In Black Genius, thirteen of America's most vital, eloquent, and accomplished voices share their visions for a self-sufficient, self-determined future. From Spike Lee's encouragement of independent, community fund-raising to Joycelyn Elders's warning about the failings of our "sick-care" system to Stanley Crouch's disputation on "heroic" versus "anarchic" individuality, this is an exceptional, unique colloquy. Conceived by acclaimed novelist Walter Mosley and sponsored by the New York University Africana Studies Program and the Institute of African American Affairs, this book originated as a series of community conversations where "visionaries with solutions" shared strong views on personal and communal struggles, triumphs, and aspirations.