The Book of Baraka

By: Ras Baraka, Jelani Cobb

Narrated by: Ras Baraka, Jelani Cobb

Length: 1 hr and 43 mins

Publisher's summary

“When I become mayor, we become mayor.”

Ras Baraka’s famous words speak to exactly who he is as a leader - a fiercely loyal member of his community. In this innovative and ground-breaking Audible Original, hear how Baraka - the mayor of Newark, New Jersey - grew from spoken-word artist to school principal to successful politician. Mixing prose and poetry, musical interludes and powerful soliloquies, Ras explores his life in-depth, including stories about his father, poet Amiri Baraka, and his personal encounters with jazz singer Nina Simone and hip-hop superstar Lauryn Hill - who famously featured him on her debut album. This is the story of how one man found his voice - and how each of us can find our own calling.

Baraka’s story begins at home in Newark. He was raised in a house of art and politics, passion and provocation. His father was one of the most influential and controversial poets of the 1970s and filled his home with ardent activists, lively debates, and conversations unlike any on his block - a powerful combination that influences him to this day.

Baraka’s story is a deeply personal history that reflects a generation and a movement, vividly capturing a tumultuous period of political and social struggle and ultimately, boundless hope and renewal. The tale is co-authored by acclaimed writer Jelani Cobb, a staff writer at The New Yorker and a professor at Columbia University's Graduate School of Journalism. Experience this exclusive, first-of-its kind telling of Baraka's journey from poet to principal to peacemaker, through his own powerful, inspiring words.

Special thanks for the use of "Newark: The Slow Road Back"

Written and Produced by Sandra King

1987.

Are you an educator looking for unique curriculum enhancements? Audible & NJPAC are proud to present Listen & Learn, The Book of Baraka Teacher Resource Guide. Access the guide containing discussion ideas, activities and resources to promote arts literacy in your classroom at njpac.org/arts-education/teacher-resources.

©2021 Ras Baraka (P)2022 Audible Originals, LLC.

I AM TRULY INSPIRED

I love the delivery, the story is so vivid and efficacious. I smiled and was in awe of the experiences of Ras Baraka, this is truly an inspiration, his reliance, dedication and activism. As a person of color it feels so real, so poignant but very real. In addition to that, I remembered listening to the Lauren Hill's album "Miseducation" and finally hearing the voices that I often wondered how did this skit come together (beautiful). Thank you for this, wished it was longer.
When he said on the day he was elected mayor he went outside and saw police on the street and heard helicopter above and wondered if something was wrong; then realized they were there for him (in a positive way)... so unbelievable.

An Amazing Read

I read this book while I was at work and it helped me gain more clarity and understanding not only about The Amazingly Honorable Mayor Ras J. Baraka but about the city that I have transitioned to. His story gave me more clarity about the people and how to gain more acceptance through trails and tribulations. I love his expressions of gratitude. I enjoy his story and I only hope to have a story as victorious and honorable as his. Thank you for enlightening me on your position and your passion for the people. I see this book as a guide to find more gratitude within myself to share with others.
I appreciate your expressed talents and to write a book about it all is a great guide for someone like me who is always willing to learn about people who help make this world a more understandable and better place.

Best under 2 hr Bio I've yet to listen! Well done!

It was great to hear Ras Baraka's story as I've yet to meet a major who cares about his city the way he does!

Loved it!

I enjoyed hearing his story. And the fact that he kept running for Mayor until he won showed his commitment to his community.
The quote "Your voice doesn't matter unless you're in the conversation" will stick with me forever.

Made me feel proud

The production was wonderful and content made me so proud and hopeful for my grandchildren thank you for the positive message good for everyone that wants hope

So good I listened twice.

I actually didn't want it to end. I felt like I was part of the conversation, and I just wanted to keep talking, and listening.

RAS Activist Baraka

Recommend to all young adults
Who May be hesitant to dive into the political field
Real life commentary

Diverse perspective of the people of Newark, NJ

Storytelling is a cultural tradition and the narrators are skillful as the portray the nuances of inflicted pain and incremental achievements. Its a must read in the present and for future generations,

This made me a fan of Ras

His story is so interesting and inspiring. I hope they do a sequel to show what he’s done while mayor.

Outstanding leader

Revolutionaries are real people that cause change in the world. Mr Baraka is one of the few, the proud leaders of this nation.