We may have an African-American president in the White House, but many families still struggle with raising their black sons due to stereotypes and cultural differences--and a lack of adequate education for their children. In Promises Kept, Joe Brewster and Michèle Stephenson, co-directors of the documentary American Promise, talk to educators "performing cutting-edge studies on a wide variety of issues that impact the intellectual, social and emotional well-being of black boys." Along with the personal discoveries they made while raising their own two sons, they share 10 strategies for parents who want to provide the best possible environment for their children, so black males can mature into "happy, healthy, well-educated, well-developed people."
Advocating that it's never too early to start, Brewster and Stephenson even include prenatal tips before proceeding to early childhood and the school years. Reading to your child, battling the "special ed" label in school, creating effective disciplinary techniques and balancing video, computer and cell phone use with school work and physical activities are among the topics they cover. Logical and concise, Promises Kept addresses the main topics covered in each chapter thoroughly and concludes with helpful summaries. Although geared toward black boys, the information is equally pertinent to black girls, Latinos or any other ethnic group--these ideas, the couple writes, "transcend race, gender and color." If you want to be a better parent, or you want to understand the challenges black youth face in the U.S., Promises Kept is well worth the read. --Lee E. Cart, freelance writer and book reviewer