Dead to Words

In this episode of Write of Passage, Vanessa Riley honors the late Malcolm-Jamal Warner—best known as Theo from The Cosby Show—by celebrating his layered artistry as a poet, musician, and director. She reflects on his impact on Black masculinity, emotional vulnerability, and the cultural memory of a generation that saw themselves in his performances. With tenderness and reverence, she explores the legacy he leaves behind—not just in TV history, but in how he gave Black boys permission to feel deeply and express themselves creatively.

Vanessa also delves into grief, healing, and storytelling, offering book recommendations that resonate with Warner’s emotional depth, including contemporary romance featuring soulful and complex Black male leads. Whether you’re mourning a cultural icon or looking to reconnect with art that heals, this episode is a poetic celebration of life, love, and the beauty of being seen.