What do you think?
Rate this book
Black on Black: On Our Resilience and Brilliance in America
A piercing collection of essays on racial tension in America and the ongoing fight for visibility, change, and lasting hope
“There are stories that must be told.”
Acclaimed novelist and scholar Daniel Black has spent a career writing into the unspoken, fleshing out, through storytelling, pain that can’t be described.
Now, in his debut essay collection, Black gives voice to the experiences of those who often find themselves on the margins. Tackling topics ranging from police brutality to the AIDS crisis to the role of HBCUs to queer representation in the black church, Black on Black celebrates the resilience, fortitude, and survival of black people in a land where their body is always on display.
As Daniel Black reminds us, while hope may be slow in coming, it always arrives, and when it does, it delivers beyond the imagination. Propulsive, intimate, and achingly relevant, Black on Black is cultural criticism at its openhearted best.
“There are stories that must be told.”
Acclaimed novelist and scholar Daniel Black has spent a career writing into the unspoken, fleshing out, through storytelling, pain that can’t be described.
Now, in his debut essay collection, Black gives voice to the experiences of those who often find themselves on the margins. Tackling topics ranging from police brutality to the AIDS crisis to the role of HBCUs to queer representation in the black church, Black on Black celebrates the resilience, fortitude, and survival of black people in a land where their body is always on display.
As Daniel Black reminds us, while hope may be slow in coming, it always arrives, and when it does, it delivers beyond the imagination. Propulsive, intimate, and achingly relevant, Black on Black is cultural criticism at its openhearted best.
256 pages, Hardcover
First published January 31, 2023
About the author
Daniel Black
11 books925 followersDaniel Black is a native of Kansas City, Kansas, yet spent the majority of his childhood years in Blackwell, Arkansas. He is an associate professor at his alma mater, Clark Atlanta University, where he now aims to provide an example to young Americans of the importance of self-knowledge and communal commitment. He is the author of "They Tell Me of a Home" and "The Sacred Place".
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews
June 30, 2023
Absolutely brilliant opening! This is an absolute must read. Daniel Black was a guest on Zibby Owens' podcast (Moms Don't Have Time to Read Books) and after hearing the opening passage read aloud, I was in awe: spellbound. I listened to him talk a bit about his life, about the contents of the essays in this memoir. Five minutes after listening to his interview, I ordered this book. I'm so grateful that I did.
I won't pretend to fathom what it's like to be a gay, Black man in America. However, as someone who has Black family members and many Black friends, I have seen how differently my loved ones are often treated (not in a positive way). I'm also well aware of the privilege that comes with the color of my skin: money or no money, it's not up for debate.
As a kid, I remember having a teacher in school talk about white people veering away from discussing systemic racism, thinking that in their (our) silence, there wasn't any compliance with the wrongdoing happening in this country for eons. "It's as if we're trying to cover up the sky with our hands," he said, "But no one can cover up the sky with a hand. We want to pretend that individually, our voices don't make a difference. We want to make it justifiable in our own warped minds, that it's okay to do nothing, say nothing, look away."
I will admit that memoirs aren't always my reading go-to, for the selfish reason that like many readers, many times I choose fiction so as to escape the 24/7 reality of bad news we're all bombarded with on a daily basis. Still, I have tried to read and learn as much as I can about systemic racism, homophobia, sexism, classism-- because how else can I effectively be part of the solution? How else can I base my service work and activism in something concrete? I'm well aware it isn't the responsibility of anyone else to teach me how to act, respond, or amend my own thoughts and behaviors. That responsibility lies with me alone.
So when books like this come along, I jump at the chance to read them. Daniel's voice in his writing is commanding and brilliant. He knows how to hold the attention of any reader. There is no "holier than thou" attitude in this collection of essays, rather a want, a NEED to let us have a good look at his experience as a gay, Black man.
Readers of Richard Wright, James Baldwin, and Ralph Ellison - you'll love this. Honestly, I'd recommend this for anyone, of any race, and any socio-economic background. It's a tour-de-force.
