I have great difficulty choosing the most "politically correct," yet all-inclusive title for my collection. Nevertheless, since I am forced to categorize my book collection or choose a particular unifying theme that best describes it, I will have to pick "Black Studies." I will label my collection, "Black Studies," because it covers a broad range of information dealing with the social, political, cultural, and historical experiences of various "black" people of African descent spread throughout the Diaspora. Some of the books I own cover Africa and several other locations, but the majority focus on African-Americans, particularly U.S. blacks. My books delve deep into the various regional, ethnic, generational, cultural, and gender-specific aspects of the black experience. Some focus on particular topics like blacks in urban America, or particular historical figures like Malcolm X, others cover diverse areas such as the multifaceted ideologies, belief systems and religions embraced by blacks.

Overall I have over 200 books in my personal book collection, of which less than one fourth are books that were purchased for class and close to 150 fit specifically under the category of "Black Studies." I keep all my books stacked in my room on two book shelves (actually four because I have two more shelves full of books-though most are from the library.) The types of books in my collection vary. Some types of books are history, anthropology, literature, autobiographies, cultural criticism, and anthologies. I have what I consider to be different "sections" or mini collections of books on certain topics. For instance books on Rap Music and Hip Hop Culture make up a significant number of my collection, I also have a growing collection of books on the African-American experience with Islam.

One of the most astonishing aspects about my collection is that I have been collecting books for only a relatively short period of time, roughly six years. A couple of books I found around my house, a few I picked up here and there (at other relatives and friends houses.) I have a few books that were donated to me by Professors, the majority I have purchased at numerous bookstores from around the Country and State during my travels and study at places like the University of Texas, the University of Nebraska, and MSU. I have several books that are autographed. The primary reason my collection was initiated was because of a deep personal and private interest I had in the topic of black history. Over time my academic interests began to converge with this personal endeavor. Though I am a Social Relations major, by my Junior year I decided to pursue two M.S.U. specializations, one in African Studies and the other in AfricanAmerican History and Culture, this decision has helped with the rapid expansion of my library. Here are just a few of my books.

1 Austin, Allan D., African Muslims in Antebellum America: Transatlantic Stories and Spiritual Struggles (New York: Routledge, 1997)

This book is one of the treasures of my collection. This first edition book is one of my newest books. It is a condensed version of a more massive work titled the same but subtitled "A Sourcebook" in 1984. This is a pioneer study unparalleled detailing the early black American Muslim experience.

2 Bohannan, Paul and Curtin, Philip, Africa & Africans, (Illinois: Waveland Press, 1995)

This is the fourth edition of a collaboration between to prominent scholars covering a broad overview of sub-Saharan Africa. It focuses on the impact of an emerging global culture on Africa and looks at Africa's traditional influence on itself.

3 Boyd, Todd., Am I Black Enough For You?: Popular Culture from the `Hood and Beyond, (Bloomington & Indianapolis: Indiana University Press, 1997)

Professor of Critical Studies at the University of Southern California, Boyd has published numerous books on popular culture in America. This first edition is on the cutting edge of black culture and takes a unique look at rap/hip hop music

4 Chideya, Farai., Don't Believe the Hype : Fighting Cultural Misinformation about African-Americans, (New York: Penguin Group, 1995)

This young journalist-often seen on CNN and CSPAN- has collected a number of facts
and figures to dispel the myths about the "31 million African-Americans in this country. "

5 Conniff, Michael, and Davis, Thomas, Africans in the Americas: A History of the Black Diaspora, (New York: St. Martin's Press)

This book contributes to the Diasporic aspect of my collection, covering such diverse regions as Brazil, the Caribbean, Africa and Europe, this first edition monograph is one of my favorites.

6 D., Chuck, and Jah, Yusef., Fight The Power: Rap, Race, and Reality, (New York: Delacorte Press, 1997)

This autobiographical piece is written by one of music's most notable figures, the incomparable Chuck D of the famed rap group Public Enemy.

7 Davidson, Basil, African Civilization Revisited: From Antiquity to Modern Times, New Jersey: African World Press, 1993)

This second edition is one of the many remarkable works produced by the great Africanist, Basil Davidson. He has written The Lost Cities of Africa, Black Mother: The African Slave Trade, The African Genius, and many many more, along with videos, documentaries and articles.

8 Diop, Chiek Anta, African Origin of Civilization: Myth or Reality, (Chicago: Lawrence Hil Books, 1974)

This first edition is a translation of the original 1955 French version. Diop was arguably the greatest African scholar of the past 100 years. He, along with W.E.B. DuBois, was distinguished as the greatest and most influential scholar of the twentieth century on the black world in the 1966 world festival of Black arts in Senegal.

