The Wisdom of the Elders: Inspiring Reflections From the Heart of African American Culture

American Visions, April, 1996 by Dale Edwyna Smith

The Wisdom of the Elders: Inspiring Reflections From the Heart of African American Culture by Robert Fleming (One World/Ballantine. 1996. $15)--Although Fleming sees this book as "a catalyst for change--personal and collective," it seems unlikely. The overall approach is simplistic and flawed, as simplistic arguments must be. So, while encouraging young African Americans to aspire to literacy, education, respect for elders and community is obviously laudable, disconnecting words from their logical contexts more often results in distractedness and confusion, rather than a sure plan or a clear path.

Dale Edwyna Smith is an assistant professor of American history and Afro-American history at Washington University in St. Louis whose reviews have appeared in Southern Review and Belles Lettres. Her last article for American Visions, "Recent and Relevant History Books," appeared in the February/ March issue.