The Choice: The Issue of Black Survival in America by Samuel Yette (1971/82) Audiobook, presented by Real Talk With ZSJ

NB: The price of this book is prohibitive for most working class Black people, ie.“Colonization of Black Information”

The term “Colonization of Black Information” refers to the historical and ongoing processes through which knowledge, narratives, and cultural expressions of Black people and communities have been dominated, appropriated, blocked or marginalized by external forces, often rooted in colonialism and the systemic, business and culture of white supremacy (racism). Allow us to provide some details, as it goes to why this book is so expensive.

Four quick points:

  1. Historical Context: During colonial times, European powers often suppressed indigenous knowledge systems and cultural practices, replacing them with their own narratives. This led to a loss of agency among Black (New Afrikan) communities in telling their own stories and defining their own realities and identities.
  2. Cultural Appropriation: The appropriation of Black culture, music, art, and other expressions by non-Black (white) individuals and/or groups without proper acknowledgment or respect can be seen as a continuation of this colonization. Such actions often strip the original meanings and contexts from cultural elements.
  3. Media Representation: The portrayal of Black individuals and communities in media perpetuate stereotypes, often framing them through a lens that aligns with dominant societal (white) narratives and serving to distort public perceptions and limit the understanding of the Black experiences in Amerikkka under the bootheel of its oppression.
  4. Access to Information: Structural inequalities (eg. this book) often result in Black communities having less access to platforms and resources to share their information and narratives. This, more frequently than not, leads to a dearth of knowledge and a lack of representation in academic, historical, socio-political, economic and cultural discussions.

Book Summary

“The Choice: The Issue of Black Survival in America” by Samuel Yette is a profound exploration of the challenges faced by the African American community in the United States. Yette presents a critical analysis of the socio-political landscape affecting Black Americans, discussing themes of survival, identity, and agency. The book examines historical contexts, systemic racism, and the ongoing struggle for civil rights, ultimately advocating for a conscious choice in addressing these persistent issues.

The outline that follows captures the essence of Yette’s work, emphasizing both the historical context and the contemporary issues facing the Black community in America

  • Introduction
    • Purpose of the book
    • Overview of the Black experience in America
  • Historical Context
    • Legacy of slavery
    • Civil Rights Movement
    • Continued oppression and disenfranchisement
  • Systemic Racism
    • Definition and examples
    • Impact on African American communities
    • Institutional barriers in education, employment, and justice
  • Identity and Culture
    • The importance of cultural heritage
    • The role of community and family
    • Challenges in maintaining identity in a predominantly white society
  • Survival Strategies
    • Individual vs. collective approaches
    • Importance of education and empowerment
    • Role of activism and political engagement
  • The Power of Choice
    • Defining choices in the context of survival
    • Historical examples of impactful choices made by Black leaders
    • Encouraging personal responsibility and agency
  • Vision for the Future
    • Hope and resilience within the Black community
    • Potential pathways for change
    • Call to action for readers
  • Conclusion
    • Summary of key points
    • Reinforcement of the importance of choice in the struggle for survival
    • Final thoughts on unity and collective action

  Here is an outline comprising a deeper exploration of the themes and concepts presented in “The Choice”

  1. Introduction
    • Yette sets the stage by discussing the historical and ongoing struggles of African Americans in the U.S. He emphasizes the need for awareness and understanding of the systemic issues that have shaped the Black experience.
  2. Historical Context
    • The author delves into the history of slavery, detailing its brutal realities and the long-lasting effects on subsequent generations. He explores the Civil Rights Movement, highlighting key figures and events that sought to dismantle institutional racism. Yette also discusses how the remnants of these historical injustices continue to affect Black Americans today.
  3. Systemic Racism
    • Yette provides a thorough analysis of systemic racism, defining it as a deeply ingrained issue that permeates various institutions, including education, healthcare, and the justice system. He illustrates how these systems fail Black individuals, contributing to socio-economic disparities and perpetuating cycles of poverty and disenfranchisement.
  4. Identity and Culture
    • The book emphasizes the significance of cultural identity and heritage for African Americans. Yette discusses the importance of community bonds, family structures, and the role of cultural expressions in fostering resilience. He examines the struggles of maintaining cultural identity in a society that often marginalizes or misrepresents Black culture.
  5. Survival Strategies
    • Yette advocates for both individual and collective strategies for survival. He stresses the importance of education as a tool for empowerment and encourages active participation in political processes. The author highlights examples of grassroots movements and organizations that have successfully mobilized communities to fight for their rights.
  6. The Power of Choice
    • Central to Yette’s thesis is the concept of choice. He posits that individuals have the power to make choices that can lead to positive change, both personally and collectively. He uses historical examples of leaders who made significant choices that impacted the trajectory of the civil rights struggle, inspiring readers to take ownership of their decisions.
  7. Vision for the Future
    • Yette expresses a hopeful vision for the future, emphasizing the resilience and strength of the Black community. He discusses the potential for change through unity and collective action. The author calls on readers to engage in the ongoing struggle for justice and equality, fostering a sense of responsibility towards future generations.
  8. Conclusion
    • The book concludes with a powerful reminder of the importance of awareness and action. Yette urges readers to reflect on their roles in the fight against systemic racism and to recognize that meaningful change requires both individual and collective effort.