9 Diop, Chiek Anta, The Cultural Unity of Black Africa: The Domains of Matriarchy and of Patriarchy in Classical Antiquity, (London: Karnak House, 1989)

Chiek Diop has written thousands of essays and numerous books, held two P.h.D's, and was one of the most world renowned scholars on Africa. This book is another translation of one of his earlier French writings.

10 Dyson, Michael Eric., Between God and Gangsta Rap: Bearing Witness to Black Culture., (New York: Oxford Univ.. Press, 1996)

An Analysis of contemporary black culture by one of the most promising upcoming public intellectuals of the day. Dyson has published a number books including Navigating the Color Line, Reflecting Black, and Making Malcolm.

11 Early, Gerald., One Nation Under a Groove: Motown & American Culture., (New Jersey: The Ecco Press, 1995)

This first edition essay is the classic study of the Motown era.

12 Frazier, E. Franklin., Black Bourgeoisie: The Rise of a New Middle Class in the United States. (U.S.: Collier, 1962)

Originally printed in 1957, this 62' copy is an early copy of Dr. Franklin's pioneer study on the black middle class (My copy has a 1.50$ tag on the front, I picked it up from an old book store in Detroit, where 1 paid close to its original price.) This study continues to be debated and used by scholars, academics and students today. Franklin was one of the greatest black scholars of his time, a sociologist by training he was an associate of W.E.B. DuBois

13 Gates, Henry Louis, The Classic Slave Narratives, (New York: Mentor, Penguin Books, 1987)

This first edition book is a landmark. Constructed to be representative of the thousands of first person slave narratives written prior to the Emancipation Proclamation, these stories illustrate some of the earliest Afro-American literature.

14 Gates, Henry= Louis, Jr., and West, Cornel The Future ofthe Race, (New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 1996)

Two of America's leading African American intellectuals, Gates and West are both professors at Harvard. Combined they have written and edited over twenty plus books. This essay reassesses W.E.B DuBois's famous "Talented Tenth" essay. Ironically Gates is the W.E.B. DuBois Professor of the Humanities at Harvard where DuBois graduated in 1890.

I5 Gardell, Mattias., In the Name of Elijah Muhammad: Louis Farrakhan and the Nation of Islam, (Duke University Press Durham, 1996)

This unique piece is written from the perspective of a distant outsider. A professor from Sweden Gardell does a magnificent job of uncovering the rich history of the Nation of Islam as it relates to both Islamic and Afro-American history.

16 Harding, Vincent, There Is A River: The Black Struggle for Freedom in America, (New York: Vintage Books, 1983)

This second edition is one of the most in-depth histories of the black American experience. Dubbed "radical" this book's point of departure is the spiritual force guiding black struggle. It is the first of a two set volume, of which 1 eagerly anticipate the second installment.

17 Henry, Charles P., Jesse Jackson: The Search for Common Ground, (California: Black Scholar Press, 1991)

This brief biography covers much ground on one of America's most notable figures. A first edition.

18 Hernton, Calvin C., Sex and Racism in America, (New York: Grove Press, 1988)

This is the second edition of the original 1966 version. Still just as controversial as it was when it was first printed this book explores the myths of sex and race utilizing history and psychology. Drawing some profound conclusion about American racism, Hernton an author of over seven books, produces his most popular.

19 Hine, Darlene Clark, Hine Sight: Black Women and the Re-Construction of American History. (Bloomington: Indiana Univ.. Press, 1994)

Michigan State University's own John Hannah Professor of American History has written over fifty books, articles, and essays, she also is the Editor of the Black Women in America: An Historical Encyclopedia. This is one of her more recent works that I obtained from taking her course.

20 Hine, Darlene Clark, & Wilma King & Linda Reed, Edit. We Specialize in the Wholly Impossible: A Reader in Black Women's History (Brooklyn, New York: Carlson Pub., 1995)

This first edition book is signed by Prof. Wilma King of MSU, whom I have also taken a course with. This book covers a wide body of information on black women's history.

21 Hilliard, Asa G. III, The Maroon Within Us: Selected Essays on African American Community Socialization, (Maryland: Black Classic Press, 1995)

This first edition book is autographed by the psychologist and historian Dr. Hilliard. Hilliard is a scholar activist on the black educational front.

22 Jaffe, Hosea, A History of Africa, (London, Zed Books, 1985)

This first edition book is very unique. I do not know where I got it from, but many of the distinguished scholars at MSU who have looked at it thought it to be quite interesting. It is a brief socio-political economic Marxist interpretation of African development.

