A poignant, engaging story of Black identity development, survival, resilience, open-heartedness and post-traumatic growth. Reading Black Again challenged me to reflect on my own cultural conditioning, privilege, and power, deepening my understanding of trauma, racism, assimilation.

Black Again provides comfort, clarity, and confidence to Black souls seeking to process, expand, and reclaim the authenticity and depth of their Black identity. Dr. Summers’ words read with intentionality and compassion, but also with blunt honesty concerning the harm racist systems force onto Black lives. With one part memoir, one part clinical case study, and another part sociological critique, Black Again meets all readers where they are–whether Black or of another racial identity–and says, “Healthy Black identities are critical to the mental health of individuals and society at large.”

While the field of racial identity development has been studied for decades by social scientists, identity development for Black Americans holds unique challenges due to the historical and present racist realities we have endured. Occasionally, Black American celebrities such as Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Will Smith, and Viola Davis will share details of their journey concerning their Black identity; but less often do readers get to hear from a Black voice who is also a scholar and a mental health professional.

The authority Dr. Summers holds, along with her blunt honesty, gives readers space to extend grace to themselves as they deepen their understanding of racial identity development through real-life anecdotes. With each chapter the reader is able to gain confidence for themselves by saying, "If someone at this level still experiences these pains and challenges, then I can also accept and embrace mine."

For me, a Black who is also a scholar and mental health professional, I recognize the lessons in Black Again through the testimonies of family, friends, clients, and myself. Reading Dr. Summers’ work encourages me to keep exploring and challenging the boundaries of my own Black identity, as well as that of my clients and students.

Additionally, this book is not only for Black readers. Black Again also serves as an educational tool for practitioners in helping professions, teachers, and anyone seeking to better grasp the inner-workings of Black identity personally and professionally. Non-Black readers are provided with multiple scenarios, ruminations, and professional hurdles showing how an under-developed racial identity hinders the individual, while a more authentic and actualized racial identity empowers.

Whether reading Black Again for personal pleasure, or as a teaching tool, readers will walk away with heightened confidence and understanding concerning the personal details and power of Black identity development. Furthermore, Black readers will get to see themselves through the lived-experiences of Dr. Summers, and get to feel encouraged by her hard-earned triumphs and bold voice. This is an excellent book to keep in your library, re-read, share, and even assign as a text for a class or a group counseling series. I hope everyone reads this book and walks away with the same feeling of support, recognition, and confidence as I did.

I just completed a roller coaster ride told in superb written fashion. Just wow! No amount of mental preparation equipped me for the ride I just took while reading Black Again. LaTonya uses these pages to describe the often forgotten and misunderstood complexities of adverse childhood experiences and the intersection of trauma and Black identity. I noticed myself relating to and nodding in affirmation as she shared painful childhood stories and how these experiences have shaped her relationships with her family, her community, and her colleagues. Black Again lead me through the uncomfortable but necessary sharp turns, steep drops, and heart palpitations by adding in the layer racial identity. As a White woman, Black Again quickly reminded me that there are many social and environmental layers and complexities that shape how we navigate through complex systems. Trauma is not experienced the same across groups, within communities or in the workplace. This book is a must read for anyone developing or who are already implementing Diversity, Equity & Inclusion or implicit bias efforts in the workplace. Thank you for taking me on this very important journey.

In “Black Again: Losing and Reclaiming My Racial Identity”, Summers closely examines her subconscious desire to align herself with being white and all of its perceived advantages. This is due in part to the seemingly constant chaos and trauma that she has experienced at the hands of the people who look like her and her family; namely, Black people.

This memoir chronicles her life as a young child from four years of age who – in the absence of a consistent parental blueprint – does everything that she can to survive. The book begins with Summers describing a gut-wrenching experience as a pre-school age child that snatches the breath out of the reader’s body. Throughout her formative years, she has juggled everything from intermittent instances of being raised by a “revolving door” of family members (her paternal grandmother, her biological mother or an aunt and her husband) to surviving the trauma of sexual and physical abuse to growing up in the foster care system.

Summers effectively builds a connection with the reader. As she recounts life events from a young age, the reader experiences them with her. Not just the traumatic events. The reader can also grasp Summers’ ability at a young age to suppress her feelings and her voice so as to “not rock the boat”. She expresses her misplaced sense of responsibility to not upset anyone or not do anything that she thinks would “rock the boat”, leading to the addition of more chaos in her life.

Despite the adversity of Summers’ childhood personal/home life, her intelligence and desire to learn are part of what becomes her saving grace. As a bright and academically gifted child, she excelled at school. Throughout her life, her scholastic fortitude opened many doors – leading to a plethora of opportunities that she took advantage of, taking the reins of her life and making every effort to create a better life for herself and her family.