Key Themes:

  • Empowerment through Education: Yette highlights education as a vital means for empowerment and breaking the cycle of oppression.
  • Cultural Identity: The preservation of cultural heritage is crucial for community strength and individual identity.
  • Agency and Responsibility: Individuals must recognize their power to make choices that affect their lives and communities.
  • Collective Action: The importance of solidarity and collaboration among African Americans to effect social change.

Overall, “The Choice” serves as a thought-provoking work that challenges readers to think critically about the issues facing the Black community while inspiring them to take action towards a more equitable future.

Part I A Partial Reading of The Choice The Issue of Black Survival in America by Samuel Yette Audiobook (Real Talk With ZSJ)

Starts @1min. 09 sec.

The Choice: The Issue of Black Survival in America: View/Study/ Download ALL 7 Parts presented by Real Talk With ZSJ HERE

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The Black Jacobins: Toussaint L’Ouverture and the San Domingo Revolution_eBook and Audiobook with Confronting Black Jacobins, Dr. Gerald Horne (eBook and Auiobook) and The Black Jacobins Reader

Last Updated 12-15-2024

Book Summary

“The Black Jacobins” is a historical account by C.L.R. James that explores the Haitian Revolution (1791-1804) and the role of its leader, Toussaint L’Ouverture. The book examines the interplay of class, race, and power in the struggle for Haitian independence from French colonial rule. James presents a detailed narrative of the events leading to the revolution, the complexity of the social dynamics involved, and the impact of the revolution on the wider world. Through the lens of L’Ouverture’s life and leadership, the book highlights the struggle for freedom and equality, making it a significant work in the study of history, race, and revolution.

The following outline encapsulates the major themes and structure of C.L.R. James’s seminal work, emphasizing the significance of the Haitian Revolution and its leader in the context of world history.

Outline of “The Black Jacobins”

  • Introduction
    • Context of the Haitian Revolution
    • Importance of Toussaint L’Ouverture
    • Themes of race, class, and revolution
  • Part I: The Setting
    • Colonialism in Saint-Domingue
      • Overview of the plantation economy
      • Social hierarchy: whites, free people of color, and enslaved people
    • Influence of the French Revolution
      • Impact of Enlightenment ideas
      • The rise of revolutionary sentiments
  • Part II: The Revolution Begins
    • Initial uprisings of enslaved people
    • Toussaint L’Ouverture’s early involvement
    • Key figures in the revolution
    • The role of external forces (France, Britain, Spain)
  • Part III: Toussaint L’Ouverture’s Leadership
    • Rise to power and political strategies
    • Military campaigns and tactics
    • Balancing alliances with France and other powers
    • Vision for Haiti and abolition of slavery
  • Part IV: Internal Conflicts
    • Tensions among revolutionary leaders
    • Class divisions within the revolutionary movement
    • The challenge of governance and social order
  • Part V: The Fall of Toussaint
    • Betrayal and capture by the French
    • Impact of his leadership on the revolution’s course
    • The rise of Jean-Jacques Dessalines and others
  • Conclusion: The Legacy of the Revolution
    • Outcomes of the Haitian Revolution
    • Influence on global movements for freedom and equality
    • Reflections on race and colonialism

The Black Jacobins_eBook

A classic and impassioned account of the first revolution in the Third World.This powerful, intensely dramatic book is the definitive account of the Haitian Revolution of 1794-1803, a revolution that began in the wake of the Bastille but became the model for the Third World liberation movements from Africa to Cuba. It is the story of the French colony of San Domingo, a place where the brutality of master toward slave was commonplace and ingeniously refined. And it is the story of a barely literate slave named Toussaint L’Ouverture, who led the black people of San Domingo in a successful struggle against successive invasions by overwhelming French, Spanish, and English forces and in the process helped form the first independent nation in the Caribbean.

