Words From The Wise: Shahrazad Ali

Greetings Folks,

I just finished reading a very informative book by Shahrazad Ali, entitled The Blackman’s Guide to Understanding the Blackwoman, and I had to share my thoughts.

Knowledge and wisdom is not always measured by book learning. The life experience and raising of consciousness is much more important to the Blackman because he is basically searching for a way to have peace. Daily

Shahrazad Ali is the author of several books, but none as controversial as The Blackman’s Guide to Understanding the Blackwoman. Her career started in Cincinnati, OH, where she held the post of a contributing editor of the Cincinnati Enquirer, was a news and feature editor of the Cincinnati Call Newspaper, Cincinnati Post, and Cincinnati Herald, and was affiliated with the Cincinnati Hi-Lites Magazine. Aside from freelance writing, she has worked as a teacher of the PASCEP Program for Independent Publishing at Temple University in Philadelphia, PA. And she’s appeared on numerous talk shows including Larry King, The Phil Donahue Show, and Sally Jessy Raphael.

After reading her book, which was published in 1989, I can understand why it was so controversial during its time. The book’s intent, from my understanding, was to blow the lid off of the behavior of some Black American women as well as to remind Black American men who we are and where our place is within the community. The imbalance in our relationship—the lack of gender roles, self-hatred, ignorance of our ancestry/history, and western influences—have nearly destroyed our union. And if we don’t combat our issues, which stem from slavery, with truth-to-power, our race is headed towards extinction.

I’ve been following Shahrazad Ali ever since the first Hidden Colors documentary. Her message can be hard to digest at times, but it is needed and is still relevant; now more than ever. You can connect with her and stay up-to-date with future tours, interviews, and etc. by way of Facebook.