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Black Cop's Kid: An Essay
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s deeply personal essay explores racial conflict through the prism of his childhood and the influence of his father, a police officer who walked the beat between two worlds.
Growing up in New York City in the 1950s and 1960s, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar listened to jazz, watched Jackie Robinson at Ebbets Field, and saw a Black pop-culture icon in a TV western. It kick-started Kareem’s interest in a rich history erased by white educators. It also sparked his activism. During these years, as Kareem struggled with racism, visibility, and justice, his father’s presence loomed large with purpose. He was a Black cop weathering a complicated conflict of loyalties during the most tumultuous civil rights upheaval the country had ever been through. Now, at a time when his powerful voice is needed the most, Kareem shares his unique perspective from the front lines of sixty years of social change, not just as an activist, but as a son, an athlete, a writer, and a Black man in America.
Growing up in New York City in the 1950s and 1960s, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar listened to jazz, watched Jackie Robinson at Ebbets Field, and saw a Black pop-culture icon in a TV western. It kick-started Kareem’s interest in a rich history erased by white educators. It also sparked his activism. During these years, as Kareem struggled with racism, visibility, and justice, his father’s presence loomed large with purpose. He was a Black cop weathering a complicated conflict of loyalties during the most tumultuous civil rights upheaval the country had ever been through. Now, at a time when his powerful voice is needed the most, Kareem shares his unique perspective from the front lines of sixty years of social change, not just as an activist, but as a son, an athlete, a writer, and a Black man in America.
37 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 28, 2021
About the author
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
48 books608 followersAs a center for the Los Angeles Lakers from 1975 to 1989, American basketball player Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, originally Lew Alcindor, led the all-time scores in history of national basketball association in 1984.
This former professional player current serves as assistant coach. Typically referred to as Lew Alcindor in his younger days, he changed his name when he converted to Islam.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kareem_...
This former professional player current serves as assistant coach. Typically referred to as Lew Alcindor in his younger days, he changed his name when he converted to Islam.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kareem_...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 141 reviews
February 2, 2022
A great short story (essay) that is eye opening and deeply meaningful. I enjoyed reading this and learning things from it.
November 8, 2022
This essay feels somewhat like an open letter. A very personal and honest one.
I might not agree with every single thing he says but the way he tells his story is great and makes for a interesting, quick read.
"... we're used to lumping groups together as a monolithic block. Blacks are all this. Whites are all this. Cops are all this. That is inaccurate and, worse, an obstacle to improving our society."
I might not agree with every single thing he says but the way he tells his story is great and makes for a interesting, quick read.
"... we're used to lumping groups together as a monolithic block. Blacks are all this. Whites are all this. Cops are all this. That is inaccurate and, worse, an obstacle to improving our society."
August 23, 2023
A short thought-provoking powerful read!
February 22, 2022
This was an extremely short, but powerful "open letter" from Kareem Abdul-Jabbar on how he grew up in NYC as the child of a NYC Police Officer. Kareem basically spoke of being able to understand the strife of an African American Police Officer and those of marginalized citizens. This was a very interesting read.
July 23, 2022
I grew up watching Kareem dominate on the hardcourt, and delivering a championship to Milwaukee in his early years before going on to further greatness in LA. I knew he was an articulate public speaker and a writer but did not know of his life as a kid growing up with a black cop dad.
He starts out by describing his dad and his admiration of his dad for being one of relatively few black NYC cops and how his views of cops changed as he grew up. He goes on to talk about how his dad's experiences and how the way his dad carried himself influenced him in his personal life, even right up to today. In between he recounts some interesting experiences - such as being the youngest member chosen to be in the group that met with Muhammad Ali during the time he was refusing the Vietnam draft.
Kareem gives his opinions about policing and race issues in general from the 1950s as a kid right up through present day, as he addresses the George Floyd murder and what needs to be done in policing and still needs to be done in society in general.
I thought this was really good. His personal history is interesting, and his opinions and experiences are compelling. Growing up as the tallest person and sometimes most famous person in the room, he offers a unique societal perspective.
