Black Genius: African American Solutions to African American Problems. This item is unavailable.Black Genius: African American Solutions to African American Problems

Thirteen of black America's most eloquent and accomplished voices share their visions for a self-sufficient, self-determined future. Black Genius is both an extraordinary forum of distinguished individuals who have demonstrated intelligence, courage, and the ability to communicate, and a project for sharing among people interested in the future of people of African American descent. Originally a series of community conversations where "visionaries with solutions" explored the role of black people in shaping cultural consciousness, conceived by Walter Mosley and sponsored by the New York University Africana Studies Program, the book of Black Genius reprints these lectures and many responses to questions. The speakers focus on such issues as economics, political power, work, authority, and culture, offering not only broad perspectives but concrete, achievable solutions. It is an exceptional, unique colloquy of voices, one that points the way to enriching black life in the twenty-first century. The speakers: Farai Chideya, Stanley Crouch, George Curry, Angela Davis, Jocelyn Elders, M.D., bell hooks, Spike Lee, Haki Madhubuti, Julianne Malveaux, Walter Mosley, Randall Robinson, Anna Deveare Smith, Melvin van Peebles.

Regina Austin is William A. Schnader Professor of Law at the University of Pennsylvania.

Manthia Diawara is director of NYU's Africana Studies Program and Institute of African American Affairs.

Walter Mosley is the author of four previous mystery novels in the Easy Rawlins series: Devil in a Blue Dress (basis for the acclaimed film starring Denzel Washington), A Red Death, White Butterfly, and Black Betty, a New York Times bestseller. In August 1995 he published his first non-genre novel, RL's Dream, to widespread praise. Mosley is the current president of the Mystery Writers of America, a member of the executive board of the PEN American Center and founder of its Open Book Committee, and is on the board of directors of the National Book Awards. His novels are now published in eighteen countries. He is at work on a book featuring a new character, a philosophical and tough ex-convict named Socrates Fortlow; sections have already appeared in Esquire and GQ. A native of Los Angeles, Mosley lives in New York City.

Clyde Taylor is a professor at NYU's Gallatin School.