective of the issue affecting the Black Community from blacks. As a white person, I learned a lot. Many of the ideas and questions are ones I have heard in conversation with my friends and coworkers, but most at least had another deeper level or perspective in their answers.

I encourage anyone looking to continue (or start) conversations of their own about racism in America and what things we might be able to do to end some (hopefully all) of these injustices. Therefore, I recommend it for everyone! And talk to me about it.

[🥀]

I think this very much reads and feels like a conversation with so many people inputing their different opinions. Because of the format Gordon chose, it wasn't at all boring and I found myself captivated with each voice and listening to their views.
This book also serves as a great piece to listen and learn more about the hardships and struggles Black people continue to face in our society. I highly recommend picking this up to further educate yourself on the racism Black people continue to face in the United States.

[Glenda Nelms · Rating 5 out of 5]

Important and informative book to start conversations focusing on what we can learn from Black people. A variety of Black Influencers contributed to the conversations. Lots of important information came out of the topics. It includes tips on how to start conversations on social, political and cultural issues. There were some other issues that would have been discussed such as Mental health in the Black community and struggles & Awareness of the LGBTQIA+ community. If you're looking to join the conversation, Conversations in Black is a good place to start.

[Diana · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fantastic book! The conversations are so insightful. What a privilege to be invited in. I already can’t wait to read this again.

[camilla · Rating 4 out of 5]

toggling between a 4-5. i think this book should be read by everyone really. it’s really important. only qualm would be i would have loved to see some younger black voices in the conversation (millennials and gen-z) but honestly that would have to have been a whole other book i think.

i think the last seven chapters were absolutely amazing! and probably were my favorites our of the book.

[Tyra · Rating 5 out of 5]

I need a physical copy ASAP! This feels less like book and more like I’m involved in a round table discussion.

[Michelle Love-Day · Rating 5 out of 5]

The conversations are ones that are needed to create the change. This book is for everyone to read. I think it is important that we talk and have generational change for the Black community. I love the set up and book flow. I have tabbed and highlighted and it has motivated me.

[Quinton Lopez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading this book allowed me to look into the lens of black America from multiple perspectives. We are better off than we were 50, 30, and 20 years ago but there is more that needs to be done to move people of color forward to equality. A partnership between the previous generation and tactics paired with the methods and energy of the newer generation will bring forward change that we desperately need. "A crucial part of this advancement requires taking new approaches to wealth building." Education is a huge part of the success for the future. Representation in all facets of life are crucial to the development of our community and owning the narrative ensures our perspective is told. The power of change lies in our own hands and this book has inspired me to take action.

[Bobby Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great insight read and I love the fact he asked questions throughout the book. All around amazing book I really recommend it.

[Rl · Rating 3 out of 5]

Centers around issues facing black Americans today from red-lining to mass incarceration, from economic disparity to what it means to be black in today's America. Takes the form of dialogues with "experts" in given disciplines and "successful" people within their fields to shed light on these issues. This is a fine discussion on relevant topics but I wonder if some if not most of the people taking part in these discussions are too far removed from certain issues to truly relate? They are certainly not the common everyday people.

[Katie ratherbereadinggg · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars

[Jsmithtomorigmail.Com · Rating 5 out of 5]

Indeed a true conversation starter. CIB allows you to take a sneak peak into the actual conversations that existed with Ed Gordon and his guest and walk away with either additional questions and/or a new perspective. Terrific material to delve into if you are considering a book club or embarking upon good intelligent, intellectual conversations with friends. -JST

[James · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book isn't intended for white readers, which is not a negative thing. All cultural groups need books intended to speak directly to them in their own voices.

I enjoyed the variety of people who contributed to the book, coming from different backgrounds and different generations to weigh in on topics of current relevance to the African-American community (and everyone else too). The varied perspectives were really interesting, especially as they wove together to provide a much broader and nuanced way to look at things. It's helpful that the book has quick bios in the back.

The two chapters on gender roles were especially interesting to me. I also feel like I learned a lot about HBCUs, which even though I come from metro Atlanta, I had never thought about very much. Also, having conservative opinions as well as more progressive voices rounded out the discussions really well. Each chapter ends with thoughtful questions intended to start conversations.

Most surprising thing: I found that like and agree with Al Sharpton on a lot of things.

Overall, a really good read for anyone who is curious about what leaders in the African-American community think about a wide array of topics; however, for people who are not from that community, expect to feel some discomfort at times. This is ultimately healthy; keep reading.

Possibly a good book club choice.

[Madeline · Rating 2 out of 5]

“Conversations in Black” by @edlgordon features Black leaders discussing everything from police brutality to the economics of being Black to Madea.⁣
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I appreciated the range of Black voices in the book. It was nice to hear from familiar names (Maxine Waters, Alicia Garza, Jemele Hill) and engage with those that are new to me (Rev. William Barber, Jitu Brown, Brittney Cooper).⁣
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I was especially drawn in by reflections about Obama’s legacy, activism and voting, the economics of being Black, and Black representation in the media.⁣
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I was disappointed by the complete lack of discussion about LGBTQ+ issues in the Black community, especially the alarming epidemic of Black trans people being murdered.⁣
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Was this due to the inclusion of people who have made public homophobic remarks? (Charlamagne tha God, D.L. Hughley, T.I.)⁣
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While lively, the conversations in this book were often too restrained and polite for me.⁣
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However, this book is an accessible introduction to key concerns for the Black community. So it’s worth a read.

[Jennifer Wells · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an interesting book that taught me more about different perspectives within the Black community. I liked how it was written with different dialogues between individuals. There were also some influential people that I learned about through this book. The book teaches the reader about struggles and differences that are occurring today in society for Black Americans politically and across different industries.

Some of the biases were a little challenging to take in some of the messaging, like the author’s thoughts about President Trump, but that did not make it a bad book, just a little less objective which is why it gets 3 stars from me. I am not a supporter of Trump myself, but I wouldn’t present that opinion necessarily when addressing important issues like education, community, church, medicine, and media that were discussed in this book.