Thank you to Zibby Owens for introducing me to this brilliant author. It's a helluva great book. ~ 4.5 stars
💙
I won't pretend to fathom what it's like to be a gay, Black man in America. However, as someone who has Black family members and many Black friends, I have seen how differently my loved ones are often treated (not in a positive way). I'm also well aware of the privilege that comes with the color of my skin: money or no money, it's not up for debate.
As a kid, I remember having a teacher in school talk about white people veering away from discussing systemic racism, thinking that in their (our) silence, there wasn't any compliance with the wrongdoing happening in this country for eons. "It's as if we're trying to cover up the sky with our hands," he said, "But no one can cover up the sky with a hand. We want to pretend that individually, our voices don't make a difference. We want to make it justifiable in our own warped minds, that it's okay to do nothing, say nothing, look away."
I will admit that memoirs aren't always my reading go-to, for the selfish reason that like many readers, many times I choose fiction so as to escape the 24/7 reality of bad news we're all bombarded with on a daily basis. Still, I have tried to read and learn as much as I can about systemic racism, homophobia, sexism, classism-- because how else can I effectively be part of the solution? How else can I base my service work and activism in something concrete? I'm well aware it isn't the responsibility of anyone else to teach me how to act, respond, or amend my own thoughts and behaviors. That responsibility lies with me alone.
So when books like this come along, I jump at the chance to read them. Daniel's voice in his writing is commanding and brilliant. He knows how to hold the attention of any reader. There is no "holier than thou" attitude in this collection of essays, rather a want, a NEED to let us have a good look at his experience as a gay, Black man.
Readers of Richard Wright, James Baldwin, and Ralph Ellison - you'll love this. Honestly, I'd recommend this for anyone, of any race, and any socio-economic background. It's a tour-de-force.
Thank you to Zibby Owens for introducing me to this brilliant author. It's a helluva great book. ~ 4.5 stars
💙
December 23, 2022
Daniel Black showcases his own brilliance in this masterful collection of essays that examine multiple facets of American Blackness. He’s a scholar, an educator, and a writer (among other titles and talents). These pieces contain observations from a life fully-lived buffeted by constructive critiques and actionable suggestions that are obviously well-researched and presented in an almost conversational tone delivered with heartfelt concern for his people and all of humanity.
He unpacks a LOT within this relatively condensed offering. Some essays featured commentary on popular topics:
• Black Beauty is covered in Black, But Not Beautiful which is a call to redefine beauty standards to embrace self-love and respect.
• Black Media (Movies, Music, and Television): Harriett’s Chariot examines African Spiritualism as depicted in the 2019 movie Harriet directed by Kasi Lemmons, The Power of Pose examines the importance of representation and the impact of the television series, Pose.
• The plight of the Black Church is examined in Prayer Won’t Fix This.
• The empowering nature and crippling principles of HBCUs are the subject of Beauties and Struggles of HBCUs.
• Social Commentary relating to LBGTQAI+ struggles and challenges (and its impact to the larger communities) are covered in Dying to Be Loved (HIV/AIDS concerns when partnering/dating) and Nowhere To Hide touches on “closeted” members of the lettered community.
• The desire for social desegregation and failure of integration is discussed in Integration.
I highlighted so many passages for research and noted poignant points – almost all the essays contained personal reflections from his rural Southern childhood and time as an undergraduate at Clark U.and as a graduate student at Temple U.
Well Done!
Thanks to the publisher, Harlequin Trade Publishing, Hanover Square Press, and NetGalley for an opportunity to review.
He unpacks a LOT within this relatively condensed offering. Some essays featured commentary on popular topics:
• Black Beauty is covered in Black, But Not Beautiful which is a call to redefine beauty standards to embrace self-love and respect.
• Black Media (Movies, Music, and Television): Harriett’s Chariot examines African Spiritualism as depicted in the 2019 movie Harriet directed by Kasi Lemmons, The Power of Pose examines the importance of representation and the impact of the television series, Pose.
• The plight of the Black Church is examined in Prayer Won’t Fix This.
• The empowering nature and crippling principles of HBCUs are the subject of Beauties and Struggles of HBCUs.
