According to the recent statistics from the U.S. Department of Justice, black males die at a rate fifteen times higher than that of white males because of homicidal violence. The Department estimates that 28 percent of black males will enter state or federal prisons during their lifetime. In response to these devastating statistics, psychologist, educator, and father Raymond Winbush has created The Warrior Method -- a program designed for parents and teachers to help black boys become strong, self-reliant men. Filled with thoughtful reflections on the author's own experiences, the book looks at a male's life through the prism of the four seasons: spring -- conception to four years old; summer -- ages five through twelve; autumn -- ages thirteen through twenty-one; and winter -- age twenty-two and beyond.

Winbush's comprehensive, step-by-step approach draws on such African traditions as the "Birthing Circle" and a "Young Warriors Council" to help boys make important transitions, along with numerous other modern variations on tribal customs that instill the values of self-respect, dignity, and honor.

One third of black males, ages 20 to 29, are in some form of the corrections system in America. They also die younger and more violent deaths than their white counterparts. In the tradition of The Black Parenting Handbook, The Warrior Method presents a concrete plan of action to confront these problems head on. The Warrior Method, written by Dr. Winbush, the director of Fisk University's Race Relations Institute, teaches parents to raise their sons using ideas modeled after the Poro Societies of West Africa. The program mimics the rite of passage in which young men are taken by the men of the village and taught how to live as responsible adults.

Impeccably researched, easily accesible, and urgently needed, The Warrior Method is a must-have for anyone -- including parents, counselors, and teachers -- concerned with the well-being of Black boys in America.

“I am so impressed with Dr. Ray Winbush’s work, especially with the balanced nature of his perspective.”