Saving Our Sons

After two decades, critically acclaimed author, creative writing coach, literary consultant, and co-founder of The Hurston/Wright Foundation Marita Golden revisits her seminal work, Saving Our Sons. In it, Golden was the first Black writer to address the horrifying phenomenon of police brutality wrought upon young Black men. This intimate account of a mother’s efforts to save her son, which includes conversations with psychologists, writers, and young Black males themselves, remains a timely read.

Raising Black Teen Boys in Turbulent Times 

"It is always heartening to see women step up to the writer's table. When the results are as adroit and affecting as Marita Golden's work, it is more than satisfying; it is a cause for celebration."—Toni Morrison, Nobel Laureate

Two decades ago, Marita was the first Black writer to address the horrifying statistic that haunts all Black mothers: the leading cause of death among Black males under twenty-one is homicide. Today, police brutality rages on as millions call for the reformation of our broken law enforcement in the wake of the traumatic murders of Black teen boys like Trayvon Martin, Michael Brown and Daunte Wright. 

Read an intimate account of a mother’s efforts to save her son. Writing her son’s story against the backdrop of a society plagued by systemic racism, economic inequality, and mass incarceration, Golden offers a form of witness and testimony in a time of crisis for Black Americans. 

Learn how to grapple with the realities of Black America. Join Golden as she confronts the root causes of violence inflicted upon Black teen boys and reassesses the legacy of her own generation's struggle for civil rights. Explore Black boys’ difficult road to adulthood in the U.S. and learn why single Black mothers are often wrongly blamed for their sons’ actions.

Gain invaluable advice and knowledge from trustworthy sources. In Saving Our Sons, Golden documents her conversations with psychologists, writers, and young Black males themselves.

This book is designed to help you: 

• Discuss and unpack generational trauma with loved ones
• Gain deeper insight into the injustices Black children face in the U.S.
• Recognize the importance of community for the success of Black teen boys 

If you liked Decoding Boys, Mother & Son: Our Back & Forth Journal, The Boy Crisis or Boy Mom, you’ll love Saving Our Sons.