Never Be Nothing

Black boys are in crisis in America. That is no secret. In fact, in many communities, it is accepted as a foregone conclusion that a Black boy simply will not fare all that well. If he’s lucky, he’ll end up with a menial job when he becomes an adult. But chances are, he won’t even make it that far. He’ll end up dead before he reaches 21, and if he manages to still be breathing at that point, it’s only a technicality that he is alive — because inside he may as well be dead. He’s uneducated, unemployable, and has few options. And there is a good chance a stint behind bars is in his future. This is the pronouncement over so many young lives.

So many sons of absent fathers and loving mothers are left to figure out life as we go or to make it up as we grow. They struggle to be good mates and good fathers because they had no model, mentors, or motivating men around them. As a result, well-educated, strong and loving black women are vicariously victimized by the inevitable presence of a man with no clear concept of the skills necessary to navigate successful relationships. The absence of a male presence truly does handicap our relationships with our families, women, and other men.

Never Be Nothing aims to educate us about the problem's seriousness and thus empower us to help break the cycle of despair once and for all.

Jackson's solution may at first sound controversial and even shocking, but dire situations do require drastic actions.

This isn’t just a Black problem. This is an American problem. It’s your problem. And this book may have the answer.