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The Black Jacobins_Audiobook

Confronting Black Jacobins, Dr. Gerald Horne_eBook

Book Summary

“Confronting Black Jacobins” by Dr. Gerald Horne is an exploration of the historical context and implications of the Haitian Revolution, focusing on the revolutionary figures, particularly Toussaint L’Ouverture, and the broader impact on the Atlantic world.

The following overview and outline provides a structured capsule of the major themes and topics discussed in “Confronting Black Jacobins,” highlighting Dr. Horne’s analysis of the Haitian Revolution and its lasting significance.

Overview

  • Historical Context: The book situates the Haitian Revolution within the larger scope of the Atlantic slave trade and the French Revolution.
  • Key Figures: It examines the lives and contributions of important figures, especially Toussaint L’Ouverture, and their roles in challenging colonial power.
  • Impact of the Revolution: Horne discusses the implications of Haiti’s independence for slavery, colonialism, and race relations in the Americas and Europe.
  • Racial Dynamics: The narrative addresses the intersection of race, class, and revolution, highlighting how these elements influenced the struggle for freedom.
  • Legacy and Memory: The book reflects on how the Haitian Revolution has been remembered and misremembered in historical narratives.

Outline

  1. Introduction
    • Overview of the Haitian Revolution
    • Significance in world history
  2. Historical Background
    • The Atlantic slave trade and its impact
    • The role of colonial powers, especially France
  3. Key Figures
    • Toussaint L’Ouverture
      • Early life and rise to power
      • Military strategies and leadership
    • Other notable leaders
      • Jean-Jacques Dessalines
      • Henri Christophe
  4. The Revolution Begins
    • Factors leading to the uprising
    • Initial revolts and their suppression
  5. French Revolution Influence
    • Connection to the French Revolution
    • Ideological underpinnings and inspirations
  6. International Reactions
    • Responses from colonial powers
    • The impact on slave societies in the Americas
  7. Struggles for Control
    • Internal conflicts among revolutionary leaders
    • The role of external forces, including the U.S. and Britain
  8. Haiti’s Independence
    • Declaration of independence and its significance
    • Immediate consequences for Haiti and the region
  9. Legacy of the Haitian Revolution
    • Influence on abolitionist movements
    • Ongoing struggles for racial equality and social justice
  10. Conclusion
    • Reflection on the memory of the Haitian Revolution
    • Its relevance to contemporary issues of race and freedom

Confronting Black Jacobins, Dr. Gerald Horne_Audiobook

Audio start in earnest (Introduction) and corresponds to page 8 of the above Reader.

Part 1

Part 2

The Black Jacobins Reader

Containing a wealth of new scholarship and rare primary documents, The Black Jacobins Reader provides a comprehensive analysis of C. L. R. James’s classic history of the Haitian Revolution. In addition to considering the book’s literary qualities and its role in James’s emergence as a writer and thinker, the contributors discuss its production, context, and enduring importance in relation to debates about decolonization, globalization, postcolonialism, and the emergence of neocolonial modernity. The Reader also includes the reflections of activists and novelists on the book’s influence and a transcript of James’s 1970 interview with Studs Terkel.

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SUPPLEMENTAL: CLR JAMES VS MARCUS GARVEY

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Black Panther_ The Revolutionary Art of Emory Douglas (Book Preview) and Emory Douglas_The Art of The Black Panthers (BPP |BAM Video Player), with BPP Newspapers_1969

Buy the Book here. https://www.rizzoliusa.com/book/9780847841899/ (228 Pages.)

4 Video Playlist

Black Panther_ The Revolutionary Art of Emory Douglas, Publish 2014. (Book Preview)

Description

A reformatted and reduced price edition—including a revised and updated introduction by Sam Durant and new text on the artist today by Colette Gaiterof the first book to show the provocative posters and groundbreaking graphics of the Black Panther Party. The Black Panther Party for Self Defense, formed in the aftermath of the assassination of Malcolm X in 1965, sounded a defiant cry for an end to the institutionalized subjugation of African Americans. The Black Panther newspaper was founded to articulate the party’s message, and artist Emory Douglas became the paper’s art director and later the party’s minister of culture. Douglas’s artistic talents and experience proved a powerful combination: his striking collages of photographs and his own drawings combined to create some of the era’s most iconic images. This landmark book brings together a remarkable lineup of party insiders who detail the crafting of the party’s visual identity.