Each of us represents the sum total of all of our life experiences – the good, the bad and everything in-between. Summers masterfully weaves an intricate tapestry of her story from youth into adulthood; one that is not relegated to a mere recounting of the chronology of her life. Rather, it is one in which she shares the good, the bad and everything in-between; and, by taking us readers along with her as she does the hard, yet necessary work – the deep-dive analysis of her life experiences – she gives the rest of us permission to do the same.

The author takes us on a journey that is not only one of self-reflection, but one of self-liberation. Summers is the Ivory Tower princess that she’s been waiting for.

From the first few pages of Black Again, Dr. Summers' truth and vulnerability drew me in, The courage to heal through rediscovery, reflection, and reconstruction is a difficult process in and of itself. It is anentirely different matter altogether when that process is shared with the world. By sharing her truth, Dr. Summers is giving us all permission to do the same.

When starting this book I was not sure what to expect. From the first chapter until the last I became engrossed in absorbing more of this story to understand how the author found themselves and the journey they traveled. This book describes internalized racism as it starts from a childs view and blossom into womanhood. It looks at southern origins of segregation not just from race but also poverty. It allows a person of color to understand the logic of this personal journey of finding self through all the mix messages of being told self was not good enough. As a counselor I could never understand internalized racism but this book clears up so much for me and can ultimatley assist me with clients who may have traveled a similar path. I would recommend this book to all my collegues as it gives major insight and understanding.

I could not put this book down once I began reading Dr. Summers's journey! I was in tears understanding that you had so much trauma almost right out of the gate! I'm so glad you decided to share your story because to look at you, all put together and sophisticated, no one could ever imagine how you made it through. Your raw honesty and transparency about your journey and the sharing of all of the environments that you had to "navigate" to land where you stand today at this point in time is simply NOTHING BUT GOD! To Him, we give Him all glory for keeping your coherence to bring this amazing journey to the world! Thank you for sharing how you realized who you really are as a black woman and your value, will help many women who have struggled with these same issues but did not know how to overcome them.

Black Again by Dr. Laytona Summers is a beautifully written memoir which will inspire any of its readers to (Sankofa) " go back and get it" what was left behind. The book tells a compelling story of her willingness to heal from the past as she grows in grace and redemption. A must read for Black women and girls everywhere!

Dr. Lindoria C. Storey

Title: A Journey of Self-Discovery: “Black Again”

“Black Again” is an intimate and thought-provoking memoir meant for readers at all stages of racial identity development. LaTonya Summers takes readers on a deeply personal odyssey of self-discovery, challenging societal expectations and embracing one’s true identity. In this poignant narrative, the author shares her powerful journey of relinquishing the elusive dream of the white picket fence, and instead waging a war against her own biases so that she can come to a place of acceptance, pride, and love for her Blackness.

This memoir captivates from the beginning, as the author shares her complicated childhood trauma and examines how those experiences coupled with societal biases led her to mistakenly believe that her path out of the tumultuous darkness was Whiteness. American society sends the disingenuous message to people of color; dress like us, talk like us, be like us and you’ll be treated like us. That lie strips so many people of color of their own pride and cultural identity and leaves them unmoored without any of the respect or safety it promised. When the author begins to dismantle these expectations, and instead embraces her Blackness, the memoir truly shines. LaTonya provides an honest and vulnerable guide for anyone struggling with their self-identity, where they fit in the world, and how to be unapologetically Black and proud.

What sets “Black Again” apart is the author’s skillful storytelling and her ability to navigate complex emotions with grace. Her journey is not linear or necessarily complete, and the reader is along for every step. The story is portrayed with a rawness that is both compelling and relatable for anyone struggling with their own identity development. The memoir provides a platform for important conversations about the intersectionality of identity, religion, politics, and family, offering valuable insights into the experiences of one woman’s struggle with racial identity in a society that seeks to homogenize it.

“Black Again,” is a memoir that will resonate with readers on multiple levels. It is a tale of self-discovery and growth, and a commentary on societal expectations, internalized racism, and an exploration of how complicated racial identity can be for black people in America. The author’s unwavering courage in confronting her own truth is a reminder to us all that authenticity is a journey worth embarking on, no matter how challenging the path may be.

LaTonya Summers takes the reader on an emotional journey that challenges one to reflect on their own understanding of identity and the impact of societal expectations. Her memoir serves as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the power of self-discovery. A must-read for anyone interested in the intersection of race, identity, and personal growth.

Dr. Summers’ unapologetic candor is riveting. As a Black woman also reared in a racially polarized environment, Black Again caused me to take trips down memory lane with copious moments of self-reflection. I admittedly felt guilty that my decades of leadership had not led me to the realization so soberly crafted in the salient words of this work….until now. Dr. Summer’s’ journey was familiarly thought-provoking as she admonished assimilation at the price of genuinely embracing the value of self. Perhaps the statement in Black Again that resonated with me the most was, “— the act of acquiring things that are not my own and hiding myself to keep them — is not honesty. I thought of integrity in terms of not intentionally lying, not stealing, and not talking about others behind their back — stuff like that — but I came to learn that for me dishonesty was also rooted in people-pleasing, perfectionism, and passivity.” An indelible perspective for sure. The boldness with which Dr. Summers eventually stepped into her truth was both admirable and liberating.

