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In this warm, sensitive, and straightforward
self-help guide for African American women, Toby Thompkins
explores the struggles and lessons necessary to transcend
the stereotypes and overcome the consequences of being a “Strong
Black Woman.” Culled from interviews with black women
(and black men) from all walks of life, the personal stories
Thompkins uses to illustrate his ideas and communicate his
healing message illustrate the costs involved in measuring
up to this mythic image. In reality, as Thompkins demonstrates,
despite the almost universal respect and deference afforded
the Strong Black Woman ideal, it can be more limiting than
it is empowering. Too often, women of color feel compelled
to become “chronic caregivers,” sacrificing their
ability to become truly free and fulfilled individuals. Through
the wisdom garnered from the stories of these different women’s
experiences, and his own compassionate, insightful analysis,
Thompkins makes the case for supplanting the myth of the Strong
Black Woman. He offers effective strategies by which women
of any color can create lives characterized by new dimensions
of fulfillment, love, and joy.
Toby Thompkins has spent twenty
years working for and consulting with Fortune 100 companies
on leadership, human capital, and managing success. In addition,
he works as a life coach and professional speaker on the topics
of personal growth, relationships, and cultural and social
healing. Formerly a columnist for the magazine Miracle
Journeys, he has conducted self-help workshops in several
cities with The Whole Life Expo. He lives in New York.
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