He starts out by describing his dad and his admiration of his dad for being one of relatively few black NYC cops and how his views of cops changed as he grew up. He goes on to talk about how his dad's experiences and how the way his dad carried himself influenced him in his personal life, even right up to today. In between he recounts some interesting experiences - such as being the youngest member chosen to be in the group that met with Muhammad Ali during the time he was refusing the Vietnam draft.
Kareem gives his opinions about policing and race issues in general from the 1950s as a kid right up through present day, as he addresses the George Floyd murder and what needs to be done in policing and still needs to be done in society in general.
I thought this was really good. His personal history is interesting, and his opinions and experiences are compelling. Growing up as the tallest person and sometimes most famous person in the room, he offers a unique societal perspective.
October 16, 2022
Very Good! The author gives his perspective as an activist, historian, athlete, and the son of a New York City Black police officer. He covers topics such as: police bias and brutality, historical riots (including the January 6th insurrection at the Capitol), sexism, and meeting the civil rights icon Dr. Martin Luther King. It was enjoyable to read his love for his father and how Western movies encouraged his passion for African American history. He gives a good overview of how his beliefs evolved from a child to a man in America. Especially poignant, for a man blessed with Black skin.
Book Quotes:
"I’ve been accused of being both a Black anti-cop agitator and an apologist for racist police violence."
(p. 5). Kindle Edition.
"If a Black person does something amazing in a forest and no one talks about it, did it happen?"
(p. 14). Kindle Edition.
"Some Black cops respond by overpolicing African Americans to prove their loyalty to “blue” over “black.”
(p. 20). Kindle Edition.
Book Quotes:
"I’ve been accused of being both a Black anti-cop agitator and an apologist for racist police violence."
(p. 5). Kindle Edition.
"If a Black person does something amazing in a forest and no one talks about it, did it happen?"
(p. 14). Kindle Edition.
"Some Black cops respond by overpolicing African Americans to prove their loyalty to “blue” over “black.”
(p. 20). Kindle Edition.
October 4, 2021
It is such an excellent read; I don't think that is a strong enough phrase to describe this essay. I rarely give anything I read four stars, this essay; I did so without thinking about it. I grew up watching this man destroy his opponents on the court. So in this regard, he has my respect as a sports fan. Yet, I wondered if this NBA legend could write. At first, I figured it was a ghostwriter or something. However, this sentiment seemed to be the general opinion of my friends.
"Who? the basketball player? They said in unison.
"He must have had some help." They said, nodding to themselves as if this was the only way a basketball player could write a book.
"I suppose if he wrote something about basketball ... would be alright, hell, it might even be good." one said.
"Yeah, I'd give it go ... that was the heyday of the game." said another.
I sat smiling as I agreed with them all in so many ways. I first discovered Mr. Abdul-Jabbar's contribution to writing in an article in Time magazine. A delightful piece if I remember correctly, although for the life of me couldn't tell you the article's topic. But, it was good enough for me to explore further. Despite this, I couldn't fathom Mr. Adbul-Jabbar could make a solid contribution to the craft.
My friends sat waiting for me to continue. I began telling them about Mr. Abdul-Jabbar's journey to becoming the legend we know today and how his relationship with his father shaped him as a player, man, and later a writer. Admiration coated our faces as I told the story and my friends listened. As I finished the story, we sat for a moment quietly.
"Man, I never knew any of that." one said, still wearing a smile.
"Yep, why not?" said another with a nod of confirmation to his logic.
I returned home and started penning notes for this review and remembered the poise of Mr. Abdul-Jabbar on the court and during interviews. Then it became clear. I wondered why I so quickly dismissed the possibility of Mr. Abdul-Jabber's ability to bring the same level of excellence to writing as did on the court. After reading this essay a few times, I understand the source of his grace and poise.
As I finished this review, I paused to consider whether my respect for his previous accomplishments fueled my admiration, or is he just that damn good? Honestly, I don't know. But, it doesn't matter; I thoroughly enjoy the works of Mr. Abdul-Jabbar and recommend you read them with no reservations.
"Who? the basketball player? They said in unison.
"He must have had some help." They said, nodding to themselves as if this was the only way a basketball player could write a book.
