New Releases by Nick Chiles

The riveting story of the McKissack family—the founders of the leading Black design and construction firm in the United States, from its beginnings in the mid-1800s to its thriving status today—in a moving celebration of resilience and innovation. Captured in his native West Africa and enslaved on American shores by a North Carolina plantation owner, Moses McKissack I began to build his way to emancipation right from the start. Becoming an enslaved craftsman, he picked up the trade his family would become famous for in the earliest years of the 19th century, passing his learnings down to his children and seeing them off to freedom after the Civil War. The family would settle in Tennessee, getting its bearings in the building trades despite rampant discrimination, establishing a foothold that now sees its latest generations working at the absolute peak of its industry. The family’s fingerprints have been left all across the United States, spanning from Reconstruction to contemporary times, through projects like the Morris Memorial Building, Capers C.M.E. Church, John F. Kennedy International Airport, and Philadelphia’s Lincoln Financial Field. Here, Cheryl McKissack Daniel, CEO and president of McKissack & McKissack, reveals the full fascinating story of her family. So much more than an exploration of architectural achievements, The Black Family Who Built America is also a compelling illustration of how history rhymes and reverberates, and a celebration of the human spirit’s ability to overcome adversity and drive change. From Moses’s humble beginnings to Cheryl’s current role as a trailblazer and champion of diversity, the family’s journey underscores the importance of perseverance, innovation, and strategic vision in shaping a legacy that continues to inspire and impact the construction industry.

In this inspiring memoir, undefeated five-time world champion boxer Andre Ward--aka "Son of God"--shares the gripping narrative of his unforgettable career, his rock-solid faith, and why boxing was never the biggest fight of his life. Andre Ward was the undefeated light heavyweight boxing champion of the world when he walked away from the ring and did not look back. Now that he has taken off his gloves for the final time, the Olympic gold medalist is ready to share the heartbreaking and uplifting stories of his formative years and unprecedented boxing career. Motivational, faith-building, and utterly compelling, this memoir offers an inspiring story of overcoming a broken childhood behind-the-scenes drama from Andre's epic championship bouts, complicated relationships with managers and promoters, and shocking decision to retire at the top of his game insight into breaking destructive generational bonds, forgiving those who have hurt us, and moving toward hope a challenge to live out our faith without compromise Rich with colorful characters, fascinating detail, and biblical truths, this is the story of a man known for his integrity outside the ring, his warrior's instinct inside it, and his unrelenting bond with the God who called him to the greatest victory of all.

There is no cavalry coming! We are the iconic leaders we have been waiting for; curators of the change we're seeking to see. America is currently rumbling with a reckoning on race and wonder whether it will finally reconcile its history of systemic oppression of its Black citizens, who have helped build this country. The 2020 murders of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor and Ahmaud Arbery, in the midst of a global pandemic ignited a wave of racial justice protests and activism analogous to how the murder of Emmett Till in August 1954 sparked the Civil Rights Movement 65 years ago. We are facing the fierce urgency of empathy and the overdue dismantling of long-standing barriers that prevent Black people from realizing their full potential in America. Research from the Opportunity Agenda reveals that stories of our lived experiences, more so than data and numbers, is what evokes the empathy that changes hearts and minds that might push us further toward "a more perfect union." I Too Am America: On Loving and Leading Black Men and Boys, written by Shawn Dove and Nick Chiles, delivers timely insights and inspiration that humanizes the stories of Black men and boys, while offering strategic recommendations on how together we can from our current rumblings with a racial reckoning to loving, learning and leading with and on behalf of Black men and boys.

In 2007, at the age of twelve, Perron bought a set of Topps baseball cards featuring several players from the Negro Leagues. He started writing letters to former Negro League players asking for their autographs and a few words about their careers. The players responded with detailed stories about their glory days on the field, and the racism they faced, including run-ins with the KKK. The letters turned into phone calls, and in these conversations many of the players revealed that they had fallen out of touch with their former teammates. Perron and a small group of fellow researchers organized the first annual Negro League Players Reunion in Birmingham, Alabama in 2010. This is the story of his mission to help many players get pension money that they were owed from Major League Baseball-- and to get a Negro League museum opened in Birmingham, stocked with memorabilia. -- adapted from jacket

The performer shares his story in his New York Times– bestselling memoir and sets the record straight—including about his relationship with Whitney Houston. The real Bobby Brown bares his soul— I became famous with New Edition when I was just fourteen. As a solo artist, I released an album that many have noted altered the course of R&B music. I fell in love with the biggest music star on the planet. Our marriage kept more than a few gossip tabloids in business. I am still trying to grapple with the incredible pain of losing my daughter. Early on, I cemented my reputation as "the bad boy of R&B." But now that label feels too one-dimensional. I feel like I owe it to myself and the ones I love, and will always love, to be honest. In this raw and at times heartbreaking account, Bobby Brown tells the truth of his life. Every Little Step is the story of a kid growing up in the projects of Boston, always on the move and always looking for an audience. Brown reveals what really happened when he left New Edition to launch his solo career and shares tales of his relationships with some of the most prominent pop divas in the world, including intimate moments in his marriage to Whitney Houston that describe the purity of their love and the devastation he felt as it crumbled over drug abuse, infidelities, and the negative influence of outsiders. Most poignantly, he finally speaks about losing his beloved daughter, Bobbi Kristina, and the terrible aftermath of her death. Through it all, Brown shows himself to be a family man, devoted to his children and his wife; a man who cared for both of his parents right up until their deaths; and a man who can admit where he faltered, but had the strength to stand up again.

