Third World Press

From the author of the best-selling Black Men: Obsolete, Single, Dangerous?, Claiming Earth: Race, Rage, Redemption, and HeartLove: Wedding and Love Poems, comes this profound series of letters, notes, and written conversations to young boys and men. Tough Notes is a passionate and visionary action book for all young men seeking a whole and productive life in a highly racist, unfair and combative world. This is an intensely personal and uncompromisingly honest book which details Madhubuti's own experiences within the cultural and political world.

In this moving text, Madhubuti hopes to guide boys and young men in search of direction to making good choices, and wise and informed decisions on the road to a healthy life. Madhubuti writes as a caring father and resourceful teacher with the insight of one who has benefited from his elders. Written by a writer/activist who has taken seriously his roles as husband and father, Tough Notes is also progressive and revolutionary. No subject is off limits.

Madhubuti covers the landscape of women and intelligence; racism: last refuge for dummies; anti-rape as an act of love; education: accepting no excuses; the men among us; loving the idea of America; classism in black face; love wisdom; history as definer; sex: little head outthinks big head; why read?; personal heroes; staying out of prison; drugs: a steel bat against the head; the corruption of leadership; avoiding victimization and more.

Madhubuti offers strategies for wholeness, health and for developing winning attitudes that will give boys and young men a head start and a greater understanding of the many options and possibilities for a bright future in an uncertain world. Tough Notes is Haki Madhubuti's most autobiographical work and is infused with the passion, love, and sense of urgency that he feels all young people need, with stark language and unapologetic honesty.

Haki R. Madhubuti, poet, publisher, editor, educator and institution builder has authored and edited twenty-three books, including the best-selling Black Men: Obsolete, Single, Dangerous? He is the founder of Third World Press, and co-founder of the Institute of Positive Education, New Concept School and the Betty Shabazz International Charter School. He is a professor of English and founder and director emeritus of the Gwendolyn Brooks Center for Black Literature and Creative Writing (Chicago State University).