23 James, C.L.R., The Black Jacobins: Toussaint L'Ouverture and the San Domingo Revolution, (New York: Vintage Books, 1963)

This second edition is one of the greatest pieces of scholarship by an Afro-American writer. The Caribbean C.L.R. James was a giant among radical and Marxist intellectuals during his era. The breadth and depth of his writing is only paralleled by W.E.B. DuBois.

24 Jones, LeRoi., Home: Social Essays, (New York: William Morrow & Co., Inc., 1966)

This is a first edition book, with a slightly torn spine-held together by the cover- and age brown-tinged pages, this book is straight out the 1960'. LeRoi Jones (Amira Baraka) is a leading black poet, playwright, and cultural critic who gained prominence in the 1960s. He has written scores of books and plays like Blues People (1963) and Dutchman (1964).

25 Kelley, Robin D.G., Yo' Mama's Disfunktional!: Fighting the Culture Wars in Urban America, (Boston, Massachusetts: Beacon Press, 1997)

One of my most favorite contemporary writers. The very successful, but fairly young Kelley, is one of the Historians of the future. Author of Race Rebels, Hammer and Hoe, and Into the Fire, Kelley, professor of Africana studies at New York University is an award winning scholar who writes exceptionally well on contemporary happenings.

26 Kenyatta, Kwame., Guide to Implementing Afrikan-Centered Education, (Detroit, MI: Afrikan Way Investments, 1998)

This first edition book is one of a kind. Not nationally distributed, this book is a landmark in Detroit's pioneer public school Afrocentric education movement.

27 Kitwana, Bakari., The Rap On Gangsta Rap, (Third World Press 1994.)

This pocket sized book has proven to be extremely handy. Bakari's first book contributes to his collection of essays and poems on contemporary urban issues.

28 Lewis, David Levering, W.E.B. DuBois: A Reader, (New York: Holt & Co., 1995)

A Pulitzer Prize winner, Lewis holds the Martin Luther King, Jr. Chair in History at Rutgers University. This first edition anthology is a collectors item, not only does it contain the work of one of America's greatest scholars, but it includes valuable analysis by Lewis.

29 Marable, Manning, Speaking Truth to Power: Essays on Race, Resistance, and Radicalism, (Colorado: Westview Press 1996)

One of my most favorite writers, Manning Marable has written hundreds of articles in his nationally syndicated column "Along the Color Line. " Director of the Institute for Research in African-American Studies at Columbia Marable has been dubbed the next "DuBois. " This book is just one of his many recent books like Blacks in Conservative America. "Speaking Truth.. " details his political and ideological progression.

30 McCartney, John T. Black Power Ideologies, (Temple University Press, 1992)

A pioneer study of the political economy and historical development of Rap. Tricia Rose is a scholar at New York University in the Department of History and Africana Studies.

31 National Research Council, A Common Destiny: Blacks and American Society, (Washington, D>D.: National Academy Press, 1989)

This is one of the first books I obtained in my collection. Given to my by my Uncle this valuable piece is a collection of research on the status of African Americans since 1940 by a committee of scholars from across the United States; Stanford, Harvard, Yale, Duke, University of Michigan. It is a remarkable text and one of my most useful books.

32 Perkins, William Eric, Droppin' Science: Critical Essays on Rap Music and Hip Hop Culture, (Philadelphia: Temple University Press, 1996)

Faculty Fellow at the W.E.B. DuBois College House at the University of Pennsylvania and Adjunct Professor at CUNY, Perkin's anthology of essays on hip hop is probably the best available.

33 Rashad, Adib, Islam, Black Nationalism & Slavery: A Detailed History, (U.S.: Writer's Inc., 1995)

This is a much updated version on a 1943 original, this book is the latest to my collection. Rashad is one of a few scholars pioneering Afro-American Islamic history. I value this book highly in my collection and I just got out the mail yesterday!

34 Rose, Tricia, Black Noise: Rap Music and Black Culture in Contemporary America, (Hanover: University Press of New England, 1994)

A pioneer study of the political economy and historical development of Rap. Tricia Rose is a scholar at New York University in the Department of History and Africana Studies.

35 Sadler, Kim Martin, Editor, Atonement: The Million Man March, (Cleveland, Ohio: The Pilgrim Press, 1996)

This first edition book is a collection of reflections on the Million Man March by men who attended. It is a very diverse crowd that provides an array of perspectives.

36 Shomari, Hashim A., From the Under ground, (X-Factor Publications 1995 )

This book contributes to my ever growing Hip Hop section. Concerning himself with the ills of the mass media, Shomari posits that hip hop music can act as an alternative and raise the socio-political consciousness of the youth.

