"If I ruled the world, I'd free all my sons." That's what American Hip-Hop artist Nas sang. In this thought-provoking, historic feeling collection, poet and author, Latorial Faison, attempts to do just that . . . free all her sons. In this passionately lyrical collection of some of her most prolific poems to date, Faison illustrates the complex world that awaits many sons and mothers of sons, especially African American ones; she addresses some of America's darkest stains, its deepest pains, and how the present is shaped by a tragic past history of systemic oppression and ideals. Faison challenges mothers, sons, and all of us to keep fighting the good fight in this daily that is more increasingly conflicted with reoccurring and new separatist ideas, foundational challenges, social injustice, and inequality. These 40 poems render a glimpse into the tumultuous life experiences that have caused this poet and others who share her story to evolve and pour out pieces of Black life in a White world. Her words ride in on the wings of great African American legends like Langston Hughes, Claude McKay, and Countee Cullen. She brings the audacity of Black Arts Era poet Nikki Giovanni. Readers will gain a sense of those pivotal moments that often become the very foundations on which we stand. Recalling the words, ideas, and the spirits of literary icons, such as Gwendolyn Brooks, Lucille Clifton, Maya Angelou, and Sonia Sanchez, Faison rhythmically galvanizes readers to hope, to resilience, to faith, to sankofa. Every now and then a book comes along that changes the way we see our world and helps to fuel social change. Mother to Son is one of those books. It is a contemporary march on humanity, a poetic protest, a profoundly lyrical plea, a storytelling that draws us all to the intersection of race, gender, culture, and politics in America. Mothers, sons, and daring readers the world over-- all will find the boldness and passion with which Faison pens this analysis of life as she's experienced it both moving and stirring. This book is complete with wisdom and a very rich heritage of the contributions and the legacy Africans have created in America. It sings freedom song after freedom song to a tune that readers are sure to both embrace and lift their voices. Mother to Son is a must-read; it's uplifting and ushers readers into a renewed or continued sense of purpose, responsibility, and self-worth. Faison has penned a collection that is stunning, valuable, and profoundly necessary. This book is a mother to son, woman to mankind "call to action."
