Winner of the American Psychological Association (APA) Society for the Psychological Study of Men and Masculinities Loren Frankel Research Award.
Description: An uncompromising counternarrative, and invitation to every aspiring ally, moderate or
proud American to peek inside black men’s experiences during the twin pandemic: COVID-19 and the continued pandemic of social injustices.
Through a blend of the hybrid culture that was heavily scrutinized, and the author is accustomed— equal parts urban and civil rights—these once empty pages are now intentionally filled with rawness, authenticity, and fact. Matthew invites the strong willed and curious reader to walk with him and six Black men to hear their stories.
However, this book is about more than two years of calamity. While speaking for a population overlooked in literature, Matthew shines a light bright enough to loom over the period of the twin-pandemic while also highlighting the continued dynamic in American history of racism that led us here and will only repeat unless stopped. Written during a time when facts were doubted, the reader can feel confident in learning and sharing as the author additionally provides what is desperately needed: warm, yet unyielding welcome into his mind, heart, and life experience throughout the book.
Backed by research and complemented by statements from Black men in law enforcement and public health, as well as content reviews from experts in the fields of well-being, racial trauma and structural whiteness, this book takes an unapologetic look at the country we love and how we can and must do better. Walk with Me is not only a book of information, but a source of resonance for black men and a weapon for allies to use in the fight for justice.
Endorsements:
‘Walk with Me’ is a powerful, well researched narrative on how Black men employed their power skills navigating the twin challenges of COVID-19 pandemic, and social injustice. It is the binoculars through which to see and appreciate their humanity and resiliency. – Dr. Ngondi Kamatuka, Executive Director for DEI and Assistant Dean at University of Kansas
“Walk with Me” instantly draws you in with compelling stories, accessible research, and powerful lyrics. Matt Kane shines a light on Black men’s resilience and well-being, two areas that are woefully underrepresented in the positive psychology and masculinities literature. – Dr. Brian P. Cole, Associate Professor and Director of Training: Counseling Psychology PhD Program at University of Kansas; Founder Applied Masculinities Positive Psychology Lab
“Walk With Me” brilliantly centers the experiences of Black men unapologetically. Kane intentionally created a brave and healing space for Black men and himself to be and share their experiences with the traumatic realities of racism and whiteness during the COVID-19 pandemic and the strings of killings of Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, and George Floyd. This book holds with care, gentleness, courage, vulnerability, and determination of Black men to survive and thrive in a world that fails to affirm the dignity of Black folx. – Christiana Ibilola Awosan, PhD., LMFT: Founder of Ibisanmi Relational Health; Associate Professor and Director of Iona University’s Social Work & Marriage and Family Therapy Program
A therapist, scholar, researcher, educator, and advocate. Or, on the surface, a young Black man usually spotted with a slight smile and funky head nod that runs a tightrope to any beat between Kendrick Lamar and Isaac Hayes. Who am I? A child born to two parents, who, not without scars, climbed up from poverty and oppression in the unforgiving streets of Baltimore, Maryland. A man whose parents hoped for him the privilege of dreaming. Now a doctor... aspirationally chanting the words of Ms. Angelou, "I am the dream and the hope of the slave." But if you ask me who I am, I'll reply, as a practicing Zen Buddhist, with the truth: Don't know. I don't know if I'm the perfect person to write this book, but I know I needed to write it. In the words of a mentor, this was a part of my healing process. And as such, I'm the perfect person to share it. While this book welcomes all, it is a compassionate letter from me, the Black boy raised around White people. A message to the structures, standards, and benefits of whiteness I was compared to, and simultaneously punished by. These words are a symbolic reminder of my unapologetic approach to challenging oppressive systems. My heart's intent is to find words for those with open ears to perceive world sound. For me, building compassionate community necessitates challenging systems. In doing so, I continually aspire to a life that possesses the properties of water: taking any form to reach all places, it may be soft and refreshing or ferocious and unrelenting.
