By: Ta-Nehisi Coates
Baltimore native Ta-Nahensi Coates introduces the reader to a thoroughly written memoir depicting his life growing up in the inner city of Baltimore Maryland and the relationship between his father, brother, and himself. Opening the story with his brother ‘Big Bill’ getting jumped by a group of teenagers while the two of them are walking home from watching wrestling, Coates centers his upbringing around the Afrocentric philosophies and practices of his father. He discusses value of knowledge and consciousness in his home. Coates describes his household as constantly active and full of energy, primarily because his father had 7 children by 4 women and it was considered a form of punishment to be sent to their father’s house for discipline. Only Coates and his youngest brother were permanent fixtures under their roof along with their parents. Growing up the goal was to eventually make it to Howard University which was referred to as ‘Mecca’, the ideology of his father was that once a boy turned 17 he had a one year grace period before he was on his own. Coates experience in Baltimore’s inner city was a conflicting dual of cultures that from a young age he had to learn to walk a fine line in the search of his own identity. From playing sports, to undergoing an African rite of passage, to discovering a passion for African drumming Coates explores the conflicts of being a young black man growing up during the crack era in one of the worst inner cities in the country and how he and his family came out victorious on the other side. This is a beautifully written piece with poetic language and honest passion. His is a story that is unique to most but skillfully illustrates that regardless of how you prepare for life, there are always unforeseen obstacles that emerge, however they can be overcome as well. I encourage anyone to go and check this out and support a local author. SO however you get it make sure you go out and Read a Book, Read a Book, Read a Book!!!!!
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