"I suppose if he wrote something about basketball ... would be alright, hell, it might even be good." one said.
"Yeah, I'd give it go ... that was the heyday of the game." said another.
I sat smiling as I agreed with them all in so many ways. I first discovered Mr. Abdul-Jabbar's contribution to writing in an article in Time magazine. A delightful piece if I remember correctly, although for the life of me couldn't tell you the article's topic. But, it was good enough for me to explore further. Despite this, I couldn't fathom Mr. Adbul-Jabbar could make a solid contribution to the craft.
My friends sat waiting for me to continue. I began telling them about Mr. Abdul-Jabbar's journey to becoming the legend we know today and how his relationship with his father shaped him as a player, man, and later a writer. Admiration coated our faces as I told the story and my friends listened. As I finished the story, we sat for a moment quietly.
"Man, I never knew any of that." one said, still wearing a smile.
"Yep, why not?" said another with a nod of confirmation to his logic.
I returned home and started penning notes for this review and remembered the poise of Mr. Abdul-Jabbar on the court and during interviews. Then it became clear. I wondered why I so quickly dismissed the possibility of Mr. Abdul-Jabber's ability to bring the same level of excellence to writing as did on the court. After reading this essay a few times, I understand the source of his grace and poise.
As I finished this review, I paused to consider whether my respect for his previous accomplishments fueled my admiration, or is he just that damn good? Honestly, I don't know. But, it doesn't matter; I thoroughly enjoy the works of Mr. Abdul-Jabbar and recommend you read them with no reservations.
January 7, 2022
I hadn't read anything by Kareem Abdul-Jabbar before (in fact, I had no idea that he is a rather prolific writer). I really appreciated this very personal and thought-provoking essay - a quick read - about his challenge in reconciling the deep respect he developed for cops as a result of his father's career with the NYPD and his activism for social and racial justice. Highly recommend.
May 18, 2024
“The Thin Blue Line to protect the law-abiding members of society from the lawless has become an extension of the Thick White Line acting as a personal security force for white paranoia.”
January 17, 2022
I am ashamed to say that I only knew Kareem Abdul-Jabbar for his athletic prowess, but I think he may be an even better writer than basketball player.
While I didn't agree with everything he had to say, I agree with the writing he used to say it: He made me think, about my own and society's imperfections. This is why it is important to read...you can be introduced to people with different experiences than your own.
I often think about what it must be like for black police officers, for all officers. Much like the military, they become the 'experiment' for the rest of society. Can they come together for the betterment of us all? It is so much pressure to bear, and yet they do, they must. Unfortunately when some fail, they are all lumped together. Mr. Abdul-Jabbar said: '...we're used to lumping groups together as a monolithic block. Blacks are all this. Whites are all this. Cops are all this. That is inaccurate and, worse, an obstacle to improving our society.' I agree. It is too 'easy' to lump people together. It is lazy. Instead, we must do the hard work of knowing each other.
He speaks of loving sport because of how, as an athlete, you were recognized for your merit, despite what other qualities you may have. I do see the 'appropriateness' of writing this review on MLK Day, who dreamed about noting the 'content of character' in each person, rather than other identifying qualities. Instead, we seem to be going backwards, seeking to identify people by various characteristics, rather than the merit of their character.
I am saddened by the division I see in this country. Saddened knowing that ALL of the students I send into the world will struggle because of it. My hope is that they will do what I try to do...what Mr. Abdul-Jabbar has spent his life doing: READ and WRITE. Consider the experiences of others. Open your hearts and try to KNOW other people without judgement. Through knowing each other, we can perhaps reach understanding.
Mr. Abdul Jabbar wrote of being the youngest in a coalition of famous athletes and figures going to visit Muhammed Ali when he refused to be drafted. They were interviewing him to determine whether to give him their public support. Bill Russell said, "I envy Muhammed Ali....He has something I have never been able to attain and something very few people possess. He has absolute and sincere faith."
We, as a society, seem to have lost our faith...not only our spiritual faith, but our faith in each other. While I can't have a real 'conversation' with Mr. Abdul-Jabbar...reading his words and sensing the convictions behind them have enabled me to have a better understanding of him. I am sure he would be glad.