• Social Commentary relating to LBGTQAI+ struggles and challenges (and its impact to the larger communities) are covered in Dying to Be Loved (HIV/AIDS concerns when partnering/dating) and Nowhere To Hide touches on “closeted” members of the lettered community.
• The desire for social desegregation and failure of integration is discussed in Integration.
I highlighted so many passages for research and noted poignant points – almost all the essays contained personal reflections from his rural Southern childhood and time as an undergraduate at Clark U.and as a graduate student at Temple U.
Well Done!
Thanks to the publisher, Harlequin Trade Publishing, Hanover Square Press, and NetGalley for an opportunity to review.
September 26, 2023
The central conceit of the book seems to be that the Black community should not seek to emulate white institutions and seek excellence in their own selves, communities, and change the world with their own self image. Good reflection on such things.
April 26, 2024
A masterpiece. Slept on. Read this. It’s really genius
February 24, 2023
Important and impactful book on the Black experience.
January 16, 2024
rtc once I get my Wi-Fi back
April 21, 2024
I didn't agree with everything in this book, but it definitely makes you think about a lot.
June 5, 2023
Daniel Black gives us/Black Americans much to think about with regards to how we view ourselves and why. He’s made important points about what we lost in integration, the black church and homophobia, black self-hatred and more. There are things I don’t agree with (i.e. naming our children) but he certainly calls us out on some of our behavior.
February 22, 2023
Thank you Goodreads for suggesting this for Black History Month.
Insightful and eye-opening, several of the essays should be compulsory reading for American students.
The essay on Black beauty discussed some of the issues we all know about, like how POC are only considered beautiful if they have European characteristics, but also how the internalised belief that you can't be beautiful with African characteristics ruins your self asteem and shape your actions and even society because it is so widespread. How white is good and black is bad as visual clues in books and movies is subconsciously perpetuating racism.
As a white non-American, I of course have absolutely no right to comment on Black use of the N-word. Black however puts in to words why I've found it uncomfortable to hear. I won't go further into it, he says it best (and it's not my place).
I wish I'd watched the movie Harriet before reading this, Black gives an excellent analysis of this and the series Vogue. But then again, maybe it will just give me a deeper appreciation while watching.
As a Black queer who's lived through the 80's and 90's, Dr. Black brings first hand experiences and history into perspective by showing the humanity behind the disaster. A gut wrenching explanation as to why the queer society was the ultimate breeding ground for the virus. Again, I will not go into it, as it's just much better you hear it from him.
In conclusion: Read this book. No matter your nationality or ethnicity.
Insightful and eye-opening, several of the essays should be compulsory reading for American students.
The essay on Black beauty discussed some of the issues we all know about, like how POC are only considered beautiful if they have European characteristics, but also how the internalised belief that you can't be beautiful with African characteristics ruins your self asteem and shape your actions and even society because it is so widespread. How white is good and black is bad as visual clues in books and movies is subconsciously perpetuating racism.
As a white non-American, I of course have absolutely no right to comment on Black use of the N-word. Black however puts in to words why I've found it uncomfortable to hear. I won't go further into it, he says it best (and it's not my place).
I wish I'd watched the movie Harriet before reading this, Black gives an excellent analysis of this and the series Vogue. But then again, maybe it will just give me a deeper appreciation while watching.
As a Black queer who's lived through the 80's and 90's, Dr. Black brings first hand experiences and history into perspective by showing the humanity behind the disaster. A gut wrenching explanation as to why the queer society was the ultimate breeding ground for the virus. Again, I will not go into it, as it's just much better you hear it from him.
In conclusion: Read this book. No matter your nationality or ethnicity.
August 13, 2023
Great read. Opened my eyes to many things I hadn’t considered before. Daniel Black is a beautiful writer and I highly enjoyed reading this collection of essays on different topics regarding black experience and excellence.
January 31, 2023
Dr. Daniel Black does it again! In this brilliant collection of essays, Dr. Black provides us with a critical exploration of the past, present, and potential future of Blackness as it relates to key sectors of Black life: identity formation, the church, education, gender and sexuality formation, cultural politics, the creative arts and so much more. I thoroughly enjoyed reading the parts of the book that speak to Dr. Black's own journey of becoming. He writes about the first time he was asked to memorize and present a speech at church which unlocked his gift as an orator and the ways his grandmother cultivated his spirit of authenticity.
