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The Black Male Handbook: A Blueprint for Life
Author and activist Kevin Powell and contributors Lasana Omar Hotep, Jeff Johnson, Byron Hurt, Dr. William Jelani Cobb, Ryan Mack, Kendrick B. Nathaniel, and Dr. Andre L. Brown deliver an essential collection of essays for Black men at all stages of their lives on surviving and thriving in an unjust world.The Black Male Handbook answers a collective hunger for new direction, fresh solutions to old problems, and a different kind of conversation—man-to-man and with Black male voices, all from the hip hop generation. The book tackles issues related to political, practical, cultural, and spiritual matters, and ending violence against women and girls.The book also features an appendix filled with useful readings, advice, and resources. The Black Male Handbook is a blueprint for those aspiring to thrive against the odds in America today.This is a must-have book, not only for Black male readers, but the women who befriend, parent, partner, and love them.
272 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 9, 2008
53 people are currently reading
364 people want to read
About the author
Kevin Powell
48 books74 followersKevin Powell is an American writer, activist, and television personality whose work spans journalism, literature, politics, and grassroots social change. With a career defined by outspoken advocacy for justice and deep engagement with Black culture and history, Powell has published 14 books, including The Education of Kevin Powell: A Boy's Journey into Manhood and When We Free the World. He was a senior writer for Vibe magazine during its formative years and played a key role in shaping its editorial voice, especially in profiling hip-hop culture and icons like Tupac Shakur.
Born in Jersey City, New Jersey, Powell was raised in poverty by a single mother and became the first in his family to graduate high school. He went on to study at Rutgers University through the Educational Opportunity Fund, focusing on political science, English, and philosophy. His academic and personal awakening to Black literature and politics led him to become an activist and organizer for causes such as anti-apartheid movements, voter registration drives, and Jesse Jackson’s presidential campaign.
Powell's public profile rose nationally as an original cast member of MTV’s The Real World: New York in 1992. He used his time on the show to engage viewers in conversations about race, identity, and masculinity. That same year, he joined Vibe magazine and became one of its most prominent voices, covering major figures in Black music and culture. His interviews with Tupac Shakur remain among the most defining pieces written on the late rapper.
Beyond journalism, Powell has contributed to The New York Times, Esquire, The Washington Post, Essence, TIME, and more. His writing connects contemporary social issues with historical and cultural narratives, particularly around race, gender, and identity. His essays and reflections often draw from personal experiences, including past struggles with violence and transformation through therapy, education, and activism.
Powell’s commitment to social justice extends into community organizing and political engagement. He ran twice as a Democratic candidate for Congress in Brooklyn, New York, in 2008 and 2010, centering his campaigns on transparency, equity, and grassroots empowerment. He has worked internationally, lecturing and leading workshops, and served as the U.S. ambassador for the Dylan Thomas Centennial.
In addition to curating historical and literary anthologies, Powell continues to publish poetry, most recently Grocery Shopping with My Mother, which was also released as a spoken word album and received a 2024 GRAMMY nomination. His archive is held by Cornell University, reflecting his influence as a public intellectual and chronicler of Black life.
Throughout his multifaceted career, Powell has remained dedicated to redefining manhood, uplifting marginalized voices, and challenging systems of oppression through the written word and public service.
Born in Jersey City, New Jersey, Powell was raised in poverty by a single mother and became the first in his family to graduate high school. He went on to study at Rutgers University through the Educational Opportunity Fund, focusing on political science, English, and philosophy. His academic and personal awakening to Black literature and politics led him to become an activist and organizer for causes such as anti-apartheid movements, voter registration drives, and Jesse Jackson’s presidential campaign.
Powell's public profile rose nationally as an original cast member of MTV’s The Real World: New York in 1992. He used his time on the show to engage viewers in conversations about race, identity, and masculinity. That same year, he joined Vibe magazine and became one of its most prominent voices, covering major figures in Black music and culture. His interviews with Tupac Shakur remain among the most defining pieces written on the late rapper.
Beyond journalism, Powell has contributed to The New York Times, Esquire, The Washington Post, Essence, TIME, and more. His writing connects contemporary social issues with historical and cultural narratives, particularly around race, gender, and identity. His essays and reflections often draw from personal experiences, including past struggles with violence and transformation through therapy, education, and activism.
Powell’s commitment to social justice extends into community organizing and political engagement. He ran twice as a Democratic candidate for Congress in Brooklyn, New York, in 2008 and 2010, centering his campaigns on transparency, equity, and grassroots empowerment. He has worked internationally, lecturing and leading workshops, and served as the U.S. ambassador for the Dylan Thomas Centennial.
In addition to curating historical and literary anthologies, Powell continues to publish poetry, most recently Grocery Shopping with My Mother, which was also released as a spoken word album and received a 2024 GRAMMY nomination. His archive is held by Cornell University, reflecting his influence as a public intellectual and chronicler of Black life.
