From an aspiring young African American businessman and author comes a refreshing overview of career paths, options, and issues relevant to all African Americans entering the job market or seeking to expand their careers. Mr. Charles Schooler strives nobly to inform, uplift and to inspire readers with his practical analysis of life issues and approaches to upward mobility, "More Than Entertainers: An Inspirational Black Career Guide". Through his inspirational writing, Mr. Schooler covers topics like Education, the Military, and Family while striving to tackle the larger social issues of joblessness, racial discrimination and poverty.

Charles Schooler deconstructs some of the patterns of systemic exploitation and exclusivity that contribute to a lack of high-paying professional opportunities for African Americans. He courageously confronts the rude awakening some recent graduates face in pursuit of the American dream. Mr. Schooler offers a familiar perspective on the labor market for African Americans, yet encourages us step by step to continue striving to achieve our goals, while also forging higher standards of pay and increased opportunities for all. In short, he proposes that our collective acceptance of low-paying positions and simultaneous embrace of entertainment as the only path to high-wage success, are complementary elements that contribute to self-destructive patterns in our communities. Humorously, he cites specific examples of key issues and even uses Rap lyrics to illustrate his argument.

Charles Schooler grounds his analysis in both historical and sociological viewpoints, but also draws from popular opinion and practical situations to recommend solutions. The book is easy to follow, solution-driven rather than problem-driven, and cathartic - healing or therapeutic. For those of us in the struggle, "More Than Entertainers" is a passionate but humorous book that emphasizes the essential role Education plays in equipping us to resolve our personal, professional and communal problems.

Mr. Schooler concludes "More Than Entertainers" with an A – Z career overview through autobiographical snapshots of African American professionals, including an: Architect, Dentist, Fitness Specialists, Meteorologist, Insurance and Health Management professionals, as well as a Minister, Teacher, and Freelance Writer. These successful men and women personally share their career paths, personal philosophies, decisions and existing opportunities for you to also attain success in those professions. The steps to a successful career are explained through their own exemplary professional profiles. Their comments were in response to questions, focused into following general areas:

1. Background info – where they're from and how they got into their current positions.
2. Why and how did you choose this career?
3. Advice for those who would like to enter this field.
4. General words of inspiration.
5. What do they do? – Insightful descriptions of the roles their professions play in the scheme of things.
6. Educational Requirements – what's required to launch a career in a given profession.
7. Typical work conditions.
8. Who will hire you?
9. Entrepreneurial Edge – options for starting your own business once established in your chosen profession.
10. Earning capacity – based on Bureau of Labor Statistics from 2002, the lowest and highest paid professionals.
11. Skills to Succeed – the personal and professional necessities for success in that profession.
12. For more information - Take Action! – he provides contact information for getting started on your own parallel career path.

Many of the books published by young African American scholars and professionals lack sophistication in their editing, layout, paper quality, and professional language. Also common to many of our young authors, is the heartfelt desire to support, encourage and advise other African Americans to achieve their goals. Mr. Charles Schooler's book is exceptional but not in those regards. However, his effort stands apart in that ratifies popular beliefs and assumptions while using popular trends to captivate his audience.

Successfully, Mr. Charles Schooler provides a practical as well as inspirational book that should be useful to any African American seeking a high-paying position. He recommends that we must envision other paths and remain as role models for inner city youth. Only by seizing the day can we change our fate and the fate of our communities. Mr. Charles Schooler is seizing the day and showing us how to as well in, "More Than Entertainers: An Inspirational Black Career Guide".

“More Than Entertainers: An Inspirational Black Career Guide”
Author: Charles B. Schooler
Zenith Publishing 2005
ISBN: 0-9764428-0-9