The Moment

Thoughts on the Race Reckoning That Wasn’t and How We All Can Move Forward Now

By: Bakari Sellers

Narrated by: Bakari Sellers

“Toni Morrison once said, ‘The function, the very serious function of racism is distraction.’ In The Moment, Bakari Sellers brilliantly and precisely cuts through the noise of the calculated, well-financed, and relentless campaign by conservative media, think tanks, and politicians to end the post-George Floyd ‘racial reckoning’ and reverse the civil rights victories of the past fifty years. This is a must-read!”—Joy-Ann Reid, New York Times bestselling author and host of MSNBC's The Reid Out

The New York Times bestselling author of My Vanishing Country examines the modern political landscape and policies that are impacting Black families and communities and offers solutions for a better tomorrow.

In late May in 2020, while discussing the murder of George Floyd on CNN, Bakari Sellers spoke from the heart sharing devastating insight that touched millions around the world: “It’s just so much pain. You get so tired. We have black children. I have a 15-year-old daughter. I mean, what do I tell her? I’m raising a son. I have no idea what to tell him. It’s just—it’s hard being black in this country when your life is not valued and people are worried about the protesters and the looters. And it’s just people who are frustrated for far too long and not have their voices heard.”

In this powerful and persuasive book, Sellers expands on the issues he addressed in his New York Times bestseller My Vanishing Country, examining national politics and policies that deeply impact not only Black people in his home state of South Carolina but the lives of millions of African Americans in communities across the nation. Four years later, Sellers has an answer to the question he raised on CNN, offering much-needed prescriptions to help all Black American lives.

Sellers explores inequities in healthcare, education, early childhood education, and policing, drawing on interviews with numerous thought leaders such as pioneering voting rights and poverty activist the Rev. William Barber, and Ben Crump, the civil rights legend who successfully uses the law to achieve justice for people of color in racially charged cases. He also shares his thoughts on conservative media and the forces and dark money behind firebrands such as Tucker Carlson. This thoughtful and practical work is a timely meditation on the state of our world today and how we can all play a part in making it better for tomorrow.

Very Informative

There was a lot of history shared in a very short book. It should be a required reading for school students across the country.

Absolutely Amazing Work

I must confess that I have always been a fan of the author from his not enough appearances on CNN. The talent and upfront in your face answers he delivers is refreshing. The complete work was so informative and insightful. My favorite chapter that really stirred my soul was Chapter 9 and the last word.
I am envious of the legendary cloth that he is cut from real heroes.
Keep being that strong voice and fighting the good fight..

What’s below the surface

The Prescription were absolutely needed and in point. Dealing with the social, moral, and political issues of today can make a person numb. The Moment defines the issue and provides necessary steps on what one person can do or lead others to do.

The story.

The act of reflecting on the story of the struggle for equal rights; the back and forth phenomenology of the struggle for and against equal rights; and the roles family plays in these struggles.

Captures the Moment like only a generational talent can

Baja to Sellers is the product of a prosperous Black Excellence upbringing. The thoughtfulness behind his ideas and writings is critical to todays Black youth and leadership. He uses his pen as a weapon to fight for our rights. Thank you Bakari.