From the late feminist icon and New York Times bestselling author of All About Love an
in-depth look at one of the most critical issues facing Black Americans: a collective wounded
self-esteem that has prevailed from slavery to the present day with a new introduction by
Tressie McMillan Cottom author of Thick. Why do so many Black Americans—whether privileged
or poor urban or suburban young or old—live in a state of chronic anxiety fear and shame?
Rock My Soul: Black People and Self-Esteem breaks through collective denial and dares to
imagine a more liberatory framework for understanding “self and identity in a world where loss
is commonplace.” With visionary insight hooks exposes the underlying reality that it has
been difficult—if not impossible—for our nation to create a culture that promotes and sustains
healthy self-esteem. Without self-esteem people begin to lose their sense of agency. They feel
powerless. But it is never too late for any of us to acquire the healthy self-esteem that is
needed for a fulfilling life. While originally written in 2002 hooks’ insights into the
heart and soul of the Black American identity crisis continue to ring true. Through history
pop culture criticism and hard-won wisdom hooks writes about what it takes to heal the scars
of the past promote and maintain self-esteem and lay down the roots for a truly grounded
sense of community and collectivity. Moving beyond the ways historical racial justice
movements have failed hooks also identifies diverse psychological barriers and collective
traumas keeping us from well-being. In highlighting the roles of desegregation education the
absence of progressive parenting spiritual crisis or fundamental breakdowns in communication
between Black women and men bell hooks identifies mental health as a revolutionary
frontier—and provides guidance for healing within the Black community.
