Young Gifted And Black

“Young, gifted and black, Open your heart to what I mean . . . ” Nina Simone’s popular anthem from the civil rights movement speaks to both the celebrations and trials of the Black experience. Young, Gifted, and Black gives voice to the real-life stories of Black teens and young adults. If life was a race, it’s assumed that every runner has a fair shot at winning. However, it’s not always the case for young, gifted, and Black folks. Sheila Wise Rowe goes beyond the common narrative that focuses solely on their struggles. Her stories point toward hope, joy, and healing. Drawing from her years of experience in counseling trauma and abuse survivors, Rowe provides stories, reflections, and tools for Black readers of all ages and their allies. In the telling of these stories, Rowe offers an opportunity to explore, reflect, and journey toward healing from the barriers that affect their lives, the lives of their children, and their communities.

Giving voice to the real-life stories of Black teens and young adults, this book goes beyond their struggles to point towards hope, joy, and healing. Drawing on years of counseling trauma and abuse survivors, Rowe provides stories, reflections, and tools for Black readers of all ages as they journey toward healing from the barriers affecting them, their children, and their communities.