While I didn't agree with everything he had to say, I agree with the writing he used to say it: He made me think, about my own and society's imperfections. This is why it is important to read...you can be introduced to people with different experiences than your own.
I often think about what it must be like for black police officers, for all officers. Much like the military, they become the 'experiment' for the rest of society. Can they come together for the betterment of us all? It is so much pressure to bear, and yet they do, they must. Unfortunately when some fail, they are all lumped together. Mr. Abdul-Jabbar said: '...we're used to lumping groups together as a monolithic block. Blacks are all this. Whites are all this. Cops are all this. That is inaccurate and, worse, an obstacle to improving our society.' I agree. It is too 'easy' to lump people together. It is lazy. Instead, we must do the hard work of knowing each other.
He speaks of loving sport because of how, as an athlete, you were recognized for your merit, despite what other qualities you may have. I do see the 'appropriateness' of writing this review on MLK Day, who dreamed about noting the 'content of character' in each person, rather than other identifying qualities. Instead, we seem to be going backwards, seeking to identify people by various characteristics, rather than the merit of their character.
I am saddened by the division I see in this country. Saddened knowing that ALL of the students I send into the world will struggle because of it. My hope is that they will do what I try to do...what Mr. Abdul-Jabbar has spent his life doing: READ and WRITE. Consider the experiences of others. Open your hearts and try to KNOW other people without judgement. Through knowing each other, we can perhaps reach understanding.
Mr. Abdul Jabbar wrote of being the youngest in a coalition of famous athletes and figures going to visit Muhammed Ali when he refused to be drafted. They were interviewing him to determine whether to give him their public support. Bill Russell said, "I envy Muhammed Ali....He has something I have never been able to attain and something very few people possess. He has absolute and sincere faith."
We, as a society, seem to have lost our faith...not only our spiritual faith, but our faith in each other. While I can't have a real 'conversation' with Mr. Abdul-Jabbar...reading his words and sensing the convictions behind them have enabled me to have a better understanding of him. I am sure he would be glad.
October 29, 2024
Very personal and thought-provoking read. It goes into some very heavy and violent events and yet the writing feels effortless. It is equally a love letter to Abdul-Jabbar's father; a personal history of the author growing up in New York; a recollection of important historical events spanning from 1960s until present day; a collection of facts and studies about black experience in the US; and an outraged letter to the public. I think this text might be as crucial as Why I'm No Longer Talking to White People About Race.
I really liked that although Black Cop's Kid talks specifically about race and being black, its message and underlying issues feel universal. Here are some of the more universal and less gruesome quotes that I enjoyed:
4.5/5 stars
I really liked that although Black Cop's Kid talks specifically about race and being black, its message and underlying issues feel universal. Here are some of the more universal and less gruesome quotes that I enjoyed:
Punishment for raising your voice is to silence that voice.
My dad didn't like to talk. So I listened to what he did rather that what he said.
..."one bad apple spoils the bunch," because the rotten apple by proximity makes the others rotten. That is the current system. Because when those bad apples do something egregious, the rest of the force feels compelled to defend them. Like a squad of Roman soldiers, they hunker down around each other and surround themselves with raised shields. That makes them just as guilty of the crimes as their fellow officers. That makes them all bad apples.
4.5/5 stars
February 15, 2024
Kareem is so skilled in writing about the line where the issues of being a policeman and the issues of being black come face to face. How can law enforcement live up to its ideals? How can African Americans get justice and feel safe? What needs to be done? Showing a sort of sympathy for all involved the author gives a very thoughtful essay on the subject without screaming in anyone's ear. He offered some solutions and a great deal of understanding for the problem. His policeman father brought respect to that profession which should be emulated. This is an excellent read for anyone who is lagging behind on their Goodreads goal.
July 8, 2024
“The full saying is “one bad apple spoils the bunch,” because the rotten apple by proximity makes the others rotten. That is the current system.”