As someone who has taught at Clark Atlanta University for over 30 years, I enjoyed his perspective on the state of HBCU's and how historically black colleges and universities are both safe spaces for Black students and not doing enough to center the unique educational needs they have. There is a brilliant deconstruction of the ways integration insulted the worth and value of black social institutions. There is so much power jam packed into this collection. Whether you are a reader of Dr. Black or not, this collection is a worthwhile introduction to his body of work and Black thought.
Every time I interact with Dr. Black's work I am changed in some way and more connected to the ancestors. Out of many of my favorite quotes this one resonates deeply:
"Shirley Chisholm ran for president in the 1970s because she believed she could lead the nation- whether others agreed or not. These ancestors knew something about themselves, their people, that didn't require white authorization."
Thank you Dr. Black for committing your life's work to reminding us about ourselves as a people. Bravo!
Thank you to the author and publisher for the e-arc copy!
As someone who has taught at Clark Atlanta University for over 30 years, I enjoyed his perspective on the state of HBCU's and how historically black colleges and universities are both safe spaces for Black students and not doing enough to center the unique educational needs they have. There is a brilliant deconstruction of the ways integration insulted the worth and value of black social institutions. There is so much power jam packed into this collection. Whether you are a reader of Dr. Black or not, this collection is a worthwhile introduction to his body of work and Black thought.
Every time I interact with Dr. Black's work I am changed in some way and more connected to the ancestors. Out of many of my favorite quotes this one resonates deeply:
"Shirley Chisholm ran for president in the 1970s because she believed she could lead the nation- whether others agreed or not. These ancestors knew something about themselves, their people, that didn't require white authorization."
Thank you Dr. Black for committing your life's work to reminding us about ourselves as a people. Bravo!
Thank you to the author and publisher for the e-arc copy!
Read
January 30, 2023Thanks to Hanover Square Press for the copy of this ARC.
I knew I needed to read this after loving Don't Cry for Me by Daniel Black. He is such a fantastic writer, and in Black on Black, he delivers truth, wisdom, experience, and emotion in a collection of essays on Black resilience and brilliance. Daniel covers so many relevant topics: HBCUs and academic standards, beauty standards, the role of the Black church, HIV/AIDS, being closeted as a member of the LGBTQIA+ community, integration, and police violence. I really appreciated Daniel's perspective - it's one that I personally need to hear and listen to - and I love the way he brings heartfelt words onto the page to drive home the facts that he also presents. Highly recommend picking up any/all of his works.
I knew I needed to read this after loving Don't Cry for Me by Daniel Black. He is such a fantastic writer, and in Black on Black, he delivers truth, wisdom, experience, and emotion in a collection of essays on Black resilience and brilliance. Daniel covers so many relevant topics: HBCUs and academic standards, beauty standards, the role of the Black church, HIV/AIDS, being closeted as a member of the LGBTQIA+ community, integration, and police violence. I really appreciated Daniel's perspective - it's one that I personally need to hear and listen to - and I love the way he brings heartfelt words onto the page to drive home the facts that he also presents. Highly recommend picking up any/all of his works.
April 24, 2024
"Black on Black" by Daniel Black is an extraordinary masterpiece that captivates the reader from the very first page. With his impeccable storytelling skills, Black takes us on a journey through the complexities of the human experience, exploring themes of love, loss, and identity.
The writing style of "Black on Black" is poetic and evocative, painting vivid images in the reader's mind. Black's prose is both lyrical and raw, capturing the essence of the story with every word. The book is a testament to Black's talent as a writer, showcasing his ability to convey deep emotions and thought-provoking ideas.
One of the most remarkable aspects of "Black on Black" is its exploration of race and identity. Black fearlessly tackles these sensitive topics, shedding light on the complexities and nuances that exist within the Black community. Through his characters, he challenges societal norms and invites readers to question their own biases and preconceptions.
