Tavis Smiley Books

A powerful chronicle of the sixteen weeks leading up to King of Pop Michael Jackson's death Michael Jackson's final months were like the rest of his short and legendary life: filled with deep lows and soaring highs, a constant hunt for privacy, and the pressure and fame that made him socially fragile and almost--ultimately--unable to live. With the insight and compassion that he brought to his bestselling telling of Martin Luther King, Jr.'s final year, Tavis Smiley provides a glimpse into the superstar's life in this emotional, honest, yet celebratory book. Readers will witness Jackson's campaign to recharge his career--hiring and firing managers and advisors, turning to and away from family members, fighting depression and drug dependency--while his one goal remained: to mount the most spectacular series of shows the world had ever seen. BEFORE YOU JUDGE ME is a humanizing look at Jackson's last days.

The renewed edition of a pivotal manifesto highlights the ongoing struggle for equity faced by Black communities in America. It combines original essays with contemporary contributions, emphasizing the urgency of addressing systemic inequalities in health, housing, justice, and economic opportunity. The updated covenants reveal both progress and persistent disparities, including a new essay on rising homelessness. With an Afterword by Nikki Giovanni, this edition serves as a rallying call for collective liberation and social justice, urging a commitment to reshaping America for future generations.