About The Author

Emory Douglas was the Minister of Culture for the Black Panther Party from 1967 until its discontinuation in the early 1980s. Colette Gaiter is associate professor of visual communications in the art department at the University of Delaware.  Bobby Seale co-founded the Black Panther Party with Huey Newton. Sam Durant is a Los Angeles–based artist. Danny Glover is an actor, producer, and director. Kathleen Cleaver, attorney, author, and senior lecturer at Yale University and Emory Law School, joined the Black Panther Party in 1967. Amiri Baraka is a writer and political activist.

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BPP Newspapers_1969

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Malcolm X As Cultural Hero and Other Afrocentric Essays by Molefi Kete Asante and Dr. Molefi Kete Asante Lecture On Malcolm X (RBG MKA Video Player)

RBG Molefi Kete Asante Institute Lectures

21 Video Playlist

Book Summary

“Malcolm X As Cultural Hero and Other Afrocentric Essays” by Molefi Kete Asante is a collection of essays that examine the significance of Malcolm X as a cultural icon and his impact on African American identity and consciousness. Asante, a prominent scholar in Afrocentric studies, explores themes of cultural pride, resistance, and the importance of historical context in understanding the contributions of Malcolm X and other African figures. The essays advocate for a re-framing of African American history through an Afrocentric lens, emphasizing the need for empowerment and self-determination within the Black community.

Essential Themes and Discussions Presented:

  1. Introduction
    • Overview of the book’s purpose and themes
    • Contextualization of Malcolm X’s life and legacy
    • Introduction to Afrocentricity and its relevance to contemporary discussions
  2. Malcolm X as a Cultural Hero
    • Exploration of Malcolm X’s role as a symbol of resistance and empowerment
    • Analysis of his philosophy and rhetoric regarding race and identity
    • Discussion of the significance of Malcolm X in the context of the Civil Rights Movement
  3. The Concept of Afrocentricity
    • Definition and principles of Afrocentricity
    • Importance of cultural identity and historical perspective in Afrocentric thought
    • Critique of Eurocentrism and its effects on African and African American identity
  4. Malcolm X’s Influence on Afrocentric Thought
    • Examination of how Malcolm X’s ideas resonate with Afrocentric philosophy
    • Discussion of his critiques of systemic oppression and colonialism
    • Analysis of his vision for African unity and self-determination
  5. Cultural Identity and Empowerment
    • Exploration of the relationship between culture and identity in the African diaspora
    • The role of cultural heroes in shaping collective consciousness
    • Discussion of strategies for cultural empowerment and community building
  6. Historical Context of African American Struggles
    • Overview of historical events and figures that shaped the African American experience
    • Examination of the legacy of slavery, segregation, and systemic racism
    • The impact of these historical factors on contemporary issues facing the Black community
  7. Contemporary Relevance of Malcolm X’s Ideas
    • Analysis of how Malcolm X’s teachings apply to current social justice movements
    • Reflection on the ongoing struggles for racial equality and justice
    • Discussion of the importance of maintaining cultural heritage in today’s society
  8. Conclusion
    • Summary of key themes and insights from the essays
    • Final reflections on the enduring legacy of Malcolm X as a cultural hero
    • Emphasis on the importance of Afrocentric perspectives in understanding history and identity

Malcolm X As Cultural Hero and Other Afrocentric Essays by Molefi Kete Asante (1993)

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The Black Panther Party: A Graphic Novel History, by David F. Walker (Author), Marcus Kwame Anderson (Illustrator), with RBG| FBI_COINTELPRO Video Education Player

WINNER OF THE EISNER AWARD • “A bold and fascinating graphic novel history of the revolutionary Black Panther Party.”


Founded in Oakland, California, in 1966, the Black Panther Party for Self-Defense was a radical political organization that stood in defiant contrast to the mainstream civil rights movement. This gripping illustrated history explores the impact and significance of the Panthers, from their social, educational, and healthcare programs that were designed to uplift the Black community to their battle against police brutality through citizen patrols and frequent clashes with the FBI, which targeted the Party from its outset.

Using dramatic comic book-style retellings and illustrated profiles of key figures, The Black Panther Party captures the major events, people, and actions of the party, as well as their cultural and political influence and enduring legacy.

The Black Panther Party: A Graphic Novel History, by David F. Walker (Author), Marcus Kwame Anderson (Illustrator)

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RBG| FBI_COINTELPRO Video Education Player

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