An essential guide for Black Americans to understanding the criminal justice system, and why it continues to see Black men as targets and as dollar signs. Justice While Black is a must-read for every young Black male in America—and for everyone else who cares about their survival and well-being. The book provides practical, straightforward advice on how to deal with specific legal situations: the threat of arrest, being arrested, being in custody, preparing for and undergoing a trial, and navigating the appeals and parole process. The primary goal of this book is to become a primer for African Americans on how to avoid becoming ensnared in the criminal justice system. While the precarious safety of Black males has received renewed interest in the past year because of the deaths of young men like Daunte Wright and Ryan LeRoux, the fact is that this group has always been under threat from the armed guardians of the White social order. The tactics have been modernized, but the impact is still devastating—we are witnessing an epic criminalization of the African-American community at levels never before seen since the end of slavery.

In Fatherhood, beloved NBA player, poet, children’s advocate, and devoted dad Etan Thomas speaks from his heart on what matters most in his life: being there for his children. As a leading participant in President Obama’s Fatherhood Initiative, Etan has reached out to young men (often young fathers) in the juvenile detention system and in local communities. He knows firsthand the difference having a father in your life every day can make. Now he brings together a chorus of voices to weigh in on the importance of being a father in our nation today and to share what they’ve learned from being a father, having a father, or in some cases not having a father around. With Original Essays and Poems from Taye Diggs • Kareem Abdul-Jabbar • Malcolm-Jamal Warner • Ice Cube • Howard Dean • Tony Hawk • Isaiah Washington • Yao Ming • Al Sharpton • John King • Lamman Rucker • Derek Fisher • Kevin Durant • Russ Parr • Michael Moore • Chuck D • Malcolm Shabazz • Talem Acey • Will Downing • Chris Paul • Allan Houston • Talib Kweli • Black Ice • Cornel West • Elijah Cummings • Mumia Abu-Jamal • Grant Hill • Coach John Thompson • Roland Martin • Joakim Noah • Arn Tellum • Damian Marley • Abiodune Oyewole • Styles P • Baron Davis • David Aldridge • Stuart Scott • Dave Zirin • Kevin Powell • John Carlos • Derrick Coleman • J. Ivy • Joe Johnson • Al Horford • Pastor John Jenkins • Julian Thomas • Ed Gordon Jr. • Tito Puente Jr. • Billy Hunter • 13 of Nazareth • Messiah Ramkissoon Through these inspiring personal experiences, Etan and the men he’s gathered together hope to share the message that by standing up and taking an active role as fathers, men not only find their own lives more joyful and fulfilling—they pass on to the next generation an unshakable legacy of love, wisdom, responsibility, and strength.

From the author of The Sistahs' Rules and her husband comes a Men Are from Mars, Women Are from Venus for African Americans.Denene Millner's sassy, shrewd reaction to The Rules became a bestseller. The Sistahs' Rules spent six months on the BlackBoard list. Then, proving the value of her own advice about dating and mating, Denene married Brother Mr. Right, Nick Chiles. Once she'd laid claim to his heart, she took a really long look at his head to find out what his words and actions really meant. Together they decided to go boldly where few couples dare: inside the minds of a sistah and a brotha to reveal the real deal on what Black men think of commitment, monogamy, and other mysteries--and what sistahs know about staying true to themselves. What Brothers Think, What Sistahs Know is the first book for African Americans that decodes the inscrutable ways of the opposite sex. In this funny, honest, provocative book, Millner and Chiles step across the great divide to create--once and for all--real understanding between sistahs and brothers. They give the real deal on: * The perfect date * Why brothers think all sistahs are angry * Why so many men could run down Michael Johnson in an effort to escape commitment * Whether it's fair for sistahs to scream when brothers chase white girls * Why good sex matters What Brothers Think, What Sistahs Know covers everything from first dates to lasting commitments, from myths and misunderstandings between brothas and sistahs to the kind of communication that fosters love and respect. It reveals, for the very first time, the motivations and fears coursing through that warm-blooded animal on the other side of the bed.

First, In What Brothers Think, What Sistahs Know, the bold and beautiful Denene Milner and Nick Chiles gave the real deal of love and relationships. It was hailed as the African American Men Are from Mars, Women Are from Venus. Then, in What Brothers Think, What Sistahs Know About Sex, the savvy supercouple told African American daters and maters how to get it on and heat it up in the bedroom -- or wherever else couple may find themselves. Now Nick and Denene have set their sites on three of the hottest topics facing couples today. Money. Can he deal when she makes more? Power. He's at the office 24/7. Where does she get her face-time? Respect. How much of their dirty laundry should both he and she air to their friends? In their inimitable he-said/she-said format and hip approach, Denene and Nick reveal the real deal on what black men and women think about financial issues, power struggles, and the importance of respect. They delve into everything , from whose career is more important to who should punish the kids to who should pay for dinner. Enlivened by their trademark humor and sassy and bold approach, the message in Money, Power, Respect is crystal clear: While money issues may lead to power struggles, this doesn't have to lead to lack of Respect. In this perspective and insightful guide, Nick and Denene show couples how engaging in fierce, sincere communication will have both partners wearing the pants in the family.

Working hard to support her kids - and keep them out of trouble - single mother Zaria Chance doesn't need a man to tell her what's best for them. Especially one who enters her world like a bull in a china shop. But there's something about Kenneth Roman. The mutal attraction is undeniable, making them both rethink their aversion to marriage...that is until Kenneth gets himself caught in a colossal lie - one that could destroy their exciting, newfound love. A husband-wife team who blend two distinctive voices into a seamless, satisfying whole' - Kirkus'

Former neighbors Aaron and Nina, best friends since childhood in spite of their feuding families, share a history of broken hearts and fear that they will risk their friendship if they become lovers.

A novel written in alternating viewpoints follows modern couple Randy Murphy and Mikki Chance-Murphy as their marriage is tested when Randy is temporarily relocated to Paris and Mikki finds herself attracted to Randy's best friend.