ATLANTA, GA – Inspired by the political success of Senator Barack Obama, author and award-winning speaker Brian McClellan prepares to release his latest book A Love Letter to Black People: Audaciously Hopeful Thoughts on Race and Success. With the obvious nod to Senator Barack Obama in its subtitle, Love Letter explores the unique way high achieving African Americans like Senator Obama have learned to view the role of race in the pursuit of their success and why, for the love of the Black community, all African Americans must all apply these lessons.
Author Brian McClellan proclaims within the opening pages of A Love Letter to Black People, “I love Black people! I just can't help it.” This book is sure to challenge and inspire those who have this type of deep affection for the Black community but also deep concerns for its future. Love Letter argues the prosperity, if not the survival, of the Black community depends upon its willingness to abandon outdated attitudes regarding race and success and makes the case the Black community instead must “love its way to greatness.”
The credibility and insightfulness of the discussion in Love Letter is bolstered by supporting surveys and interviews about race and success conducted with more than one hundred young, successful Black entrepreneurs and corporate and community leaders, to whom McClellan refers in the book as “YSBs.” These “YSBs” offered their opinions on racially charged topics such as “acting white” and the “right way” to be successful and Black. The responses to these questions are inspirational, thought-provoking and sometimes more provocative than the questions themselves.
Love Letter is aptly titled because its inspirational feel strikes an excellent balance between “tough love” and self-congratulation, delivering its message by inspiring rather than scolding or patronizing its readers. The result is a powerful a social commentary that is sure to inspire deep thought and positive action among its readers. Love Letter is a must read for those “who love Black people and just can’t help it!”
The publication date for A Love Letter to Black People: Audaciously Hopeful Thoughts on Race and Success is February 1, 2009. The book will be available through distributor Midpoint Trade Books and through additional retail, wholesale and online channels worldwide. For more information, please contact Sherri Sheusi at sherri.sheusi@
About the Author
Brian McClellan is the CEO of BAMSTRONG Presentations and the author of The Real Bling: How to Get the Only Thing You Need. A former Fortune 500 executive turned author, McClellan is a graduate of Princeton University and the Columbia Business School. McClellan is also the 2007 and 2008 Toastmasters Georgia State Champion of Public Speaking. For more information, please visit www.bamstrong.com.
