Black Americans are simultaneously unlikely and affirming, resilient and fragile, cautious and crazy. It’s that last dichotomy that this little book of historical vignettes of Blackness in America delves into. Instead of taking refuge in respectability and uprightness, the authors highlight how much of Black history and its makers are absolutely batshit insane–even when they seemed respectable. Appropriately, the categories and featured players here (Harriet Tubman! Nat Turner! Bill…Cosby??? Uh…deadbeat dads?) seem a bit all over the place in a whiplash-inducing way. But there’s a method to the madness here, I think. Glover and Prince highlight Blackness in truth, not in myth, including the warts and bruises as well as the triumphs and prides. In light of the continued propagandization of US history (and the annoying flock of White academics trying to salvage their pride by coming up with a historical reverse draw gotcha for every point of cultural criticism that originates in Black communities) this is important work. We’re unlikely, imperfect, and crazy as hell–but we’re still here, and managing to be beautiful and innovative a lot of the time, too.
This is meant to be a primer text, and that’s reinforced by the lists of resources at the end of each section. This book will give you homework and lots of it, from foundational texts and some unexpected gems. As a bonus, this is clearly aimed at Black people looking to learn more, which gives it a little more depth, humor, and cultural value than a lot of racial justice history primers tend to have.
This is worth a look if you want to learn more about Black American history in all its glory and insanity.
Therapy and loving acceptance to Crazy As Hell.
Equal Opportunity Reader 
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