Anyone else remember “Black Issues Book Review?” I ran across this issue while decluttering last week. In a number of ways, this particular issue--with Kanye and his mom, Dr. Donda West on the cover--is sort of like a time capsule.
The issue came out in May of 2007 and by November of the same year Dr. West was dead. 2007 also marks the year that the author of Project Girl, Janet McDonald died of colon cancer (in April) and the issue includes an article about her life and work. On page 8, there’s an article about Bill Cosby’s pending 2007 book release--Come on, People! On the Path From Victims to Victors. Page 9 features a contest that involves reviewing Eric Jerome Dickey’s book Walking With Enemies, which was scheduled for release in August of 2007. The magazine’s best seller’s list included 1 book by Tavis Smiley--What I Know For Sure: My Story of Growing Up in America and another book introduced by him-- The Covenant in Action.
The aforementioned were just some of the more notable authors/writers/creatives appearing in this issue who’ve since died, been incarcerated, sued and/or suffered a stunning fall from grace.
On a more uplifting note, one of the editors associated with the publication--Felicia Pride--has written several books and earned a number of film writing credits for TV series like Grey’s Anatomy and Queen Sugar.
In any case, as a faithful subscriber, I was more than just a little heartbroken when Black Issues Book Review suddenly ceased publication at the end of 2007. I’d like to think, at some point, another publication like it will appear on the scene. But deep down, I know that’s just wishful thinking. Pretty soon, the only place you’re liable to find a real periodical--by real, I mean the type you can actually hold in your hands--is in a time capsule.
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