I’ve obviously knew that Kareem Abdul-Jabbar was an activist and athlete but was not aware of his upbringing prior to playing in the NBA. I thought he did a great job sharing personal anecdotes, referring to articles and statistics, and reflecting on how history continues to repeat itself. A powerful short essay that embodies the never ending need for change 🕊️
I’ve obviously knew that Kareem Abdul-Jabbar was an activist and athlete but was not aware of his upbringing prior to playing in the NBA. I thought he did a great job sharing personal anecdotes, referring to articles and statistics, and reflecting on how history continues to repeat itself. A powerful short essay that embodies the never ending need for change 🕊️
May 28, 2024
I've been wanting to get into essays and memoirs lately, and this was a really good introduction into the genre. Abdul-Jabbar's use of figurative language and narrative are so enticing and made his story extremely heart-felt. I think it's so important to listen to unique perspectives on difficult subjects, and he explained his stances very clearly. Admiration for his father and a hunger for justice seep from the text equally. I'd recommend this essay to anyone looking to read more about the BLM movement or the history of police brutality/racial inequality in America. I'm interested in reading more of his works!
June 12, 2024
An insightful piece on how growing up affects the way you see the world and the injustices that are within. Kareem is quite the activist, even from his youth, quite an admirable quality.
While yes this is an “essay” so to speak it just feels like a conversation, a late night at the dinner table with a guest who you asked, “what shaped you into becoming who you are today?”
While yes this is an “essay” so to speak it just feels like a conversation, a late night at the dinner table with a guest who you asked, “what shaped you into becoming who you are today?”
January 1, 2022
Black Cop’s Kid, An Essay by Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (2021, audiobook essay). A thoughtful look at former NBA superstar Abdul-Jabbar’s father and his influence on the author’s development as an advocate for justice for persons of color.
May 23, 2022
This was short but powerful. This is a must listen.
Read
May 4, 2023I don’t give ratings to nonfiction but this was really great
April 30, 2022
I knew he played for the Lakers but didn’t know he was a coach for over a decade right after withdrawing as a player. I also didn’t know that he wrote a number of non-fiction novels about Black history and couple of memoir. This book is short, honest and thoughtful reflection of Abdul and I geniunely like it.
December 6, 2021
Summary: An essay about racial conflict, the police, and the two worlds that Black police have to confront.
I do not remember ever having read anything by Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. I knew that he was an author and had written a middle-grade series and a mystery series, but I have not previously read those. I picked this up because Alan Jacobs, one of my favorite essayists, recommended it. And because it was available to borrow for kindle and audiobook in the Kindle Unlimited library.
I know broadly who Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is, but I am not a sports fan. I know he was retired. But I had to look him up on Wikipedia to know he is 74 and played in the NBA from 1969 until 1989. I knew he played for the Lakers but didn't know he was a coach for over a decade after retiring as a player. I didn't know he grew up in NYC. I didn't know his father was a cop. I also didn't know that he has a number of non-fiction books primarily on Black history or memoir.
This essay is enough to convince me that I need to read more of his writing. One of the reasons that I think I have not picked his books up previously is that he frequently collaborates in his writing. Most books have coauthors. This essay does not.
The essay is roughly forty pages and 64 minutes in audio. He grapples with the problems of racism within policing and the difficult but important position that Black cops play. The pressure that Black cops have to not push back against racism or corruption in policing and the distrust that Black cops often have from the broader Black community. His relationship with his father was one where his father did not speak a lot. And so he explores that, as well as his attempts to honor his father's memory through his own work for justice and in his writing. This type of long-form, somewhat meandering essay, is a style I really like. If you have a kindle or listen to audiobooks, it is cheap or free and worth reading/listening to.
Black Cop's Kid: An Essay by Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Kindle Edition, Audible.com Audiobook
July 20, 2022
I'm an 80's baby and although I am black, this was eye opening to see such a different lack experience. A lot of the things that Kareem experienced were things that I've read about in books or my dad shared with me from his years of "fighting the power". I've experience my own share of racism, discrimination, fear and self identity crisis' so I'm not shocked per say, but I never had to experience it in the 1950's and 1960's in New York.
