Black Men, Obsolete, Single, Dangerous? The Afrikan American Family in Transition

By Haki Madhubuti (Paperback 1991)

Note:  This book charted on the Blackboard African American Bestsellers list and sold more than 300,000 copies.

Madhubuti, an influential poet, educator, and activist, constructed this work with a series of essays and poems that serve not only to illuminate but also to question and provoke thought about the status quo.  Dr. Madhubuti’s book was featured on the Blackboard African American Bestsellers list, and we hosted Madhubuti at the annual BlackBoard African American Bestsellers Book Expo reception which was held in Chicago. Haki R. Madhubuti's "Black Men: Obsolete, Single, Dangerous? The African American Family in Transition" is a profound exploration of the African American experience. This book discusses uncomfortable truths about race, masculinity, and economic disenfranchisement in America.  Madhubuti paints a realistic picture of the social constructs that render Black men 'obsolete' in the eyes of a society that systematically undermines their role as providers and protectors. He addresses the yet still growing trend of single-parent households within the African American community and the individual isolation that many Black men feel when faced with a world that often views them as unnecessary. Madhubuti probes into the negative stereotypes that stigmatize Black men, the ‘dangerous aspect’, the fear that is perpetuated by media and law enforcement biases. Madhubuti argues that this perspective is what endangers the very fabric of the African American family, creating ripples of trauma and instability. Perhaps the most impactful aspect of "Black Men: Obsolete, Single, Dangerous?" is its call to action. Madhubuti’s woke approach advocates for education, economic empowerment, and a return to a communal approach to family structure, urging Black men to reclaim their place in their families and communities through responsible leadership, mentorship, and activism.  

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