Marita Golden Books

Exploring the myth of the "strong black woman," this book delves into the societal pressures that demand resilience while denying vulnerability. It examines the profound physical and mental health consequences of navigating a culture that stigmatizes weakness, shedding light on the struggles faced by many. Through insightful analysis, it challenges stereotypes and advocates for a more nuanced understanding of strength and well-being within the black female experience.

The book features a prologue that sets the stage for the narrative, introducing key themes and context that will unfold throughout the story. It offers insights into the characters' motivations and the challenges they will face, creating anticipation for the events to come. The prologue serves as a crucial entry point for readers, establishing the tone and atmosphere that will permeate the subsequent chapters.

Exploring the experiences of young Black males, Golden shares insightful conversations with psychologists, writers, and the boys themselves. Against a backdrop of systemic racism and economic disparity, she narrates her son's journey while addressing the violence faced by Black teen boys. The book serves as both a witness and testimony to the current crisis affecting Black Americans, prompting a reevaluation of the civil rights legacy and its impact on today's challenges.

Focusing on mental and physical well-being, this guide empowers women to discover their identities, establish healthy boundaries, and engage in fitness practices that enhance their daily lives. Through insights from Marita Golden, a notable figure featured on Oprah Winfrey, readers are encouraged to prioritize their health and find balance in their routines.

Marita Golden began her writing career with a memoir about her life in Nigeria. In it, she reflects on how the birth of her son earned her respect in a culture that values males. A decade later, she presents her son’s story after returning to the U.S. from Nigeria. As Marita and her teenage son navigate life, they confront a grim reality: homicide is the leading cause of death for black males under twenty-one. The boy who once thrived in a loving African family now faces scorn from many whites and fear from fellow African-Americans regarding his safety. Through her experiences raising her son in a racially divided society, Golden examines the roots of violence affecting African-American men and reevaluates her generation’s civil rights legacy. She engages with psychologists, writers, and young black men, including both criminals and scholars, while addressing the stigma placed on single black mothers for their children’s struggles. This lyrical and insightful narrative is of profound significance, sensitively tackling the challenges of boyhood and emerging manhood. It resonates deeply with mothers nationwide, reflecting their experiences and those of their sons.

" A novel of impressive artistry and power." The Washington PostCaught in the web of history, generations of an African-American family play out their parts on a world stage that constantly changes, protected always by the love of one another, which never will.