This was a great reminder that everyone's experience is completely different. Sometimes when I read essay's or watch movies about race and see what people go through I'm surprised that they don't become bitter, fearful, resentful, or hateful. There is even a point in the book where he is faced with dead due to racism. He was feeling unsafe to even walk down the street and yet he lives now at 75 years as the best version of himself. It's hard to come from situations like these where you are often gaslight or made to believe your situation isn't a "real" issue in the world.
This is powerful read and I don't want to take away from the experience by trying to summarize it because Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is a prolific writer. While reading this I didn't even know he was the same Kareem Abdul-Jabbar that played for the Los Angeles Lakers until he mentioned it in the book. I thought him and the author just had the same name!
Thank you Kareem for sharing your story and I look forward to reading more from him.
This was a great reminder that everyone's experience is completely different. Sometimes when I read essay's or watch movies about race and see what people go through I'm surprised that they don't become bitter, fearful, resentful, or hateful. There is even a point in the book where he is faced with dead due to racism. He was feeling unsafe to even walk down the street and yet he lives now at 75 years as the best version of himself. It's hard to come from situations like these where you are often gaslight or made to believe your situation isn't a "real" issue in the world.
This is powerful read and I don't want to take away from the experience by trying to summarize it because Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is a prolific writer. While reading this I didn't even know he was the same Kareem Abdul-Jabbar that played for the Los Angeles Lakers until he mentioned it in the book. I thought him and the author just had the same name!
Thank you Kareem for sharing your story and I look forward to reading more from him.
May 29, 2022
Slam Dunk
I’ve been a fan of Kareem Abdul-Jabber’s since I was 7 years old. As much I loved him as a ball player, I have loved more as a writer, an activist and a public intellectual. This is a moving, thoughtful, nuanced tribute to his father, to the country he loves enough to critique and to the Black lives cut short or not fully realized, because we keep turning a blind eye to systems that serve very few of us. You’d think he would be tired or discouraged by now, hang up his own and leave us to our fates, but no. Always teacher and a learner, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar shows up for all of us. He keeps trying to find new ways to help us finally learn.
I’ve been a fan of Kareem Abdul-Jabber’s since I was 7 years old. As much I loved him as a ball player, I have loved more as a writer, an activist and a public intellectual. This is a moving, thoughtful, nuanced tribute to his father, to the country he loves enough to critique and to the Black lives cut short or not fully realized, because we keep turning a blind eye to systems that serve very few of us. You’d think he would be tired or discouraged by now, hang up his own and leave us to our fates, but no. Always teacher and a learner, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar shows up for all of us. He keeps trying to find new ways to help us finally learn.
December 24, 2021
Interesting Perspective
While I disagree with some of the politics of this short (I myself am a police abolitionist with little to no faith in the American experiment) I still found Kareem’s perspective interesting. I appreciate how he weaved in the historical backdrop of events while talking about his life and that he was honest about his mixed feelings. I think my biggest criticism is that this book isn’t really for Black people but for white people. Perhaps that was always the intention and I just missed the memo. In that regard, this is something that I would recommend to a white liberal, who believes in the system but is racially naive. This book would do a great job of educating and enlightening a white person. I however, am a Black woman and as a result this read more like a opinionated semi-autobiography rather than something truly interesting or educational. All in all he is a decent writer and has lived a rather fascinating life and I would genuinely like to talk to him and maybe push him a bit farther left on some things.
While I disagree with some of the politics of this short (I myself am a police abolitionist with little to no faith in the American experiment) I still found Kareem’s perspective interesting. I appreciate how he weaved in the historical backdrop of events while talking about his life and that he was honest about his mixed feelings. I think my biggest criticism is that this book isn’t really for Black people but for white people. Perhaps that was always the intention and I just missed the memo. In that regard, this is something that I would recommend to a white liberal, who believes in the system but is racially naive. This book would do a great job of educating and enlightening a white person. I however, am a Black woman and as a result this read more like a opinionated semi-autobiography rather than something truly interesting or educational. All in all he is a decent writer and has lived a rather fascinating life and I would genuinely like to talk to him and maybe push him a bit farther left on some things.
February 2, 2022
Excellent perspective on current and some historical aspects of growing up Black in America, with a dad that is also a policeman.
