status KNO Books
status KNO Books
A Word From the Author. . .
Afro-Centered books and activities that serve as both introductions and immersion into important aspects of African/Black culture. .who WE are. .
I embrace what many of our great ancestry passed down to us as fuel to propel us FORWARD. Most importantly, that we, as a people, cannot map a progressive path forward without knowing and understanding who, what, and where we came from. The glory of our past is the potential in our present; Sankofa.
-Bernard Creamer-
'Who Stole the Soul' Book Reviews
Reviewed in the United States on June 11, 2021
Who Stole The Soul?
The Weaponization of Hip Hop
Upon first reading the title I was intrigued. Hip Hop raised and nurtured me. Hip Hop groomed and shaped me. Hip Hop gave me a voice as it taught me the importance and strength of my own voice. Hip Hop revealed my value and established my confidence. Hip Hop showed me my worth and help me discover my own definition of who I am. How could someone steal the SOUL of Hip Hop? Why would anyone weaponize it?
The answers to those two questions and countless more are contained between the covers of one of the most profound books I have EVER read. The most impactful experience in reading this book is the methodology of the author in his ability to not only diagnose what plagues Hip Hop, but also to explore the connection of that diagnosis to systems that govern and control THE WORLD. The author shows how much more than just Hip Hop’s SOUL has been stolen and weaponized. What’s revealed is much more than a common thread, but a woven pattern throughout history.
This work is an essential read for EVERYONE that loves themselves, their family and OUR HUMAN RACE. It’s MUCH BIGGER than Hip Hop!
Kreighton Barr
The Weaponization of Hip Hop
Upon first reading the title I was intrigued. Hip Hop raised and nurtured me. Hip Hop groomed and shaped me. Hip Hop gave me a voice as it taught me the importance and strength of my own voice. Hip Hop revealed my value and established my confidence. Hip Hop showed me my worth and help me discover my own definition of who I am. How could someone steal the SOUL of Hip Hop? Why would anyone weaponize it?
The answers to those two questions and countless more are contained between the covers of one of the most profound books I have EVER read. The most impactful experience in reading this book is the methodology of the author in his ability to not only diagnose what plagues Hip Hop, but also to explore the connection of that diagnosis to systems that govern and control THE WORLD. The author shows how much more than just Hip Hop’s SOUL has been stolen and weaponized. What’s revealed is much more than a common thread, but a woven pattern throughout history.
This work is an essential read for EVERYONE that loves themselves, their family and OUR HUMAN RACE. It’s MUCH BIGGER than Hip Hop!
Kreighton Barr
Reviewed in the United States on November 12, 2020
I really can’t express in words how much I enjoyed this book. I was born and raised in the south Bronx. I was able to witness firsthand the development of this musical art form that most of us back in the early 70s took for granted. The book explains the evolution of this genre and what happened once it crossed over into the mainstream. Unfortunately once it garnered commercial success it fell under corporate control. This book really helps to give you a better understanding of the impact that corporate America has on just about every aspect of our lives. Sadly the consumer doesn’t dictate what kind of music he want to hear because they decide on what they want us to hear.
'I AM...' Book Reviews
1. The grandkids love it!
Reviewed in the United States on September 16, 2020Purchased two copies of this book for my five year old granddaughter and her cousin who is the same age and who both love to read. They LOVED it!! They read it to each other.Reviewed in the United States on November 17, 2021This book has been a great resource for my son to identify icons throughout the African diaspora. It is empowering as there are Black men highlighted for their strength, character and intelligence. This expands his view far beyond the typical mainstream Human Rights Leaders. We are learning about Marcus Garvey, Ernesto "Che" Guevara, and Malcolm X. This is a wonderful gift for any child.Reviewed in the United States on August 20, 2020The "I AM" book is the best Black History book for children. I bought both versions on the website and another set here on Amazon as a giveaway. It's very engaging, the illustrations are lovely, and the way he explains the subject matter hits home for me. I AM shows that each of our children can stand tall and be proud to be whomever they want to be, with dignity and respect. I highly recommend this book for your child.
1. Excellent Book on historical and contemporary figures in African American History
Reviewed in the United States on July 26, 2020The I Am book series are excellent books to use to introduce children to historical and contemporary figures in African American History. The book I purchased was well written and very informative. The artwork was amazing. My son really enjoyed learning about the different people and their contributions to African American history. I will purchase the other books in the series and I look forward to reading them soon. I congratulate the author on a job well done.Reviewed in the United States on June 15, 2020Awesome book! Loved that it was written as poetry, for we are the poets of this planet. Our words, our movement, our very existence...a melodic flow that creates the beauty that this world imitates but rarely adulates. There are known and unknown heroes in this book, and it serves as a reminder of just how strong and powerful the African truly is!Book/Author References. . .We live in “the information age”, and yet, it seems that access to accurate history is more elusive now than ever before. The deficiencies in our education system – specifically as it relates to an accurate teaching of “Black” history and critical historical characters – creates a rift between our ancestors and those of us who exist in the present, charged with continuing the legacy of our ancestors.The two most powerful words in this book are “I am”. “I am” is a declaration. “I am” is an assertion of identity. “I am” is a deliberate positioning within history and within the present. To read this book declaring “I am” to so many amazing, impactful Black women throughout history is both refreshing and reassuring. They span every sphere and sector – every profession and vocation. There really is no limit to the heights Black women around the world and throughout history, have attained; nor the obstacles they have overcome. As I read this book, I felt the connection with each woman – many of whom we may hear about in passing without realizing the impact they had on society both then, and now.Reading the declarative “I am” is a rejection of the popular messages about the value of Black women dished out in mass media, music, and oftentimes through our educational institutions. The declarations of “I am” and descriptions of these amazing women in history are a radical refusal to succumb to a society that would seek to diminish and marginalize these powerful women – and therefore seek to diminish and marginalize us.This book is essential for every person – youth or adult – to read, no matter their gender and, quite frankly, no matter their race. It cleverly, succinctly, and artfully gives us a robust history lesson that is inspiring, affirming, and necessary if we are to successfully advance the legacies of those who came before us.- Amarachuku Enyia -Bernard Creamer has taught History and is currently a school administrator who has worked on the front lines in inner-city schools in Chicago, Dallas and Washington DC. He has an undergraduate degree in Political Science/Sociology from the University of Illinois and has earned M.Ed. degrees from National-Louis and Concordia Universities His experience working with inner-city youth has led to his increased understanding of the importance of our history and how that importance has been lost in educating/empowering our children. He also organizes with the Clear the Airwaves Project to address the media (radio’s) audio assault on our children. In addition, Bernard works with the National Black Leadership Alliance, recently contributing to the creation of a "Code of Behavior" to be distributed among our people in the hope that we will evolve a progressive, universally accepted standard among us that speaks to the way we engage our struggle and hopefully enhances the respect and valuation we place on one another.- Kwabena Sakidi Jijaga Rasuli -