Visions for Black Men, was written by Dr. Na’im Akbar in 1991 to create a sense of self determination for black men worldwide. Dr. Akbar is a professor of psychology and a research assistant at the University of Florida. The book discusses in depth the necessity for black men to rise up and become leaders for their families, communities, and other black men in general. Throughout both ancient and modern history black men have been strong despite the hardships that they have endured. Nevertheless there remain many issues that are still a burden to black men. Dr. Akbar’s insight on these issues can help black men understand the reality of the status quo and further motivate them to be active men who can serve as race models.

Within the chapters Dr. Akbar distinguishes the difference between being simply a male and becoming a man. In our society there are many physically grown men that are immature and do not fulfill their responsibilities as men. For instance, if a man has children and he does not provide them with emotional and financial support, then he is not a man. According to Dr. Akbar, he is simply a male. It does not take much effort for a man to impregnate a woman, however it does take effort to support a child and to be a provider for a family. At the male stage one is incapable of doing things independently. Men who are unable to provide for themselves and depend relentlessly on others illustrate a man at the male stage. As the stage of maleness is surpassed the experience of being a boy or toddler comes into effect. The subsequent level following the boy stage is manhood.

It was expressed that an individual transcends into manhood as a male becomes conscious or aware of themselves and their environment. Within a given environment there are guidelines for living, such as abiding by the laws that govern the land. As people become aware of themselves, they began to understand that there are responsibilities that have to be taken care of. Just because an individual has responsibilities doesn’t mean they are considered men yet. A male becomes a man when they begin to fulfill their responsibilities, which are often concurrent and diverse in nature.

Black men that Dr. Akbar referred to as leaders and advocates of change included Marcus Garvey, Elijah Muhammad, Booker T. Washington, Martin L. King, Paul Roberson, and Cheikh Anta Diop. These men all campaigned for positive social, political, and economic progression during the 20th century; respectively they possessed different schools of thought, although each was widely accepted. Collectively these prominent black men had a heavy impact on the African American community because men took heed to the ideals and used them to build. The ideals were used to build a sense of community, and strong families that valued hard work ethic and morality. Currently some black men are still in need of guidance. These individuals need structure in their lives, so that they can also contribute to building what was demolished which is brotherhood, and respect at certain levels.

Overall Dr. Akbar did a thorough job as he provided the foundations that a black man should build his vision on. The stages of life that lead to manhood described the different characteristics of men. It is essential to understand these things so that one does not proclaim to be a man while he is at the male stage. As these stages are reviewed and understood overtime people will gradually rise to the challenge of becoming proud black men.

On the Geoscale, Visions For Black Men gets 4 out of 5 globes. These globes are awarded for the significance of the material, and the awareness that will manifest within its readers.