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Former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice just signed a $2 million deal with Crown last week for a trio of memoirs -- the first about her years in the Bush administration; the second about her extraordinary life including growing up in Birmingham, Ala.; and the third geared to young adults.
As perhaps the closest person to former president George W. Bush, Rice knows where many of the skeletons of that administration are buried. She may be able to shed some light on numerous topics such as the real reason we went to war in Iraq. But will she? And another question: Will we care?
While she has had an illustrious career (provost of Stanford, concert pianist, Russian scholar) filled with many historic firsts (first black woman national security advisor and first black woman secretary of state), she hasn't held such a welcome position within the black community.
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Some have accused Rice of being a sellout just by being part of the Bush administration, while others have been confused by her disconnect from the community from which she hails. That may be the reason why she has never graced the cover of Essence magazine -- the premier magazine devoted to the African American woman. (Queen Latifah was on the cover of the issue in which Rice was featured in 2006.)
When she received an NAACP award in 2002, it sparked controversy and protests among civil rights leaders. Rice is controversial and perhaps even divisive, but does she deserve the support of blacks?
"I will definitely be buying her book," said literary agent and former senior editor for Simon & Schuster Tracy Sherrod. "While I may not agree with her politics, I feel that she is relevant, and I am interested in hearing her views on a host of different issues. I think it will be an important book. And I don't feel we have the luxury to not support her or anyone else in our community, particularly now."
With the first black president of the United States, perhaps it's time we reexamine what it means to be black. Maybe it's time to accept those who don't necessarily share the same views.
"Black people often complain about being viewed as monolithic, and here is someone who is different, and I don't think she should be attacked for being different," said Melody Guy, a senior editor at Random House's One World, who recently published 'Numbers,' a novel by rapper Dana Dane.
"Now more than ever, people are so clued into our political landscape. Her book should be as relevant to blacks as it will be to anyone else. She is a part of our community. I would love to have the opportunity to publish someone like her."
Comments: (172)
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By: Eric on 2/25/2009 1:06PM
First, we as a people ...I believe have to learn to embrace all of our people regardless of their affilations, be they political, social, or differences in ideology. From the many black people that I've talked with over the past eight years many (being honest here) don't hold Dr Rice in high regard! But, still she's just like us..an African American woman! You, or we may disagree with her politics, but I have disagreed with many people as well, so then our true goal is to learn how to "agree to disagree" without building walls. Dr Rice has a lot to offer to our people, and I know this may be a sticking point for most African Americans here on this site, but she's still nevertheless one of us! I personally applaud her accomplishments, and as an African American was proud of the important position that she once held as Secrectary of State. I'm more than sure that we can learn something from her, and that she has a lot to offer as well. But, we can't continue to close our eyes and ears all the time...just because she's a Republican! I think also that she can, and should be a role model for future success for our young black girls in particular that can truly realize aspiring to such a high and important position as did she! It's time to come together as a people, and putting our differences aside for the betterment of our people as a whole.
Honestly, I can say that "NO" I don't and didn't agree with her political ideaology, but I'm sure that she wouldn't completely agree with mine as well! No problem! So, then we need to focus more on the problems that face us "together", and not only continue to focus on the pettiness that continues to drive a wedge between us as a people. People it's time for real change, but "first" we must learn how to change ourselves!
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By: Al on 2/27/2009 10:01AM
Eric, I thank you for your comments. They refelect the sentiments of a maturing, wiser,and gracious person many of us need to become.
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By: Grace on 2/27/2009 11:20AM
Eric,
You are so right. We said that we wanted a "change" when we elected Pres. Obama. The nation is not the only thing that we need to change, but we need to change our way of thinking against one another. We are our own worst enemy!!!
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By: Linda on 2/27/2009 10:54PM
It's one thing to focus on pettiness but another to embrace a woman who has never embraced the Black community.
Her politics is not an issue for me; what that administration has done to this country is the issue. They all went off to their new homes, high paying consulting businesses leaving this economy to collapse.
Am I entitled to be angry about that? I don't care about partisan politics but someone should be held accountable for the mess we are in!
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By: Mz.Dee on 2/27/2009 2:38PM
We should treat her the same way she treated the victim's of hurricane Katrina,instead of buying her book the day it comes out we should all go shoe shopping.
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By: lana on 2/27/2009 6:39PM
Eric, I agree with your comment..
I would like to add that yes Condoleezza Rice is relevant to black history regardless of her political standpoint . . . She is well educated and, could probably teach many a thing or two . . . but, who is willing to learn? . . . And, yes I also think Condoleeza should earn Millions of dollars for her book sales . . . After all, the Black Community made Karren Stephens a best selling author . . . So, which is more educational?
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By: Lisa on 2/27/2009 8:42PM
Dr. Rice is a role model for black young girls that you do not have to sell your soul to the devil to be successful. I think Dr. Rice forgot that she was an African American too many times when responding to comments.
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By: GOD'S MESSENGER on 2/28/2009 1:51AM
NO, NO, NO!!! WHAT is this, the feel good hour? Rice should be held in contempt by all Americans for lying about the cause to go to war. First it was a "mushroom cloud" scare and weapons of mass destruction that were never there (In Iraq). As National Security Advisor, it was her solemn duty to find out the correct facts and advise accordingly; on this single issue she failed miserably causing the death of thousands of U.S. troops and tens of thousands more maimed for life. Moreover, this bodacious lie is tantamount to treason and she should be brought to justice with the rest of the Bush Administration in a war crimes trial. How can anyone with a clear conscience say that she is a role model. There is a reason that many refer to her as Condoliar.
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By: David on 2/28/2009 5:38AM
Your comments about Secretary Rice are outstanding. I am sure Carter G Woodson would be proud of this lady as I am.
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By: Kim on 2/28/2009 1:54PM
I suppose you are right Eric. I have learned something from Ms. Rice and I hope others have also. I have learned that there are many black folk who will screw over, disregard and not associate with other black folk in order to be accepted by Whites. I have also learned to be true to myself and accept the fact that I am simply one of those black people who would rather die then to bend over and be screwed from behind. A house in the suburbs and a nice car are not that important to me. LOL! So I will take my MD( and my JD as of the end of this year) and keep on moving. I may not become a household name like Ms. Rice, but I will be able to look at myself in the mirror and face my God on the day of Judgement.
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