Throughout his multifaceted career, Powell has remained dedicated to redefining manhood, uplifting marginalized voices, and challenging systems of oppression through the written word and public service.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
July 7, 2014
This book was a great read however, I would recommend this book, only if you have not read several books of a similar nature. Although each author brings their own point of view. The content of this book is the same as every other book on uplifting the black male. It points to all of the problems and talks about the change that needs to happen but, provides no solutions to an already highlighted problem. For this book to claim to be a handbook I feel it should have focused more on how to move forward and less on were we came from.
August 2, 2019
The essays in the book are all worth a read but I was most engaged with a shorter list. “Redefining Black Manhood” by Byron Hurt and “Moving Toward Mental Wellness” by Andrae L. Brown struck specific chords with me as a reader. My automatic engagement with these two essays in particular stem from my belief these are often the two most ignored subjects in the Black community.
Throughout the book I found myself emotionally (and sometimes verbally) engaging with the individual essays, sometimes negatively. I “argued” with the pages and content, volunteering my objections to what I calculated to be false conclusions or misdirected guidance. But this is the point. The book is not about indoctrinating a set of unarguable truths yet it is to engage all black men in an effort to collaboratively progress. This book is our debate agenda for the barbershop. This book is our conversation lineup for the dominoes table. This book is essential travel material for the black male pilgrimage.
Throughout the book I found myself emotionally (and sometimes verbally) engaging with the individual essays, sometimes negatively. I “argued” with the pages and content, volunteering my objections to what I calculated to be false conclusions or misdirected guidance. But this is the point. The book is not about indoctrinating a set of unarguable truths yet it is to engage all black men in an effort to collaboratively progress. This book is our debate agenda for the barbershop. This book is our conversation lineup for the dominoes table. This book is essential travel material for the black male pilgrimage.
March 1, 2017
A great read for any black man growing up or having already grown up. The insights are honest and relatable. Some of the concepts should not be "new", but to hear them come from men who look and sound like you, adds more to the content. The section on women and mental health is a must read for anyone in the black community as these are subjects that are often overlooked.
December 16, 2020
This book was chosen to be the basis of our youth mentorship program. Each chapter was an essay by a different author. Topics ranged from self-identity and mental/physical health to finances and etiquette. The book had good actionable advice making it easier to incorporate into monthly discussions. Some topics were a tad mature for middle school and below.
October 19, 2009
I've followed Kevin Powell's journalisitic career since he was a fledgling writer and early season "The Real World" housemate. He is a committed social activist whose prose is incisive. This book of essays does not disappoint.
November 9, 2013
This book hits on some very basic concepts that you may find extremely valuable when fathering, adopting, mentoring, or working with a young male child of African descent. It is always good to start somewhere. There is definitely a need for this type of literature.
January 24, 2013
Definately would recommend this book, male or female.
September 19, 2017
This book contains stories and instructions from different authors from the black struggle. It's essential to read this book as a black man living in urban african-american america. If you're black man, then you should be able to relate to this book in many ways.
September 22, 2017
This book is insulting, condescending and paternalistic, and is not recommended as a "blueprint" for any black man save for one with an IQ smaller than his penis size.
September 7, 2020
From my perspective as a gay white male, this books gave Good solid advice. Lots of lists of suggestions/ToDo’s in each of the essays
July 18, 2022
I really enjoyed the different viewpoints from the Black men who contributed to this work.
January 22, 2023
A very inspirational book that made me stop and think. I realize, by constantly looking over my shoulder, as a black male, I may be missing what is in front of me. I will buy this book for my sons.
January 16, 2017
Recommended as a great dialogue foundation on how we define manhood. Subjects include financial intelligence, violence, spirituality , and mental/physical/emotional health. I personally wanted more from the financial section and recommended movies/books/music.
January 30, 2010
I want to give this book to every darkskinned man, young and old. Let it inspire you to be the best you can be!
November 11, 2018
A Great book for people of color who want to get started on a path of growth.
March 8, 2012
This is a road map of life...it will help give a sense of direction to a brother who is lost.
April 4, 2015
Enjoyed it very much!
April 26, 2017
As a black man, this book revealed many ways in which I can not only make a difference but to be the most authentic version of myself in America. This handbook teaches black males how to organize their finances, ending violence against women, being healthy and other topics to ensure a fulfilling life. As I read this book, I felt that it was speaking to me directly and it's a book I wish was available to me during college as it would have helped shape me into a more complete version of a man. This book is a great starting point for anyone with black males or females in their lives and should be shared with them. It will not only change your mindset but outlook on life and how a black man should live his fully and truly.
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February 24, 2019One word: Enlightning. Like speaking with the male mentor that I needed when I was younger.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews