The Very Best of Quit Playin' Author: Vincent L. Hall Collaborated and inspired by Dallas County Commissioner John Wiley Price Reviewed by: Cheryl Smith December 6, 2006 Vincent Hall is the type of man you want to have as a friend. Sure he's nice and con-genial, which might make you mistakenly underestimate his true worth and capabilities. While he may not make threats or strike fear in your heart at first glance, believe me when I tell you he's just not the type of guy you want to have on the opposite side during a battle. In addition to being a warrior, Vincent is a very spiritual person who believes in a theology of liberation. He has no tolerance for those who use their position for only the betterment of themselves, much to the demise and suffering of others. The brother is definitely on top of the issues and he is fearless. When I first broach-ed Vincent about sharing his thoughts with the Dallas Weekly readers, I was so excited that he accepted the opportunity to let others glean his insight and intellect. I was looking for someone who would take no prisoners and who would also be able to analyze an issue and break things down to the least common de-nominator to insure that the Dallas Weekly readers were privy to an informed perspective. The person I was looking for had to be someone who was not looking for personal gain or favor, nor could that person buckle under the slightest display of criticism or anger. In fact, I was taken back to the time of the Blaxploitation movies and went to Vincent with the question: "Are you man enough, big and bad enough?" Years later, this award-winning columnist continues to pro-vide thought-provoking commentary on local, national and international issues. I've found his columns to be hard-hitting, informative, and oftentimes humorous and then sometimes just downright scathing -going for the jugular-calling a spade a spade. But guess what? These are the times that call for tough conversations, tough love, and tough results. And you get it all with Vincent. Interestingly Vincent realizes the significance of his role, as a columnist for one of the largest and most respected African American newspapers in the country. Morally, he has an obligation to travel in the path of such greats as Frederick Douglass, Ida B. Wells Barnett, George Curry and Julianne Malveaux. To do otherwise would be a waste of not only ink and paper, but also time and space. Talking about a real insult to our ancestors? The Griots of yesteryear, who were counted on to share information and spread the truth, would be highly and rightfully offended. Talk about unmitigated gall-to have a plat-form and not use it to better conditions on earth. Not only would such behavior be inexcusable, the punishment should be swift and harsh. Fortunately for the dynamic Mr. Vincent Hall, who some liken to a Baptist preacher, he understands the value he brings to any discussion. More importantly, he realizes, like the honorable Malcolm X, that the issues facing our people and our communities are bigger than any one individual. Vincent knows that a lot is going unsaid and people are suffering tremendously. He is aware of the societal ills that are wreaking havoc in our lives, thus realizing that we have no recourse but to Quit Playin! Read the book, share the messages, use the columns to begin the dialogue on issues. The beauty of "The Best of Quit Playin" is that if you missed an issue of the Dallas Weekly, you have an opportunity to get an even larger dose of wisdom. If you have a book you would like reviewed, contact Cheryl at csmith@dallasweekly.com Copyright © 1990-2006 Cheryl Smith Online. All Rights Reserved. Site Design by Natalie Carpenter