Book Review: "My Vanishing Country" by Bakari Sellers

I love a good story, particularly from folks who have harnessed their experiences into powerful message, careers, actions, and examples. The life story of Bakari Sellers was a very timely and inspirational read. It outlined his personal journey in social and political context, and also highlighted the power of community and the beauty of family in one's development.

Like many, I became familiar with Mr. Sellers through his CNN appearances, as he spoke to political affairs. A young, pleasant Black man, I automatically gravitated to his intelligence, his demeanor, and his intention. Many of the folks I was introduced to through CNN have become my go-to commentators and opinions I deeply value when the television is turned off. Through their words, social media discussions, and through their additional written works.

Bakari's Harper Collins publication was just released a few weeks ago in May, and I was eager to receive my copy, particularly in the midst of the current racial and political unrest in America. I anticipated reading his perspectives, without the television clock or restrictions of social media.

The story was engaging, learning about Bakari as an inquisitive and empathetic boy, and seeing how the experiences and lessons poured into him as a youth manifested into the powerful leader we now know him as.

A few things that resonated with me in particular...

**How much the words and expectations spoken into young people truly help to frame how they view themselves, what they believe in, and how they go forth to serve in adulthood.

**The importance of family, and support, and knowing that the people around you have your best interests at heart, and that they are there to defend and uplift you at any given moment. Also, the importance of family example: Bakari's father Cleveland was an influential Civil Rights leader. Cleveland and his comrades guided Bakari and helped to frame his activities and conduct. Bakari's mother advocated and endorsed him without hesitation.

**The power of love: I enjoyed the story of Bakari and his wife Ellen Ruckers, his step-daughter, and the twins who I've enjoyed seeing on Instagram, but only now do I realize the triumphant story of their arrival.

I enjoyed learning about how Bakari never really bothered to fit into particular categories or claim particular labels as a young man--he was just himself. He was able to make friends with folks in different "groups" and still maintain his personal dignity and missions. He stayed true to his family values. He was admirable, and focused. I admired this about him, from childhood through college, and ongoing.

The story of Morehouse College was also awesome for me to read, as someone who used to fantasize about leaving Canada to attend University at Spellman College (Morehouse's sister school, which I imagined to be nothing less than "A Different World"-level of educational and Black cultural bliss). I have always thought highly of the impact of "Morehouse Men," and even had a chance to visit over ten years ago just to stand and take in the campus energy outside the MLK chapel. The power of history. It was pretty cool to read about Bakari's experience there, following in the footsteps of so many influential Morehouse Men before him. I wish that type of educational experience and excitement for all Black boys. Truly.

"My Vanishing Country" was a great read, and I feel like this memoir is still just a preview of sorts, for Bakari's ongoing impact and visibility in the community, political, and legal public atmospheres. I feel there will be additional volumes written, as his career advances. In the spirit of the passion and belief he has for his home state and the residents of South Carolina (where he served in the House of Representatives from 2006 to 2014), for the Black community, and America as a whole...I am confident he will continue to apply a caring and progressive approach to his future initiatives.

These are overwhelming times. As a Canadian looking south to our American neighbours, I feel our own perils, in addition to the intense turmoil south of the border. I still have hope, however. I believe we are living through an important time in history, I feel that change is imminent, and I look forward to what comes next from this impressive public figure in relation to those changes. I appreciate the knowledge I now have of Bakari's journey, and will use elements of these lessons when dealing with the young folks in my life, and within my own choices.

These are the stories we need to inspire us, to encourage us all, and to show the Black community what we can become when we work hard, have faith, believe in our missions, uphold our values, and support one another.



Written by Stacey Marie Robinson for Kya Publishing's Blog.