The pacing of this book is perfect, allowing for moments of reflection and introspection while maintaining a constant sense of momentum.
“Black on Black" is a literary masterpiece that deserves all the praise. Daniel Black's exquisite storytelling, captivating characters, and thought-provoking themes make this book a must-read for anyone seeking a profound and emotionally resonant reading experience.
The writing style of "Black on Black" is poetic and evocative, painting vivid images in the reader's mind. Black's prose is both lyrical and raw, capturing the essence of the story with every word. The book is a testament to Black's talent as a writer, showcasing his ability to convey deep emotions and thought-provoking ideas.
One of the most remarkable aspects of "Black on Black" is its exploration of race and identity. Black fearlessly tackles these sensitive topics, shedding light on the complexities and nuances that exist within the Black community. Through his characters, he challenges societal norms and invites readers to question their own biases and preconceptions.
The pacing of this book is perfect, allowing for moments of reflection and introspection while maintaining a constant sense of momentum.
“Black on Black" is a literary masterpiece that deserves all the praise. Daniel Black's exquisite storytelling, captivating characters, and thought-provoking themes make this book a must-read for anyone seeking a profound and emotionally resonant reading experience.
March 24, 2023
This is a well written and thought provoking message that needs to be heard; especially by the faith community in America that has been slow, resistant, or flat out unwilling to regard all people as God’s creation rather than merely those who look, act, think, talk, believe and vote the way they do. Highly recommend this one.
July 29, 2023
Strong and unique voice, very insightful
March 7, 2023
Great essays of POV I wasn't familiar with. I can't disagree with them as they are the author's experiences. I did find myself nodding my head in agreement, too.
June 10, 2023
4.25 stars
February 2, 2023
I love Daniel Black's writing. This book is easy to understand and it really makes you think.
I loved the section on "Black firsts". I hadn't ever thought of it from the perspective that Black people have been triumphing and excelling for years and only when white establishments deemed them worthy of attending, we find the first Black graduate, the first Black president etc.
The only thing I didn't enjoy was the spirituality. I understand it's part of a lot of people's lives but for me, I don't want to be closer to God or learn about Godliness.
I loved the section on "Black firsts". I hadn't ever thought of it from the perspective that Black people have been triumphing and excelling for years and only when white establishments deemed them worthy of attending, we find the first Black graduate, the first Black president etc.
The only thing I didn't enjoy was the spirituality. I understand it's part of a lot of people's lives but for me, I don't want to be closer to God or learn about Godliness.
March 2, 2023
There were a few things Black said that felt like a complete stretch but they were all padded by points that I thought were great so I cut my eye rolling short.
He completely lost me once he started his extended recap of the Harriet Tubman movie and never caught my interest again.
He completely lost me once he started his extended recap of the Harriet Tubman movie and never caught my interest again.
March 20, 2023
Daniel Black is a gay black professor who has taught at an historically black college for 30 years, and in this collection of essays writes about a variety of topics from a perspective explicitly and constantly informed by that identity and his life experiences. At his core, Black is a cultural traditionalist, not about sexual orientation or gender identity, but about the virtue of high-quality work, the imperfectability of human nature, and the importance of faith and faith institutions. He has an essentially nationalist view of racial identity. I found the collection uneven, but worth reading for his challenging insights. The book doesn’t indicate whether some or all of these essays were published in other places, but some of them felt very occasion-specific and might be more convincing if presented with that context.
The essay I found least effective is ‘The Trial and Massacre of the Black Body’, which reviews a litany of examples of oppression and murder of black people throughout Anerican history. The facts aren’t wrong, but there’s no new insights in this essay; this theme has been done better by other recent authors.
In contrast, ‘Prayer Won’t Fix This: What to Do With the Black Church’ is arresting and complicated, a love letter to and sharp critique of America’s theologically and culturally conservative black churches. Black argues that black America needs the churches to survive, but that they won’t survive unless they root out patriarchy and other forms of self-hatred. Black underpins his argument with searing stories about growing up as a gay young man with stereotypically femme mannerisms and interests. He also recounts a story of a pregnant teen in his church required to apologize in front of the congregation.