"On those occasions when we came across a white pedestrian who saw my dad’s uniform and looked a bit startled, I felt an extra surge of pride. He had rattled someone’s preconceived notion about Blacks, and it was thrilling. I didn’t realize at the time that startling whites out of their biases was the entire mission of the Civil Rights Movement and would become the driving force in my own life."
Abdul-Jabbar, Kareem. Black Cop's Kid: An Essay (pp. 8-9). Kindle Edition.
"On those occasions when we came across a white pedestrian who saw my dad’s uniform and looked a bit startled, I felt an extra surge of pride. He had rattled someone’s preconceived notion about Blacks, and it was thrilling. I didn’t realize at the time that startling whites out of their biases was the entire mission of the Civil Rights Movement and would become the driving force in my own life."
Abdul-Jabbar, Kareem. Black Cop's Kid: An Essay (pp. 8-9). Kindle Edition.
December 1, 2021
Trying to become a better human
I'm trying to become a better human. To try to understand more about people of color (I am white). My sister has been doing this far longer perhaps the teacher in her. It is difficult to put myself in their shoes but books like this help push me along. Thank you Kareem for your perspective and for your father and mother who raised a man to see how it should be as well as how it is and to expand on the model.
I'm trying to become a better human. To try to understand more about people of color (I am white). My sister has been doing this far longer perhaps the teacher in her. It is difficult to put myself in their shoes but books like this help push me along. Thank you Kareem for your perspective and for your father and mother who raised a man to see how it should be as well as how it is and to expand on the model.
June 17, 2022
A nuanced look at racism and police. The narrative the world loves to push is that one is either pro- or anti-police. Abdul-Jabbar does an excellent job articulating that one can be both. There's a lot of good done by the police, but there are also a lot of faults that need to be fixed.
December 8, 2021
I was not aware of this second professional life of the great Kareem Abdul Jabbar; also refreshing to see that not all professional sport stars are dumb rich guys.
April 29, 2022
Black Cop's Kid: An Essay by Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is a fantastic read. I recommend that every American over the age of 12 read it at some point, especially white people, Black people, people in law enforcement, educators, judges, journalists, and writers.
His writing is eloquent. (I'm ashamed to admit that I was surprised at this, and I realized that I tend to underestimate the intelligence of athletes sometimes. He also writes mysteries and is an avid reader of them.)
I have always respected Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and this book just increased that. In his essay, he talks about the family that made him who he is today, especially his father -- a New York City police officer. His approach to writing the book is thoughtful, contemplative. He didn't use his words to point a finger at anyone but to point out problems and issues in our society.
For example, he writes, "I didn't realize at the time that startling whites out of their biases was the entire mission of the Civil Rights Movement and would become the driving force in my own life."
"The problem is we’re used to lumping groups together as a monolithic block. Blacks are all this. Whites are all this. Cops are all this. This is inaccurate and, worse, an obstacle to improving our society."
He speaks of the fine line that Black police officers walk and recounts the heinous actions of Ray Wood, a Black undercover cop for the NYPD. "Wood’s assignment was to infiltrate civil rights organizations in order to feed information to the FBI so his job was to 'draw...two men into a felonious federal crime, so that they could be arrested by the FBI and kept away from managing Malcolm X’s door security on February 21, 1965.' On that day, Malcolm X was assassinated....”
He identifies what he thinks is necessary for us to progress beyond the situations we are now in regarding the relationship between the police and the citizens they are sworn to protect. "Those necessary changes require civilian oversight and the continued supervision from all Americans. That support may come in the form of reassigning money in police budgets so uniformed officers can do the jobs they were trained for rather than being assigned specialized jobs for which they have no expertise and are therefore set up to fail. Police departments have to strive to have their racial makeup reflect that of their communities, which has proven to lead to less violent conflict resolutions. Racist police, no matter what their rank, have to be weeded from every department and not allowed to work in law enforcement again anywhere."
Read this essay. You'll be better for it.
His writing is eloquent. (I'm ashamed to admit that I was surprised at this, and I realized that I tend to underestimate the intelligence of athletes sometimes. He also writes mysteries and is an avid reader of them.)
