Visions for Black Men

by Na'im Akbar

Visions for Black Men raises issues which are not only important to black men but to all of us. How do we restore African manhood to those whom the society has not viewed as the chosen people? Discover the startling prediction of the mystical tradition of Ancient Africa-- that the descendants of a once great nation will raise again.

Genres: Nonfiction, Psychology

90 pages, Paperback

First published July 1, 1991

About the author

Dr. Na'im Akbar has been acclaimed by Essence Magazine as "one of the world's preeminent Psychologists and a pioneer in the development of an African-centered approach in modern psychology." Akbar has served as Associate Professor at Norfolk State University, was Chairman of the Morehouse College Psychology Department and is currently on the faculty in the Department of Psychology at Florida State University in Tallahassee, Florida. . He has served on the Boards of Directors of a variety of important civic and professional organizations, including several terms on the Board of the National Association of Black Psychologists, which he was elected president in 1987. He has served on the editorial board of the Journal of Black Studies and for eight years was the associate editor of the Journal of Black Psychology.

Akbar is a graduate of the University of Michigan, with both undergraduate and graduate degrees in Psychology and has received many honors for his progressive and landmark contributions to his specialized studies of the psychology of the African American. Among these are the "Annual Member Award" and recognition as a "Distinguished Black Psychologists" by the National Association of Black Psychologists for his outstanding scholarship and research in African Psychology.

The published volumes of Dr. Akbar's works are excellent illustrations of the unique and special approach he has taken to the role of an activist scholar. His volumes are targeted to a mass audience. Though the concepts that he presents are highly sophisticated, they are presented in a concise and simple way that readers with minimal education and possibly no familiarity with mainstream psychology will be able to comprehend the ideas from his books and increase their understanding of themselves. Though his scholarly status is unquestioned this area of his work is targeting a much broader audience than would likely encounter his works prepared for advanced students, professional colleagues and for the dialogue of the academy. He feels very strongly that truly relevant ideas should be available to as wide an audience as possible in order that they may study these ideas and apply them to their lives and to their communities. The measure of success for this aspect of his scholarship becomes the number of people from various walks of life that have been able to study these ideas, change their lives and their world.

Reviews

[Chris brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fantastic book and I think every black male and female child over the age of 12 should be reading or have read this and studying this in and out of school. The earlier the child is exposed to this book the better. This is the material that we as a people need to teach our children as they go & grow into life and the material that we as a people need to share with our adult brothers and sisters that have gone off or have no direction or path.

[Kenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

the perception that is portrayed in this book is truly exemplified in our everyday community. the concept that most of the men of our generations are just boys putting on a masquerade that they are men. they may have the physical attributes but the mental and psychological aspects are not there.

[C. Williams · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great research material to support my thoughts on women successfully raising sons.

[Dayshawn Obi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very eye opening and inspiring book recommended for all young brothers or those who are in the process of becoming conscious about the culture.

[Gregory Lightfoot]

The Spirit of a Man: A Vision of Transformation for Black Men and the Women Who Love Them

[Ht · Rating 5 out of 5]

Naim Akbar is one of my favorites, he does a great job at defining manhood from the black mans view point. Short and sweet.

[Carmen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Naim Akbar keeps it short and sweet (as usual). A must read for all Black Men. (I would recommend that Black Women read it as well)

[Isaiah Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book about awakening your inner divinity and self-definition. Difficult read but again well worth it and greatly inspirational particularly for African-American males seeking to become Black Men.

[Thomas Brooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was recommended to me by a business partner. He said that this book was important for any father of a black boy. I have 2, aged 16 and 13, so I figured I would give it a shot. This book was powerful in opening my mind to the true power I hold as well as the responsibility. Far too often, men (of every race) take the easy way out as opposed to seeking the responsibility of leader. I loved how this book described the states of being born male, but progressing through life into boyhood and finally into manhood. This book gave me a framework to have conversations with my sons on how we want to expedite our progression to manhood, and not allow society to dictate our mindset. Boys are stuck in a barrell of entitlement, wants, and needs. Men have true control over their mind and create generations to come. I loved this book and will have my son read it personally.

I have recommended this book to many young black men and will continue to do so. Its message of growth and personal power is needed.

[Clifford Onehundredd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Visions For Black Men by Dr. Na'im Akbar was definitely a eye opener for me. The author recommended this book to me after he told me through our email correspondences that John Singleton and Ice Cube read his works. Tupac also came across a few of Dr. Na'im Akbar's works and this was one of them in his career. I think Tupac read this book while he was incarcerated in 1995. The book itself was originally published in 1991. I had informed the author about it, and he was not surprised. Many conscious hip hop artists have read books that keep our people awakened into their knowledge of self and manhood. I believe this book is needed on every Black Man's bookshelf. He has a revised edition that I will be purchasing soon.

[Jackie Easley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading this book was very enlightening. What he talked about is not just for our young men but for people in general. It's about taking the step into maturity for all people. You cannot do that if you are still playing games and behaving like the world owes you something. You have to define yourself and not let others tell you who or what you are or can do. Step up define yourself take the leap into maturity and become the man or woman that God intended you to be.

[J.R.White · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the most outstanding, inspiring books I’ve read. I would’ve given it 5 more stars. If I could. Point for point .. just what was need for me to read today. Though it was published in 91’ .. it’s full circle of information. Looking forward to “New Visions” which I have a copy right next to it.

[Denise Smith-Archer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book! I strongly recommend this book for Black boys and men and girls and women who love them.

[Avery Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Should be a mandatory read for black and brown young men in our schools and churches.

[audie crear · Rating 5 out of 5]

Want to survive and thrive in the 21st century? Read this book it will transform your life.

[Andre · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must have....

[Wayne Garrett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Classic book. Named my son after the author

[Amon Poston · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book breaks down what a male, boy and a man is. There's a big gaping difference between a boy and a man. Many of us look like men here in America, and since we look the part, a lot of us become under the delusion that we are men. Having a boys consciousness in a matured adult male body is what the American system has set up for the average black male here to be. What has happened on the plantation during slavery still carries that same mental disorder of plantation psychosis today. With self respect and self knowledge, once you have that only then will you find your true purpose. I'd like to say without that you are right where the government wants you to be. Nothing but a zombie and a puppet. Lets learn from our ancestors and predecessors like the ancient Egyptians, who realized "know thyself".This book opened my mind and eyes for seeking truth and what as a man I must do to make change for the better.

[Jeff Wallace · Rating 5 out of 5]

Phenomenal book ...It changed my life at the young age of 19. Take the time to read, understand and be ready to incorporate!

[Azhar Mcneal · Rating 5 out of 5]

lIFE-CHANGING BOOK. a MUST READ.