‘Dying to be Loved’ and ‘Nowhere to Hide (or The Dream of the Closet)’ address gay black sexuality and identity. The first is almost entirely impersonal; it makes a provocative but plausible case that rates of HIV are disproportionately high among young gay black men because they are willfully avoiding protective measures as an expression of an uncompromising desire to be fully loved and connected in a society that denies their worth. The second is perhaps the most personal of the essays in the book, recounting Black’s coming-of-age as an obviously gay young man. I’ve read other memoirs by gay men, but (as I recall) they all had the option of passing as straight when they wanted to.
I thought the most provocative piece in the book is ‘Integration: A Failed Experiment’, which argues that black communities in America have given up more than they’ve gained through integration. Black’s essentialist view of racial identity comes through strongest in this essay, which laments the loss of independent small black-owned businesses, black-owned farms, and black community schools in the wake of integration. Black makes the point that, once whites and blacks were free to shop and study anywhere, everybody sought out white businesses and institutions to patronize, internalizing the false and destructive sense that black alternatives were inferior. He’s not really offering a counterfactual (ie, what black leaders could have done differently that would have been more effective than pursuing integration), and I don’t ultimately think parallel cultural and economic lives are sustainable without an eventual breakdown into communal violence. I am myself a firm believer in the liberal project of multicultural democracy, not merely because I think every alternative would be worse for the United States, but also because I think it makes life inherently more fulfilling and more free. But since the failure of black nationalism in the 1970s, it’s been rare to see serious thinkers arguing from Black’s perspective. It makes some sense that this view is coming from scholar how has spent three decades teaching at an HBCU; that’s got to be one of the few places where nationalism still feels like a viable concept. I find myself more convinced by the nuanced economic strategies outlined by Andre Perry for building up black communities through investment in black-owned businesses; Perry understands how the globalized economy works and seeks to harness it for more equitable outcomes for black Americans, rather than imagining it can be turned off.
The essay I found least effective is ‘The Trial and Massacre of the Black Body’, which reviews a litany of examples of oppression and murder of black people throughout Anerican history. The facts aren’t wrong, but there’s no new insights in this essay; this theme has been done better by other recent authors.
In contrast, ‘Prayer Won’t Fix This: What to Do With the Black Church’ is arresting and complicated, a love letter to and sharp critique of America’s theologically and culturally conservative black churches. Black argues that black America needs the churches to survive, but that they won’t survive unless they root out patriarchy and other forms of self-hatred. Black underpins his argument with searing stories about growing up as a gay young man with stereotypically femme mannerisms and interests. He also recounts a story of a pregnant teen in his church required to apologize in front of the congregation.
‘Dying to be Loved’ and ‘Nowhere to Hide (or The Dream of the Closet)’ address gay black sexuality and identity. The first is almost entirely impersonal; it makes a provocative but plausible case that rates of HIV are disproportionately high among young gay black men because they are willfully avoiding protective measures as an expression of an uncompromising desire to be fully loved and connected in a society that denies their worth. The second is perhaps the most personal of the essays in the book, recounting Black’s coming-of-age as an obviously gay young man. I’ve read other memoirs by gay men, but (as I recall) they all had the option of passing as straight when they wanted to.
I thought the most provocative piece in the book is ‘Integration: A Failed Experiment’, which argues that black communities in America have given up more than they’ve gained through integration. Black’s essentialist view of racial identity comes through strongest in this essay, which laments the loss of independent small black-owned businesses, black-owned farms, and black community schools in the wake of integration. Black makes the point that, once whites and blacks were free to shop and study anywhere, everybody sought out white businesses and institutions to patronize, internalizing the false and destructive sense that black alternatives were inferior. He’s not really offering a counterfactual (ie, what black leaders could have done differently that would have been more effective than pursuing integration), and I don’t ultimately think parallel cultural and economic lives are sustainable without an eventual breakdown into communal violence. I am myself a firm believer in the liberal project of multicultural democracy, not merely because I think every alternative would be worse for the United States, but also because I think it makes life inherently more fulfilling and more free. But since the failure of black nationalism in the 1970s, it’s been rare to see serious thinkers arguing from Black’s perspective. It makes some sense that this view is coming from scholar how has spent three decades teaching at an HBCU; that’s got to be one of the few places where nationalism still feels like a viable concept. I find myself more convinced by the nuanced economic strategies outlined by Andre Perry for building up black communities through investment in black-owned businesses; Perry understands how the globalized economy works and seeks to harness it for more equitable outcomes for black Americans, rather than imagining it can be turned off.
