Black Genius - by Tre Johnson (Hardcover)

About the Book

"A powerful read examining the lack of opportunity given to Black Americans due to structural racism, and how forgotten historical figures and the author's own family found a way to succeed despite the obstacles"-- Provided by publisher.

Book Synopsis

A powerful read redefining the meaning of genius while illuminating the ways in which Black Americans have found various ways to thrive despite insurmountable obstacles.

Black genius sits at the heart of the American story. In his probing essay collection, Black Genius, cultural critic Tre Johnson examines how Black American culture has, against all odds, been the lifeblood of American ingenuity. At times using his own personal and professional stories, Johnson surveys Black cities, communities, and schools with an ever-watchful eye of what transpires around Black mobility.

With a passion for complex storytelling and pulling from both pop culture and American history, Johnson weaves past and present making his case for the genius of innovation. As he examined his findings, Johnson couldn't help but wonder about the brilliance of the every day. Specifically, the creativity of the 90's graffiti-style airbrush tee, his aunties packed weekend bus trips to Atlantic city, and the razor-tongued, socially-sharp, profanity-laced monologues of comedian Dick Gregory.

Again and again, he asks us to ponder--are these not obvious examples of genius?

Chatty yet profound, Black Genius subverts expectations from the very first page with a blend of reportage, historical data, and pop culture as Johnson dives into his own family history seeking big answers to complex questions. Johnson's signature wit and curiosity turns history into an amusing sequence of events.

Review Quotes

"In this collection Tre Johnson emphatically and elegantly moves every conception I've ever had about the modes and movements of genius in Black folk. The book refuses to robotically crease its pants and cross its legs, opting instead to deploy the comic, tragic mundanely genius in wholly original ways. This is the book, sadly and thankfully, that these political times call for, and only a Black genius named Tre Johnson could pull it off with odd rancor, counterpunches and utter doses of Black smooth."
--Kiese Laymon, author of Heavy: An American Memoir

"Black Genius reads like a blerdy conversation you have at the cookout, and we have Tre Johnson's own genius to thank for it. Johnson observes our singular genius, broadly defined, reveling in well-known as well as everyday Black folks' creativity, resiliency, joy, ingenuity, intelligence, pain, and beauty. He celebrates our ability to make, remake, and move culture, history, and ultimately, ourselves. Timely and affirming, this book is a love letter to Black brilliance."
--Deesha Philyaw, author of The Secret Lives of Church Ladies

"Tre Johnson writes with a verve that honors and demonstrates the very genius he's set out to explore. It's an ambitious goalpost and he doesn't just meet it, he races past it, he FloJos it, he Michael Jordans it, he Mae Jemisons it. This book uses wisdom, razor sharp insight, and actual laugh-out-loud humor to unravel the DNA of Black brilliance, Black innovation, and Black excellence. It's never pandering, it's innately American, and it's, to use Johnson's own words for us, 'utterly amazing.'"
--R. Eric Thomas, national bestselling author of Here for It: Or How to Save Your Soul in America

About the Author

Tre Johnson was born in Trenton, NJ and now finds himself in Philadelphia, where he writes with a focus on race, culture and politics. His work has appeared in The Washington Post, Rolling Stone, Vox, The New York Times, Slate, Vanity Fair, The Grio, and other outlets. He has appeared to provide media commentary on CNN Tonight with Don Lemon; CBS Morning Show; PBS NewsHour, NPR's Morning Edition, and other programs. In addition to writing, Tre is a career educator, working both inside and outside the classroom as a teacher and leader.