BLK LIT

At The Lit Bar in Mott Haven, Bronx, with the founder Noelle "Santos" Brown in season two of “BLK LIT,” spotlighting women preserving Black stories by opening bookstores across the metro area. Brown describes opening The Lit Bar in 2019 after learning the Bronx’s last bookstore (a Barnes & Noble) was threatened, motivating her to create a community literary resource. Brown discusses her audacity and willingnes...

In this lively roundtable discussion, host Jacquees Thomas sits down with some of her favorite book influencers to unpack the fictional novel Sky Full of Elephants. Joining the conversation are Jordan Hernandez, founder of Completely Booked; Chase Griffin and Shaquille Anderson, co-founders of Booked and Busy Book Club; and Anne, creator of LaGringaBaiana.

Together, they dive into each guest’s personal journey and the in...

In this episode of BLK LIT, host Jacquees Thomas delves into the life and work of Cebo Campbell, author, creative director, and award-winning poet. Best known for his debut novel, Sky Full of Elephants, Campbell’s work has captured the attention of book clubs and literary influencers across the country.

The episode explores Campbell’s creative journey, including the personal experiences that shaped his voice, the inspir...

Who is Cebo Campbell? What inspired him to write the novel Sky Full of Elephants? In this conversation, we explore his upbringing and the world that shaped his brilliant mind and unique perspective.

Cebo reflects on his journey and the profound significance of identity, family, and cultural heritage in informing his work. He speaks to the audacity of Black existence, the search for solace, and the responsibility of holding Black cu...

In this episode, New York Times bestselling author George M. Johnson joins Jacquees Thomas for a powerful conversation about identity, imagination, and the role of literature in shaping culture. George reflects on their upbringing in New Jersey, the strength of family support, and how writing became both a refuge and a form of rebellion.

Together, they explore the challenges of being a queer writer, the importance of storytelling a...

In this episode, Jacquees and Producer Jason Torres join the conversation to unpack the power of Black history with Michael Harriot, the absurdity of whitewashed narratives, and why understanding the past is the real flex. They break down the term “Drapetomania”—the so-called “mental illness” that doctors once claimed made enslaved people want to escape—and how this twisted concept stil...

The Black Effect Presents... BLK LIT!

The discussion centers on the friendship between Phyllis Wheatley and Obour Tanner, highlighting their intellectual exchange and the significance of their letters during the Revolutionary War. The episode delves into themes of legacy, faith, and the power of Black joy, illustrating how these women navigated their identities and built a lasting impact through their words.

CREDITS

Brigitte Fielde...

Katie Mitchell discusses her newly released book 'Pros to the People,' a powerful tribute to the legacy of Black bookstores in America, exploring their rich history and cultural significance. She shares the personal journey that led her to write the book and reflects on the deep cultural impact these spaces have had as hubs for knowledge, resistance, and community. Katie doesn’t shy away from the hard truths—like t...

In this heartfelt and thought-provoking conversation, our panel dives deep into the legacy of Phillis Wheatley—not just as a poet but as a cultural ancestor whose words still echo today. Together, they explore how her work continues to shape Black literature while confronting the historical erasure of Black women writers and the complex ways their stories have been told—or left untold.

Listeners are invited into a ...

This conversation delves into the life and legacy of Phillis Wheatley, the first published African American poet. It explores her impact on Black literature, the complexities of her poetry, and the misconceptions surrounding Black literacy and slavery. The discussion highlights Wheatley's humanity, creativity, and the joy found in her relationships and writings, emphasizing that Black expression has always existed despite societal ...

Jacquees and her producers discuss the creative process behind the podcast, share personal small wins, and delve into the poetry of Langston Hughes that resonated with them the most. They explore the therapeutic role of poetry, the importance of mental health in the Black community, and how cultural expressions serve as coping mechanisms. The conversation highlights themes of loneliness, legacy, and the impact of art, while also re...

In this episode of BLK LIT, Jacquees shares her journey of creating a community poetry event called Poetry in the Park, reflecting on the generational influence of poetry and the significance of art in the Black community. We delve into the life of Langston Hughes, exploring his relationships with women and the cultural dynamics of the 1920s, particularly in Paris and Harlem. 

Learn More: The Black Archives of Mid-America ...

Today, we highlight Fulterius King, a Poet and Licensed Mental Health Therapist. Fulterius shares the significance of Langston Hughes in reflecting on societal issues through poetry, and shares a powerful poem from his book, 'Poems for Black Kings,' highlighting the theme of brotherhood among Black men.

BLK LIT Highlighted Artist: @FulteriusKing

Learn More and Pre-Order the Book: FulteriusKing.com

Connect with the Host: J...

Today, we delve deeper into Langston Hughes's life and work, exploring the cultural and historical contexts that shaped his voice. The conversation highlights the significance of oral traditions, the influence of blues on Hughes' poetry, and the importance of preserving Black culture through the work of scholars like Dr. William Ferris and Dr. Akiba Sullivan Harper. We also gain insight into Hughes' humor and social commentary thro...

The Black Effect Presents... BLK LIT!

This conversation delves into the profound impact of Octavia Butler's work, particularly her exploration of identity, legacy, and the human condition. It highlights the importance of imagination in shaping our realities and the necessity for confronting historical trauma through storytelling. Brandon Jacob Jenkins joins us to discuss the adaptation of Butler's 'Kindred' and the complexities of ...

The Black Effect Presents... BLK LIT!

This episode of BLK LIT delves into the life and legacy of Langston Hughes, a pivotal figure in the Harlem Renaissance. Dr Carmaletta Williams - CEO, of Black Archives of Mid-Amercia joins the conversation to explore Langston's early life, struggles, and the hustle that defined his journey as a poet. It highlights the cultural impact of his work, the intersection of music and poetry, and the th...

In this episode of BLK LIT, Jacquees and Anita Kopacz delve into the world of Black literature, focusing on influential writers like Octavia Butler and Langston Hughes. They discuss the themes of Anita's book 'Shallow Waters', exploring its historical context, emotional depth, and the healing journey it offers readers. The conversation touches on the significance of dreams in the creative process, the cultural importance of Black m...

Today we delve into the profound impact of Octavia Butler's work on Black literature and the unique perspectives it offers.

The conversation explores various interpretations of Butler's narratives, critiques of her approach, and the historical context of Afrofuturism. It highlights the educational value of her work and its prophetic nature, emphasizing the themes of community, change, and resilience as embodied by the character Lau...