Dr. LaTonya Summers' book, 'Black Again,' is a captivating exploration of the challenges surrounding racial identity and the profound evolution of race-based healing. Through her narrative, Dr. Summers skillfully unravels the intricate threads of her own journey, underscoring the significant impact that images and words can wield in shaping a young person's self-perception. Despite the painful experiences detailed within the book, Dr. Summers emerges as a symbol of resilience and strength. Her story serves as a powerful testament.

"Black Again" by LATONYA SUMMERS is a powerful book that traces the author's journey from attempting to fit into predominantly white spaces to embracing her Black identity. It explores themes of race, gender, and self-acceptance. The narrative is a captivating blend of personal anecdotes and academic insights. LATONYA SUMMERS' vulnerability and strength shine throughout, making it an inspirational read. I highly recommend this thought-provoking and transformative book.

I enjoyed learning more about the author through reading this memoir. Those struggling with living in this world and in their own skin will benefit from this reading.

In "Black Again", Summers eloquently, intentionally, and powerfully addresses what it's like to be a Black woman navigating a White world. This memoir offers a fresh perspective to issues of racial identity and intersectionality and delves deep into the complexities and nuances of what it means to maneuver through the intersection of race, gender, and personal identity. This memoir is not just compelling, it is also intimate, and takes readers on an emotional journey with transparency, vulnerability and authenticity. Summers lays her journey of personal discovery bare, and does not shy away from uncomfortable truths. She fearlessly addresses, the pain, hardships, racism, and prejudice that she has experienced throughout her life and discusses the influence of these experiences and how they relate to her understanding of her own racial identity. Further, "Black Again" does not simply recount personal experiences, it also grapples with broader societal issues related to race, racism, and racial identity. Through the synthesis of pertinent literature in this field, Summers expertly connects her narrative to the cultural narratives of Black people within the United States and helps to educate readers on topics related to microaggressions, systemic oppression, and gendered racism. In conclusion, "Black Again" is a powerful personal account however, i saw myself in this work as well. Bravo! 5 STARS.

Within the book, Dr. Latonya Summers takes readers on a journey of personal discovery. The strength of this memoir is it's ability to address pain She discusses how early childhood experiences can set the stage for our understanding of ourself and the world around us and explores the mental and physical gynami

A must read for White people who want to educate themselves further on racial issues and White privilege. Also a must read for Black people and POC if you’d love a book you might relate to, understand etc.

I felt like I learnt so much throughout this book, as well as an understanding as to how some Black people may feel with Internalised Racism.

Overall, the book was excellent. The transparency with stories help to continually set the stage of the 'why" the author was on a journey in her identify development. In so many ways, her stories will help people to heal that struggle with their identify, but also personal trauma, communication skills, and family challenges.

I have found a few edits for correction if still needed. On page 123, the word bough should be the word bought Also, on page 125, a phrase of words that references Covid should be past tense rather than present tense. These are the only edits.

Again, the book is a great read and will be impactful to educate and encourage many!

Wow! “Black Again” is a powerful, thought-provoking, and emotionally resonant memoir that delves into the complexities of racial identity development and quest for self-love and acceptance.

From the very beginning, the memoir captivates with its raw honesty and vulnerability. LaTonya invites us into her world, sharing intimate moments from her childhood and adolescent years, marked by the pervasive influence of societal stereotypes and racial prejudices. Her storytelling is evocative, painting a vivid picture of the complexities of being Black in a world where racial identity is often shaped by external perceptions.

As she navigates her journey to become Black Again, she gradually realizes the importance of self-love and acceptance. Her journey to self-discovery is beautifully captured through her moments of self-doubt, growing self-awareness, and triumphs. I found myself resonating with her experiences and rooting for her every step of the way.

LaTonya Summers, in the candid and compelling “Black Again,” uses her voice in a way that will influence all of her readers. As Dr. Summers leads the reader through her own racial identity development, she brings to the light the dangers and damage of assimilation. Her story, coupled with her scholarly knowledge, is an incredibly valuable addition to the discourse around race. To read this book was, for me, to find both reflections of my own experience and deepen my understanding of the burdens of racism.

What an amazing book about perseverance, survival, overcoming, turning pain into purposes and success! Dr. Summers put everything out there for her readers to see and experience with her, as she shared her journey of going from a life of trauma to one of triumph through a trauma lens. The book is an easy and engaging read that inspires the reader to understand how trauma can shape the trajectory of one’s life path.. But also lets the reader know they don’t have to stay on that road.. They can take a detour into healing with the help of a counselor, their faith, building healthy and supportive social networks, and believing in themselves. This book is a must read.for everyone! Thank you, Dr. Summers for writing it and helping others through your story! Dr. LBJ