BUSINESS/SCRIBES & QUILLS
Author Gil Robertson Explores Black Family Dynamics
When Gil Robertson set about organizing his latest anthology, Family Affair, he wasn’t trying to change the world. He just wanted to affect the consciousness of a few, maybe even change the thinking of some, and then watch as the lessons learned caught on and spread throughout the community.
“I compiled this collection of essays because I felt that it was time that we take control over who we are and how we see ourselves,” says the acclaimed author and journalist. “For a long time in this country, African Americans have allowed other people to set the criteria for our identity. With Family Affair, I’ve assembled a group of African Americans from literally every walk of life to define the black experience on their terms.”
Isaac Hayes, Rep. Carolyn Cheeks Kilpatrick, Isaiah Washington, Ruby Dee and Beverly Johnson are among the notable figures that contributed to the book, sharing their real-life experiences and perspectives with a common goal — uplifting the black community.
“I think this book will resonate with the community because it’s our story,” says Robertson, who previously penned Not In My Family, a similar anthology that explored the black experience. “There are moments when you’ll laugh and cry. Hopefully, with these essays, which explore various instances and circumstances that have plagued the community, we’ll be able to stimulate dialogue that will allow the community to make constructive change.” –jh
