Black Privilege: Opportunity Comes to Those Who Create It

I recently just finished the Audible version read by Charlamagne Tha God and let me tell you, this is easily going to be one of THE BEST books I have read, and I've read many. Self-help, or otherwise, this book had so much valuable information about getting through life told from a man who at best I knew from seeing him on VH-1 and listening to the Breakfast Club. I never thought much of him to be honest, not in a bad way. Okay, obviously, I am not a Black man. I'm Mexican-American, middle-aged with a herd of children and find myself at a point in life where I feel like everything is falling apart. As I listened to this book, I felt like I was sitting in a room and he was telling me what was wrong with me, how I got there, but most importantly that I had the power to get myself out and into a better situation. I was driving on the highway on my way home from work and his last chapter had me crying. The kind of cry you have when you thought you had run out of tears and where you feel it in the pit of your stomach. He put a new hope where I thought I had none. Was this book funny? HELL yes. I laughed so many times. I learned a great deal about Charlamagne and his life experiences and how he got to where he is today. One of the most important takeaways for me, there were many, but what really stood out to me was when he discussed finding your "However". This was powerful to me. You need to read the book to find out what it is, but I promise you, it is life changing. I'm doing what I've never done before with this book. I not only bought the audible version, I just ordered the hardcover for home and the kindle version so it's on my phone at all times. There are many parts of this book I want to read over to cement into my mind. Charlamagne, if you read your reviews, I hope you know that you have helped me in a very powerful way. I had been praying for guidance and God in his wisdom lead me to purchase your book and it is one that will be prominently on my bookshelf, in my headphones and on my iPhone. Not only that, you have opened up another world of books I need to look up, ones you mentioned in your book. Thank you.

Before reading this book, I was not very familiar with Charlamagne The God. Granted, I judged the name. However, I will read just about anything. This book had great reviews, and since he's a radio jockey, I bought the audio book assuming (very correctly) that he'd be the best person to tell his story. I was blown away by how much I enjoyed this book. He's funny, engaging, crude, and honest - all good things in my opinion. I'm debating as to whether or not my teenage son is ready for some of the more adult commentary, but he will read it soon. Charlamagne paints a vivid picture of South Carolina, his family life, his various missteps and how he's managed to maintain confidence in himself through his faith in God. It is an incredible reminder for those who feel they have lost their way or may be at a crossroads. You do not need to love hip hop or be comfortable with religion to read this. Something in this book will speak to you, and if you're smart, you'll reflect on something in your life that will make you better in life - personal or professional. He suggests we should all read books by people who are different from ourselves to learn more about the world; if this is not someone who is in your world, give it a shot. You will not be disappointed. If you know him from his radio work, you may come to like him more. I've recently heard some of his radio stuff and it makes a certain impression. This book is brilliant, well-written, honest, and very funny. You won't be disappointed. I've listened to the audio book twice and purchased the hardcover. :)

Black Privilege isn’t your typical marketing book, self-help book. Lenard, the author uses very unorthodox language to help the reader understand, and to reach a certain audience; but I truly believe whatever your age, social status, background, etc you can take something from this book to carry with you forever. While reading to book, there were certain things I felt like the author was speaking directly to me, I will mention a few of these point in the next few paragraphs. In chapter 2, titled, PYP (Pick Your Passion, Poison, or Procrastination.) Lenard discusses that there are 3 P’s that you can choose in life. Passion which leads to prosperity, Poison which leads to pain, and procrastination which leads to nowhere because you’re waiting for success to find you. I love the way he broke down his success to its simplest form for the reader to relate. When choosing career path you need to be hungry and passionate about what you want to achieve. You also need to mindful of picking something you’re passionate about a not what someone else decided for you. This could be the biggest pitfall and lead to a poisonous decision, of following someone else dream. You should never wait on opportunity because you will be waiting for a long time. Another one of my favorite chapters was, chapter 4, There Are No Losses, Only Lessons. The main point of this chapter is, you should not care about any perceived losses in life as long as you learn something from them. “Always look for the lesson in any situation you think didn’t go your way. And most importantly, understand that your plan isn’t necessarily also God’s plan for you.”( McKelvey) In the marketing world, this reminds me to never give up when someone doesn’t see your potential or vision. Always take something from these lessons, and make yourself better. After reading through all 8 chapters, this wasn’t a single point I didn’t agree with. Every chapter was so well written and broken to the simplest for everyone to understand! The books main point is that there is Privilege in being Black, and how to access your privilege. I love that there is a book that was written for me, in terms and language that I can understand. But I can’t stress enough, how important this book is and that everyone can learn and take something away from this. I’ve followed the author for at least 10 years, and I’ve seen him put his chapters in use. Whether it was on his radio show, TV shows, podcast, etc. I’ve seen him lead by example to prove and drive his point home. This was a great read and I highly recommend it to everyone!

I love stories that tell use more about the author and invites us into their world and their story. It's personal and has let me to consider my own life story and my own fears.

Such a great read! Don't let the title fool you., it's not solely based on the empowerment of black people. It's based on the fundamental fact of life which is life infact is a priviledge!! CthaGod does a great job of instilling motivation to get up off our lazy behind and better the our lives! It's funny, entertaining with many gems! Loved it!

It was a Great read. He has some very very funny experiences. I would recommend this book to anyone. C

The trials and tribulations this man went through are only but a fraction of the man he is. The lessons learned along the way are what's made him into who he is today and the knowledge he shares through those trying times are priceless (although you did pay for it). I salute Charlamagne Tha God for writing such an immersive book and thank him for the wisdom he shared with us. I highly recommend this book for youths (or anyone) who aren't where they want to be in life. Put the weed in the bag.

This was a phenomenal read! I literally read it in his voice through and through, lol. This booked is packed with efficient "God Jewels" as he calls them which bring about introspection and is extremely motivational. I am so proud of his flourishing career and looking forward to his next book!

My book for 2019. The author is not the most loved in the radio world in the US. Some love him some hate him. But the stories and lessons he give us in his simple writing is amazing. I really advise this book for people who want to learn and grow in what they want to do in their lives professionally or personally.