We Speak for Ourselves

A Word from Forgotten Black America

By: D. Watkins

Narrated by: D. Watkins

From the row houses of Baltimore to the stoops of Brooklyn, the New York Times bestselling author of The Cook Up lays bare the voices of the most vulnerable and allows their stories to uncover the systematic injustice threaded within our society. Honest and eye-opening, the pages of We Speak for Ourselves “are abundant with wisdom and wit; integrity and love, not to mention enough laughs for a stand-up comedy routine” (Mitchell S. Jackson, author of Survival Math).

Watkins introduces you to Down Bottom, the storied community of East Baltimore that holds a mirror to America’s poor black neighborhoods—“hoods” that could just as easily be in Chicago, Detroit, Oakland, or Atlanta. As Watkins sees it, the perspective of people who live in economically disadvantaged black communities is largely absent from the commentary of many top intellectuals who speak and write about race.

Unapologetic and sharp-witted, D. Watkins is here to tell the truth as he has seen it. We Speak for Ourselves offers an in-depth analysis of inner-city hurdles and honors the stories therein. We sit in underfunded schools, walk the blocks burdened with police corruption, stand within an audience of Make America Great Again hats, journey from trap house to university lecture, and rally in neglected streets. And we listen.

“Watkins has come to remind us, everyone deserves the opportunity to speak for themselves” (Jason Reynolds, New York Times bestselling author) and serves hope to fellow Americans who are too often ignored and calling on others to examine what it means to be a model activist in today’s world. We Speak for Ourselves is a must-read for all who are committed to social change.

Critic reviews

"In this audio memoir narrated by the author, D. Watkins argues that he is a more authentic black voice than other writers of color who speak about black community from a privileged distance. He delivers his narration in a vocal style that reflects his upbringing in a crime-ridden Baltimore neighborhood. The style works effectively and generates a sense of authenticity in Watkins's stories."

A Must Read

If we are to better this world, we need to make connections. If you have zero nexus to inner city America but want to help, this book is the perfect starting point to learn.

Exceptional!

Author D. Watkins gets straight to the point about the oppression black people continue to face and how to use love, proximity, understanding, building community and authentic narratives to overcome these heavy challenges.

Amazing

The best book I’ve ever had the pleasure of listening to. Nothing short of amazing.

Extremely UNDERRATED !!!!

Listen to this ASAP— to many focus on how things look over how things actually are. Watkins is a genius that explains how real change starts with real connections to the people.

Powerful message

I loved to hear from someone with lived experiences not just talking about the problems but offering solutions.