Tavis Smiley’s *The Covenant with Black America* emerged from his “State of the Black Union” symposium, evolving from mere opinion exchange to a structured blueprint for the African American community. The book compiles ten essays by experts addressing social, political, and economic disparities. Each chapter proposes actions for individuals and governments, aiming to shift the focus from discussing problems to enacting solutions. However, its proposals, addressing issues like the justice system, education, and environmental hazards, have faced criticism.
While featuring diverse contributors, the book maintains a consistent format, beginning with an essay, followed by statistics, and ending with suggested solutions for the community, individuals, leaders, and officials. Critics argue that the emphasis leans towards governmental intervention and financial solutions, claiming that simply throwing money at the problem will not fix it. Some suggest that past governmental housing projects exacerbated issues within the African American community, leading to problems with education, drugs, and violence.
The term “covenant” may be a misnomer, as it implies a pact with mutual obligations. While the book includes a section on individual actions, it lacks a clear national plan endorsed by individuals and accountability measures. Additionally, it overlooks the importance of spiritual, mental, and emotional well-being.
Setting specific, time-bound goals for issues like college enrollment and environmental cleanup would enhance the book’s impact. Nevertheless, its strength lies in raising awareness of critical issues. The book prompts dialogue on addressing the needs of disenfranchised communities.
At a modest price, *The Covenant with Black America* encourages participation in a vital conversation, with profits benefiting Third World Press.