The Moment is a thought provoking, erudite, and oddly hopeful monograph on race relations in the USA, the pervasive sense of injustice up until the current point in time, and what to do about it *now* presented by Bakari Sellers. Released 23rd April 2024 by HarperCollins on their Amistad imprint, it's 192 pages, and is available in hardcover, audio, and ebook formats. Paperback due out from the same publisher in second quarter 2025. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout.

The problems surrounding culture and race in the USA have been intractable and full of so much rage and pain and unfairness that, given the current political climate and realities in the US ("Very fine people on both sides" and the constant unrelenting murders of vulnerable unarmed black and brown people by the very police who are meant to be protecting them), it has felt hopeless and the resultant despair and cynicism aren't any kind of surprise.

The titular "Moment" to which Sellers refers is the murder of George Floyd which galvanized reactions across the USA. The prose he uses in the book is unvarnished, accessible for all readers, and compassionately written. He writes eloquently on the history of the civil rights movements from the early days and how they have resonated and informed policy down to the present. The later chapters are concerned with the current day and expose some grave threats from extreme end-stage capitalism and how it allies with institutionalized racism and systemic economic and political inequality.

Lots of good points here, logically presented. The author is intelligent and well spoken (he's an attorney and has served as an elected political official). There is a fair bit of pep-talk at the end, but overall, it's an encouraging sign that there's more strength and resilience in his extemporizing than rage (and frankly, given the political circus of the last 6 years, rage seems a perfectly reasonable response and is the default mode along with disgust of many colleagues and friends).

Four stars. It would be a good choice for public or school library acquisition, for fans of layman accessible politics and social commentary, and for home use.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

"The Moment" examines the significant impact of national politics and policies on Black communities across America. Bakari Sellers, drawing from his personal background as the son of civil rights activist Cleveland Sellers, provides insightful analysis rooted in his own experiences and those of his father. In addition to his familial connection to civil rights activism, Sellers made history as the youngest African American person elected to office in the country at 22, serving in the South Carolina statehouse. Despite his relatively short life, Sellers has achieved remarkable feats.

Sellers begins his narrative with a deeply moving reflection following George Floyd's tragic murder. In a poignant live TV interview in 2020, he articulates the profound challenges faced by Black individuals in the United States. Although I couldn’t recall all the details, I set the book aside and delved into the entire interview via YouTube. The experience left a lasting impact on me, resonating deeply within my consciousness. Subsequently, Sellers delicately crafts a heartfelt message to his young son, Stokely, tracing the legacy of resilience and strength passed down through generations on both sides of the family.

The book explores various national policies affecting Black communities such as poverty, police brutality, and healthcare. Sellers offers practical solutions gleaned from interviews with influential figures like Rev. William Barber and Ben Crump. Additionally, Sellers scrutinizes conservative media and the influence of dark money, providing invaluable insights into contemporary society. I found the section on dark money and influential figures like Tucker Carlson particularly enraging! It is utterly irresponsible for individuals like Carlson to propagate falsehoods for personal gain and fame.

One of my favorite parts of the book is the story of Josephine Wright and her fight to keep her family’s land in South Carolina. Through social media connections, Bakari raised awareness of her struggle against developers trying to take her land. Witnessing the community rally around Wright was truly refreshing.

In conclusion, Sellers emphasizes the enduring disparities endured by minorities in crucial aspects like healthcare, education, and law enforcement, advocating fervently for a brighter, more equitable future. His unique perspective, influenced by his father's legacy, captivates and intrigues. Heeding the wisdom of our elders, especially amidst today's turbulent political climate, is imperative. As history unfolds, these reflections serve as poignant reminders to learn from the past and shape a better future.

Thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this one! It was definitely worth it!

I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for a fair evaluation. I have always been interested in black history. The book looked like something I would enjoy.

The book is easy to read. The chapters are small. The chapters are divided into smaller sub chapters. The writing and language is good and easy to understand.

The book talks a lot about events that happened during covid ( and after). The book, also, talks a lot about the the 1960s ( and before). Some people and events I wasn't aware of ( had to do some googling while I was reading).

The book teaches us about history. Talks about people like Trump and Carlson, that most of us don't understand (me included). Also, talks about some celebrity Republicans, that don't fit our image of a Republican.

The book is good at giving an overview of many historical events. Yet, the book isn't too heavy or too depressing. It does state how things truly are.

Thank you for the opportunity to read this book. I look forward to reading more from the author.

A great follow up read to Sellers' My Vanishing Country. This book explores family, legacy, and where/how things are still going wrong. The flashbacks to Sellers' father and his work with MLK Jr. & SNCC help paint a picture of how so many of the things that people fought for during the civil rights movement are being taken away. The author explores what forces are present in society that are actually rolling back progress; he looks at journalism, legislation, white nationalism, and more.

Sellers is not afraid to embrace emotion in the narrative both through the chapter written as a letter to his son and through the retellings of too many painful family experiences related to death at the hands of law enforcement.

This book will galvanize many, some positively and some negatively, but there is no doubt that it will leave an impact of the reader.

Bakari Sellers, the youngest-ever member of the South Carolina state legislature, a CNN political commentator, and New York Times bestselling author of "My Vanishing Country," delivers a persuasive narrative in his latest work, "The Moment: Thoughts on the Race Reckoning That Wasn’t and How We All Can Move Forward Now." In this powerful book, Sellers discusses the modern political landscape, addressing policies affecting Black families and communities while offering compelling solutions for a better tomorrow. He spends less time calling out the influential Black folk who don't use their power to uplift the community and more time on teaching everyday readers where our agency exists.

Sellers extends the discourse he started in his previous bestselling memoir, "My Vanishing Country," as he navigates the intricacies of national politics and policies impacting not only his home state of South Carolina but the broader African American community. One of the book's strengths lies in Sellers' focus on systemic issues, particularly in healthcare, education, early childhood education, and policing. Drawing on insightful interviews with thought leaders such as Rev. William Barber and civil rights attorney Ben Crump, Sellers paints a comprehensive picture of the challenges faced by Black America.

One of the standout aspects of "The Moment" is Sellers' emphasis on the difficulty of building generational wealth within Black families, highlighting the institutionalized racism that creates barriers. His keen observations and personal experiences add a layer of authenticity, making the book both relatable and educational. The exploration of voting rights further underscores the significance of addressing systemic inequities, as Sellers advocates for the essential right to have one's voice heard in the democratic process. He really breaks down how our democracy isn't a democracy at all.

The author doesn't shy away from scrutinizing conservative media and exposing the influences of dark money behind prominent figures which I really appreciated as well. This critical analysis adds depth to Sellers' exploration of the current state of affairs, offering readers a comprehensive understanding of the forces at play in shaping public opinion. This book is a call to action for all of us to play our part in dismantling systemic barriers and contributing to a more just and inclusive society. Thank you to the author and publisher for the opportunity to read.