Black Privilege
I will admit, the title Black Privilege, may be off putting to some. In Charlemagne The God's (CtheGod) attempt to be provocative he might miss out on some audience members who judge a book by the title. Something tells me that he wouldn't give a fuck, but here's 3 reasons why you should get over the title and read this book.
1) it is the ultimate "Started from the bottom now we're Here" story. If you're like me, then you probably know CtheGod as the semi cantankerous co-host of The Breakfast Club who has created a name for himself by conducting brutally honest interviews with celebrities, emphasis on the brutal. What you may not know is everything that happened before that. Raised in a small town, Moncks Corner, South Carolina, Charlemagne's sole goal was to not end up in one of the three places people going nowhere end up, according to his father: dead, in jail, or sitting under a tree drunk. Though it looked likely when he was kicked out of two high schools, did two bids in jail before 18 and began selling crack, Charlemagne was able to course correct due to his ability to become self-reflective.
Admittedly, I have a thing for hearing people's stories. So it is likely that a book like Black Privilege appealed to me more because of the biographical elements. But even for those who bore easily of nonfiction, this story is entertaining enough to hold your attention. Charlemagne's story is not without sex, drugs, violence, and hip hop. Complete with bars from his favorite rap verses and quotes from hood classics like Belly, the recounting of his early years shows how Charlemagne started "putting the weed in the bag" way before The Breakfast Club and national recognition within the hip hop community. Rarely are audiences privy to these types of stories with a first-hand account, particularly with such candor and reflective insight. His voice allows readers to both explore the world that created Charlemagne and hear how his increasing dissonance between a maturing young C and his environment served as the catalyst for his growth.
2) There is something to be said about curious minds and exposure. Over and over again CtheGod describes how his own penchant for knowing more and being coachable lead to more opportunities for him. Each one lead to more questions, more curiosity and eventually exposure to a new level of the game. Charlemagne speaks straight to my millennial soul when he describes his thirst for passion in his work and choosing positions that lead to greater opportunities for fulfillment rather than chasing a paycheck.
When he began working for Wendy Williams, he did so for free accepting a free place to live in exchange for a salary. At this time he had already been on the air in Charleston working steadily as a paid on air talent. However, he saw his chance to work with Wendy as a great learning experience and a chance to work in the #1 market in the nation for radio: New York City. Reminiscing on his decisions, we get a sense that Charlemagne was following his intuition and that some large part of him knew that if he put in the work the money would come, as would more business. It's no surprise that he was right.
I cannot think of another book that illustrates a black man's journey to emotional and spiritual maturity as earnestly as this one. Without being preachy or overbearing, Black Privilege manages to showcase how, with intention, one man is able to evolve as a man, as a professional, and as a spiritual being. Every time he reaches a new level of success, he must also pursue a new level of self-discovery and with that procure the cast of players which help to elevate him on his journey.
Which brings me to my final point. Beyond hearing a really cool story of comeuppance, Black Privilege is a story about faith and God. Now that I was not expecting. While I'm used to the overly religious rhetoric and allusion wishing Black American culture and thus our cultural icons, what Charlemagne offers is refreshing and different. This wasn't about church, this was about God. Specifically, the personal relationship that we cultivate with the God who resides in us as us.
3) Influenced by the early spiritual foundation laid by his Jehovah's Witness Mother and cemented by religious texts and teachings, perhaps none more influential than that of the 5%ers and the Nation of Islam, Charlemagne describes how God was the key ingredient in all of his successes. It was this belief that actually lead to the title of the book because as he understood it, as children of God, our existence was miraculous and our continual being served as proof of God's omnipotence. "Black Privilege" was not meant to derail the social justice perspective around race and privilege, but it was meant to offer another way to look at himself, ourselves; finding privilege in being who we are as we are.
It is, perhaps, due in large part to Charlemagne's spiritual beliefs about who he is and who we all are that he allowed himself so much freedom and authenticity in the writing of this book. In fact, at times is lessons reminded me of books by Christian author Richard Rohr. Both speak firmily about the importance of detaching from the rules of man in order to be on flow with divine will, and the cost of that freedom. Charlemagne's insistence that we must remember who we are mirrors my own belief that we only lose our way when we forget or lose sight of who we are. Often calling for a return to center (home) which can sometimes be both figurative and literal. When you know who you are, whose you are and from where you've come, the recollection ebbs you from making choose that do not honor Self.
In all, Black Privilege was unexpectedly good for the woke millennial soul. It served as affirmation for me that I am on the right track and that when you are in alignment with your purpose and working hard, nothing can block your blessings. If a book moves you enough to write a review, talk about it with friends and family, or reach out to the author? It's a good book. Black Privilege was just that fucking good of a book. I imagine it will appeal most to those who like me have dreams, faith, and find comfort in knowing there are people who have made it, are making it, and who look and think like me. If they can do it, so can I. Right?