The Classroom and the Cell: Conversations on Black Life in America by Mumia Abu-Jamal

The Classroom and the Cell: Conversations on Black Life in America Reviews

• 
  Andre

  This is like sitting with Mumia and having a conversation about various issues concerning Black life in America. The book flows very easily and is a fast read. Mumia is well known and thoroughly conversant with today's issues despite being on death row for over 20 years. The dialogue he is having with Professor Marc Hill is an important one, and we get a glimpse of each persons intellect and bits of their personal lives. They are mostly in agreement on the various subjects but there are areas of disagreement. I think those areas make for the livest parts of the book, because you get a deeper understanding of the position one is taking, when there is a spirited give and take.
  
  The chapters are broken down into different subject matters like; Reimagining Race in the Era of Obama, Black Leadership: A Continuing Crisis?, and Black Life in the Age of Incarceration. Each of the chapters serves as the basis of the conversation for that particular part of the book. And one of the great things about the book is that each chapter ends with a "For Your library" section. So if you want to follow up on some of the books or ideas mentioned there are a list of suggested books. I think this format works well for this type of book.
  
  I would reccomennd it for young and old. The conversations will certainly make you think about where you stand on some of these issues and may provoke you to start your own dialogue with those in and around your circle. So from that point alone this book is well worth your time and investment.
• 
  Michael

  This intense, passionate collection of conversations examining black societal issues between Dr. Marc Lamont Hill and Mumia Abu-Jamal provides brilliant insight for a better tomorrow. Both Dr. Hill and Abu-Jamal poignantly articulate on issues such as: black cultural politics, leadership, education, incarceration and many other pressing questions that have gone unanswered.
  
  What astounded me the most about this book is how "in tune" Mumia Abu-Jamal is with society. As an award winning author, journalist and political prisoner on Pennsylvania's Death Row, Abu-Jamal's spirited acumen of black life in America is brilliant. Dr. Hill's humility throughout this book is of brilliance as well. As a professor at Columbia University, award winning author and host of "Our World with Black Enterprise," Dr. Hill is one of the most accomplished black men of our time. Despite his accomplishments, Dr. Hill illustrates that provocative thirst for more throughout this book. Both authors are beacons of light in some of our nation's darkest hours. Complex and deeply moving, this book shows us that with a deep understanding, love and compassion for one another, against all odds we can stand as one. This book is a must read.
• 
  LANI

  I did not want this to end. Just beautiful conversations between two precious black men being real and thinking about abolition, education, gender, history, love, life...literally everything. I loved this format and I feel like more ""political"" books should just be conversations between people. Feels like so much can be said when it's at the pace of a conversation, thinking out loud, back and forth.
• 
  ciara.

  A very insightful and informative read. I love that they recommended books based on the topics that was talked about.
  
  I find it hard to find circles or people who I can talk to and learn from about the topics discussed in this book (and more) in real time (phone/in person), rather than zoom meetings and the like. This book kind of provides that conversation and much more.
• 
  Mookie

  I found this book to be thoroughly engaging. Although it seems to be an easy read, I often found myself lost in thought loops, which was both enjoyable and made the read a bit longer than expected. I loved the format of the book, which added to the human nature of the subject at hand.
• 
  Mik

  One of the most remarkable books I've ever read. You can feel the love and energy that Mumia and Mark have for each other vibrating on the page. The book is incredibly accessible and is a clear tipping point for larger conversations and investigations. It is brilliant, beautiful, and deep.
• 
  Zacaharias Jensonius

  very enlightening conversations. I found enjoyment and learned a great deal from this book. Also, love the book lists at the end of each chapter. Has offered me a lot of future reading possibilities.
• 
  Karrie

  a must read
• 
  Deandra Francis

  Great book. Great insight about Mumia & all aspects about black male life & masculinity.
• 
  Rosenita Delva

  This book has really opened my eyes and spoke to my heart. Amazing read.
• 
  Ashley

  "struggle goes on. it's just important to know which side you're on."
• 
  alyssa

  This was thought provoking and interesting and the open-mindedness from them both when they disagreed was inspiring
• 
  Susan Frazier-Kouassi

  Refreshing to have insight into the thoughts of these 2 brilliant Black minds through a male perspective