I have always respected Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and this book just increased that. In his essay, he talks about the family that made him who he is today, especially his father -- a New York City police officer. His approach to writing the book is thoughtful, contemplative. He didn't use his words to point a finger at anyone but to point out problems and issues in our society.
For example, he writes, "I didn't realize at the time that startling whites out of their biases was the entire mission of the Civil Rights Movement and would become the driving force in my own life."
"The problem is we’re used to lumping groups together as a monolithic block. Blacks are all this. Whites are all this. Cops are all this. This is inaccurate and, worse, an obstacle to improving our society."
He speaks of the fine line that Black police officers walk and recounts the heinous actions of Ray Wood, a Black undercover cop for the NYPD. "Wood’s assignment was to infiltrate civil rights organizations in order to feed information to the FBI so his job was to 'draw...two men into a felonious federal crime, so that they could be arrested by the FBI and kept away from managing Malcolm X’s door security on February 21, 1965.' On that day, Malcolm X was assassinated....”
He identifies what he thinks is necessary for us to progress beyond the situations we are now in regarding the relationship between the police and the citizens they are sworn to protect. "Those necessary changes require civilian oversight and the continued supervision from all Americans. That support may come in the form of reassigning money in police budgets so uniformed officers can do the jobs they were trained for rather than being assigned specialized jobs for which they have no expertise and are therefore set up to fail. Police departments have to strive to have their racial makeup reflect that of their communities, which has proven to lead to less violent conflict resolutions. Racist police, no matter what their rank, have to be weeded from every department and not allowed to work in law enforcement again anywhere."
Read this essay. You'll be better for it.
April 19, 2022
A MUST Read
A Black Cop's Kid is a moving essay that delves into the most important issue facing this country - the world - at a critical time. Anyone interested in the injustices within and surrounding the criminal justice system will understand what the author is saying. Those who do not understand or see the injustice should read this to find a base to begin from. And to those white conservatives that base their political power on trying to silence the voice of the actual majority should read this essay slowly, following the footnotes to maybe a hint of enlightenment.
I believe this should be read by every police chief, political person, and student living in today's current political, social and economic climate. Only by understanding the history and the present can we, together, change the future.
I have been fascinated by Kareem Abdul via bar since I watched him play at a Bucks game in the early 1970's. Sitting in the stands, I followed his every move on the court. After that game, on the way home, I listened to my parents and grandparents talk about how great he was then. As time passed, he is the only player I remember from that live game. Not only due to his skill on the court; rather for what he did and said off the court. Milwaukee taught me my first lessons in the fight for equality - racial, sexual, and economic. KareemAbdul-Jabar, Ron Adari, two young women from Taiwan that shared a TA office with my mom at UWM, and the Shorts were some of my first teachers, whether directly (the Shorts, the Taiwanese women) or indirectly (Abul-Jabar, Adari). This essay can be that first step for some and a greater leap for the rest of us. Well written, thought provoking.
A Black Cop's Kid is a moving essay that delves into the most important issue facing this country - the world - at a critical time. Anyone interested in the injustices within and surrounding the criminal justice system will understand what the author is saying. Those who do not understand or see the injustice should read this to find a base to begin from. And to those white conservatives that base their political power on trying to silence the voice of the actual majority should read this essay slowly, following the footnotes to maybe a hint of enlightenment.
I believe this should be read by every police chief, political person, and student living in today's current political, social and economic climate. Only by understanding the history and the present can we, together, change the future.
I have been fascinated by Kareem Abdul via bar since I watched him play at a Bucks game in the early 1970's. Sitting in the stands, I followed his every move on the court. After that game, on the way home, I listened to my parents and grandparents talk about how great he was then. As time passed, he is the only player I remember from that live game. Not only due to his skill on the court; rather for what he did and said off the court. Milwaukee taught me my first lessons in the fight for equality - racial, sexual, and economic. KareemAbdul-Jabar, Ron Adari, two young women from Taiwan that shared a TA office with my mom at UWM, and the Shorts were some of my first teachers, whether directly (the Shorts, the Taiwanese women) or indirectly (Abul-Jabar, Adari). This essay can be that first step for some and a greater leap for the rest of us. Well written, thought provoking.
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