Actor-comedian Bill Cosby and psychiatrist Alvin F. Poussaint present advice for African-Americans, particularly men, for taking control of one's life and not being a victim, covering parenting, community, the media, physical and mental health, violence, and poverty.

Includes bibliographical references, filmography, and index.

Introduction -- What's going on with black men? -- Build on our legacy -- Acknowledge the problem -- Face the facts -- Keep your cool, but not too cool -- Turn off the heat -- Get smart about sex -- Tone down the culture -- Walk back in -- Sisters, hang in there -- Strive to succeed -- Give fatherhood a second chance -- Role models, please apply -- Don't count out the ex-offenders -- Claim your children -- It takes a community -- Go tell pharaoh -- Break the shackles -- Think freedom -- Remember the triumphs -- Reject victimhood -- Define the village and defend it -- Walk the walk -- Help carry the cross -- Replace victimhood with neighborhood -- Speak up, speak out -- Talk to the police -- Take back the community -- Make a difference -- Stand on their shoulders -- We all start out as children -- It all starts with choice -- Some good ways to say welcome to the world -- Let's not forget the mother -- Good ideas on making the baby feel at home -- Key concepts in bringing up baby -- Several good reasons to spare the rod -- Some scars never heal -- When domestic violence gets out of hand -- Raising victorious children -- Some good ways to discipline children -- Getting the community involved -- Ways to build strong bodies and minds -- Thoughts on raising black children in the United states -- Understanding children in transition -- Some ideas on protecting your teens -- Raising victors -- Teach your children well -- Pass it on -- Inspire the children -- Save our schools -- Take advantage of every opportunity -- Turn off the TV -- Love those little ones -- You've got to believe! -- Keep those kids in school -- Keep those kids out of prison -

- Keep the faith -- Get the kids a pro when needed -- Find helpful adult allies -- Protect your child -- Reinforce standard English -- Back off the rap -- Respect our elders -- Talk to your students -- Don't overlook your community college.The media you deserve -- Watch with your children -- Keep the TVs out of the bedrooms -- Don't let the kids watch too much of anything -- Use the media to educate -- Don't forget TV's limits -- Keep the kids engaged -- Cool the violence -- Accept the responsibility -- Walk away -- Don't fall for the stereotype -- Respect yourselves -- Don't imitate the slave masters -- Chill the sex -- Protect your young ones -- Watch your health -- Warn your kids -- Shield your kids -- Trust, but verify -- Healthy hearts and minds -- Think holistically -- Don't be passive about your health -- Overcome the past -- Protect our children -- Seize the day -- Teach your children well -- Slow down on the fast food -- Work together -- Eat together as a family -- Watch everyone's weight -- Pass on the salt -- Keep a lookout for diabetes -- Remember Mr. tooth decay -- Control your cancer risks -- Speak out about HIV/AIDS -- Respect your lungs -- Respect your mind -- Lose the guns and the rage -- Face up to mental health issues -- Encourage culturally competent care -- The high price of violence -- Change the things you can -- Avoid easy answers -- Face the facts head-on -- Get the guns out of your life -- Stop the cycle of violence -- Support the survivors -- Don't abandon the drug user -- Love the child lest he seek love in the streets -- Respect your children from the beginning -- Remember our imprisoned -- Fight back in the community ...