December 22, 2023
Earlier this year I read Don’t Cry for Me by Daniel Black, I totally enjoyed the heartfelt and honest long letter from a dying father to his gay son.
Then I read Perfect Peace, his heartbreaking portrait of a large, rural southern family’s attempt to grapple with their mother’s desperate decision to make her newborn son into the daughter she will never have.
Both were excellent written, Black’s words captivating, dealing with themes that are fresh and important. I was worried about getting his new release Black on Black because it is non-fiction and a book about Resilience and Brilliance in America. I really didn’t want to read a ‘textbook’ about being Black in America.
I was pleasantly surprised when I did pick it up. The first part of Black on Black reads like the author’s memoir, he tells us stories about growing up in a Black household and church in America, discovering his Nigerian ancestry and picking up his Yoruba name Omotosho.
Brilliant essays about being Black in America that are relatable no matter where you live.
Then I read Perfect Peace, his heartbreaking portrait of a large, rural southern family’s attempt to grapple with their mother’s desperate decision to make her newborn son into the daughter she will never have.
Both were excellent written, Black’s words captivating, dealing with themes that are fresh and important. I was worried about getting his new release Black on Black because it is non-fiction and a book about Resilience and Brilliance in America. I really didn’t want to read a ‘textbook’ about being Black in America.
I was pleasantly surprised when I did pick it up. The first part of Black on Black reads like the author’s memoir, he tells us stories about growing up in a Black household and church in America, discovering his Nigerian ancestry and picking up his Yoruba name Omotosho.
Brilliant essays about being Black in America that are relatable no matter where you live.
April 22, 2024
I usually only read fiction, so I wouldn't have picked up this book of my own volition. Luckily for me, this was the April BOTM in the bookclub I'm in because this book was stellar. It was so eye-opening on various topics within the black community that it had me nodding my head and agreeing out loud with what Dr. Black was trying to get across. Every black person, especially in America, needs to read this book. For us as people to be successful in this country that doesn't want us, we have to learn to get out of our own way. Start thinking and acting within our own blackness, remembering and researching our ancestors, and stop caring what the white race thinks about how OUR race should be perceived. We have to start becoming what we're supposed to be and what our ancestors died for.
February 16, 2023
Thought provoking.
Sad at times.
This felt like an important book to read. I wasn’t familiar with the book prior to receiving an arc. It’s short but it’s heavy. I could have read this quicker but I mixed in a lighter book so I’d keep a different pace with this one.
This book was written by a Black man, a college professor about Black history and also his own experiences. It covered a lot of serious issues such as religion/churches, education, masculinity, integration, and even entertainment where shows like the movie Harriett and the tv series Pose are discussed.
I found this to be an interesting book. I’m glad I read it.
Sad at times.
This felt like an important book to read. I wasn’t familiar with the book prior to receiving an arc. It’s short but it’s heavy. I could have read this quicker but I mixed in a lighter book so I’d keep a different pace with this one.
This book was written by a Black man, a college professor about Black history and also his own experiences. It covered a lot of serious issues such as religion/churches, education, masculinity, integration, and even entertainment where shows like the movie Harriett and the tv series Pose are discussed.
I found this to be an interesting book. I’m glad I read it.
Shelved as 'maybe-to-read'
May 12, 2023 ***Why a maybe***
I clicked on the book because of the title. When I read the blurb I saw it was by Daniel Black. Whose other book I actually bought despite rarely buying general fiction because it sounded interesting.
Apparently there is something about his books that appeal to me. But I'm not American and half of the times I don't really feel 'Black' (mostly just 'Other'), so what will I take away from this essay collection?
