 "Photo: Diane Varnie/Echo staff photographer")
N.C. Central University graduate student Eddie Moore attempts to reclaim the identities of the souls forgotten during the most crucial times of struggle in his book, "Colored: Musing of The Pathologized Black Man."
In his collection of poems and essays, Moore pays homage to the Black Arts Movement and demonstrates passion in his poetically, stylistic introspective look at black masculinity, thoughts on love, confronting racism, remembering but glorifying the triumph of pain, and encourages readers to embark on a road to discovery of self.
Moore challenges the reader to go beyond the phrase "pathological," and examine the true context of his book, leaving room for the reader to develop their own analysis.
The word "colored," consisting of seven letters, is also divided in seven sections: Brown, Gray, Red, White, Blue, Black, and Orange. Each spectrum conveys an informative message from a black male prospective.
Giving voice to the voiceless, Moore hits home with issues of today, yesterday and tomorrow, highlighting the misconceptions of society.
In his "Grey section: A Black Man's Politics," the reader is introduced to a personal Moore. He reveals his most vulnerable times of financial and personal struggle of being a black male, and his perseverance despite his circumstances.
"I felt I was doing all that I could, but still did not feel blessed; what I was taught and believed was now a contradiction to what I've experienced," said Moore.
Exploring the rainbow in its entirety, Moore strikes gold with sections such as "Bastard" and "Blue," as he explores the black male in crisis that has been manifested in the African American community over time.
Moore also sheds light on modern day racism being used as a blind side and used as means of control has becoming institutionalized in places such as churches, the workforce and politics.
Reasoning, "If there is no struggle, there is no progress," Moore urges readers to be a continuation of light, and not to assume the position of being powerless victims without a voice in the dark.
Moore understands there is more work to be done. Not limiting this read to a racial category, Moore encourages everyone to pick up a copy.
"This book is not about Eddie Moore, it is about the identities that have been erased, and will be reclaimed," said Moore. "If twenty books get out there, twenty minds have been affected." Believing in the treasure over the rainbow, Moore is sure change is soon to come.
Editor's note: Moore's last name was misprinted in the April 13 print edition as Barnes in the subtitle and has been corrected online.
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