37 Souljah, Sister., No Disrespect, (New York: Vintage Books, 1994)

An Autobiography by one of the most powerful females rappers and activists in the country.

38 Smitherman, Geneva & Watson, Clifford, Educating African American Males: Detroit's Malcolm X Academy Solution, (Chicago, Il.: Third World Press 1996)

Michigan State University's own distinguished professor Dr. "G" has proven to be an outstanding scholar and a dedicated activist. This book reflects both of these talents and is a landmark in black, Detroit, Michigan, and U.S. history as it relates to the U.S.'s first afrocentric public school.

39 Thompson, Leonard, A History of South Africa, (London: Yale Univ.. Press 1990)

A first edition that will surely become a "new classic. " Professor Emeritus at Yale, Dr. Thompson has provided one of the most valuable exploration's of South Africa's rich and troubled history.

40 Turner, James, David Walker's Appeal, (Maryland: Black Classics Press, 1993)

This first edition BCP edition is a copy of an Afro-American classic written by David Walker in 1830. This new version is introduced by James Turner. The books author is the name sake of M.S.U.'s very own David Walker Research Institute in Fee Hall.

41 Turner, Richard Brent, Islam in the African-American Experience, (Bloomington: Indiana Univ. Press, 1997)

Professor in the Theology Department at Xavier University, New Orleans, Brent's work is another one of the few books published that 1 am fortunate to have in my collection dealing with the scantly covered African American experience with the religion of Islam.

42 Watkins-Owens, Irma, Blood Relations: Caribbean Immigrants and the Harlem Community, 1900-1930, (Bloomington: Indiana Univ.. Press 1996)

This first edition is a remarkable study that looks at the complex relationship between native born U.S. blacks and African-Caribbeans in Harlem the first decades of the twentieth century. It is included in what I call my Diasporic section and is one of the first attempts by U.S. black scholars to really question and demonstrate "black" American cultural diversity.

43 Wilson, Jeremiah Moses, Editor, Classical Black Nationalism: From the American Revolution to Marcus Garvey, (New York: New York Univ.. Press, 1996)

This first edition book is one of two books in a series on black nationalism. Professor of History at Pennsylvania State University, Moses has written The Golden Age of Black Nationalism and Alexander Crummel: A Study in Civilization and Discontent. This book is awesome, there are excerpts of speeches and writings from most of the early black nationalists in the U.S.

44 Van DeBurg, William L., Editor, Modern Black Nationalism: From Garvey to Louis Farrakhan, (New York: New York Univ.. Press, 1997)

The second part of the NYU series. This book is awesome and includes copies of a number of primary documents and writings of modern black nationalism. Professor of Afro-America Studies at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Van DeBurg is one of my favorite writers on black nationalism. He has written New Day in Babylon and Black Camelot.

45 Williams, Chancellor., The Destruction of Black Civilization: Great Issues of a Race from 4500 B.C. to 2000 A.D., (Chicago, Illinois: Third World Press 1974)

This tattered and torn copy is a first edition of one the most popular "Afrocentric" books on the market. Though "Destruction.. " was and continues to be widely circulated in the black community, few readers heard of Williams before this piece. In actuality he was a fiction writer, a point that becomes evident when one notices his writing style. Exaggeration, emotion, and lack of footnotes are not typical characteristics of "scholarly" historical writing, nevertheless, thousands have accepted this book as being valid history.

46 Kelley, Robin, D.G. Race Rebels: Culture. Politics, and the Black Working Class, (New York: The Free Press, 1994)

One of Professor Kelley's widely acclaimed works. This first edition copy is one of my favorites with an essay on Hip Hop.

47 Jamal, Mumia, Death Blossoms: Reflections from a Prisoner of Conscience, (UK: Plough Pub. House, 1997)

This remarkable piece is another from the Death Row inmate and U.S. political prisoner Mumia Abu Jamal.

48 Carson, Clayborne, In the Struggle: SNCC and the Black Awakening of the 1960s,
(Massachusetts: Harvard Univ.. Press, 1981)

This is one of two books I have autographed by the Stanford Professor who recently spoke at M.S. U. this semester for the Martin Luther King Holiday.

49 Carson, Clayborne, Malcolm X : The FBI File, (New York: Carroll & Graf Pub. Inc., 1991)

This book is also autographed.

5O Blyden, Edward Wilmount, Christianity, Islam and the Negro, (Maryland: Black Classic Press, 1994)

This reprint of an early 1888 edition is one of the greatest contribution to black scholarship made by the Afro-Caribbean Pan Africanist and Educator Edward Blyden.