Normally I don't care about that, I'm just interested in what an author has to say, but that word 'Our'... That draws me in. Plus it seems like it is hopeful. Which I do need sometimes...
I clicked on the book because of the title. When I read the blurb I saw it was by Daniel Black. Whose other book I actually bought despite rarely buying general fiction because it sounded interesting.
Apparently there is something about his books that appeal to me. But I'm not American and half of the times I don't really feel 'Black' (mostly just 'Other'), so what will I take away from this essay collection?
Normally I don't care about that, I'm just interested in what an author has to say, but that word 'Our'... That draws me in. Plus it seems like it is hopeful. Which I do need sometimes...
June 17, 2023
Soaring rhetoric on the art and vocation of writing as a liberating exercise and spirituality of solidarity.
Masculinity, Religion, Race and Family expectations all swirling together.
Thoughtful and honest grappling with the black church in a way that both challenges scarring aspects of Black's upbringing while holding up the depth and goodness and possibility of the Church. There is no progressive tossing out religion in the name of liberation, but a realization that the spiritual is part of the human.
Equally critical and empowering take on black beauty and sexual freedom which he sees important restraints on its expression not typical for today's commentators.
Masculinity, Religion, Race and Family expectations all swirling together.
Thoughtful and honest grappling with the black church in a way that both challenges scarring aspects of Black's upbringing while holding up the depth and goodness and possibility of the Church. There is no progressive tossing out religion in the name of liberation, but a realization that the spiritual is part of the human.
Equally critical and empowering take on black beauty and sexual freedom which he sees important restraints on its expression not typical for today's commentators.
February 6, 2023
Dr. Black is highly intelligent and his connections between modern-day crises to historical events are eye-opening. The writing felt heavily academic at times, which made the book a bit difficult to read continuously with few breaks between topics. Though, often a break was warranted due to the serious nature of the subject matter. Black thoroughly examines the challenges of being a combination of Black, LGBTQ+ and a follower of Christ in America and the many ways in which our country failed and continues to resist the true integration of these three specific communities.
April 17, 2023
Finished this book in about a week. It's so... not deep, per se; not poignant, but it slaps you upside the head and you're agreeing, 99% of the time. You don't want to stop because it feels like you'll miss something. Dr. Black is an author who stands with the best, across the board.
- NOTE: G.R. is saying I finished today; no, I finished when I said I finished, on 3.18.23. If you've read Dr. Black, you know that you can't put his books down until they're finished. Consider adjusting your system not to insert dates that might not be accurate. Thnx.
- NOTE: G.R. is saying I finished today; no, I finished when I said I finished, on 3.18.23. If you've read Dr. Black, you know that you can't put his books down until they're finished. Consider adjusting your system not to insert dates that might not be accurate. Thnx.
August 12, 2023
To attempt to summarize the book “Black on Black: On Our Resilience and Brilliance in America” would be comparable to pouring the waters of the Pacific Ocean into a dixie cup. There would be a lot wasted. In this series of essays, by author Dr. Daniel Black, the reader will discover compelling, captivating life lessons and educational provocations that will blow your hair back. Each short piece of writing is a brilliant jewel to be mined and dissected for all its' juicy, chocolaty, goodness.
Do your soul a favor - excellent reading!
Do your soul a favor - excellent reading!
April 24, 2023
I really appreciated some of Black's views and opinions throughout this book. It addresses many issues of today, not just limited to race. There were definitely some thought-provoking moments (for example, the thoughts of some people about integration and its' levels of success) that made me consider another side of the story not often heard. I also want to find the series he discussed at the end, Pose - I'd never even heard of it before this!
September 1, 2023
This story was an excellent depiction of the things that plague and trouble the black community. Daniel Black is a formidable voice that speaks for so many segments of our society; African American men, the LGBTQ+ community, educators, scholars. His message is clear, until the black community saves itself it will forever be an underclass man to other societies. We have embrace ourselves. Love ourselves. Uphold ourselves. Revere ourselves without looking for validation outside of ourselves. loved this narrative from beginning to end.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews