We Are The Leaders We've Been Looking For, by Eddie Glaude Jr.

"From the acclaimed author of the New York Times bestseller 'Begin Again' comes a thought-provoking exploration of Black empowerment in modern democracy. In 'We Are the Leaders We Have Been Looking For,' Eddie S. Glaude Jr., a distinguished scholar and bestselling author, challenges the notion of relying solely on professional politicians and instead advocates for self-cultivation and grassroots movements within the Black community.

Glaude argues that personal growth and civic engagement are integral to advancing Black politics, drawing inspiration from iconic figures like Martin Luther King Jr., Malcolm X, and Ella Baker. Through incisive analysis and rich storytelling, he demonstrates how ordinary individuals possess the potential to become the catalysts for meaningful change, rather than delegating their agency to elected representatives.

Based on his influential Du Bois Lectures delivered at Harvard University, Glaude reflects on the Obama era and critiques the tendency to stifle dissent within Black political discourse. Urging a departure from blind allegiance to leaders or resignation to entrenched power structures, he advocates for a more nuanced and proactive approach to activism.

Interwoven with personal anecdotes and insights from luminaries such as Ralph Waldo Emerson, Toni Morrison, and James Baldwin, this book is a testament to the transformative power of collective action and individual growth. With impassioned prose and philosophical depth, Glaude reminds us that the vitality of American democracy hinges on building a society where empowerment emanates from the grassroots, not hierarchical institutions."