4 TRUBUTE TO A TRIBUTE Praises are due to Larry Ukali Johnson-Redd's newest literary accomplishment, Loving Black Women." For as an African woman, I am proud of this brother's ability to give explanations as to what removal of black love has inevitably led to, that being self-hate which in turn creates loathing, rejection and violence towards those most like the self. Mr. Johnson-Redd's book should be a must read for those who ask the question, "Why is there so much violence in the Black community?" Mr. Johnson is a true teacher, and instructor of Black life, Black Love. He answers the questions of the causes of self-destructive violence very well when he states in several of his poems/spoken word selections that there is such a pressing need to reclaim love for each other, to heal, to acknowledge our identity as an African people and for the Black man to pay tribute to the Black woman so that unity of mind, spirit and purpose can be achieved, our very survival depends on this. Mr. Johnson-Redd highlights many positive things in his very flowing, easy to read style, which facilitates the comprehension of several essential concepts. These include the need for the African psyche to become whole, that is to eliminate the fragmentation between the male/female psyches caused by the malevolent influence of White Supremacy. He states that: "this white American racism is the most dangerous force of evil in the world." Yet Mr. Johnson-Redd does not dwell on this premise. Instead, he formulates insights for survival. He yearns for unity within the African Diaspora, and equates love as the foundation for renewing the Black self, family, and nation. His suggestion that there be an 8th and 9th All African People's Congress should be heeded. As an African woman, I can only thank Mr. Johnson-Redd for his respect for and praises to the Black woman. In his expressions of consciousness and gratitude are found hope that we are indeed a people "who can overcome all obstacles.