Read more
A powerful read which redefines the meaning of genius while illuminating forgotten historical figures and the ways in which Black Americans have found various way to thrive despite insurmountable obstacles. With a blend of reportage, historical data, and pop culture, Tre’s forays into urban landscapes and historical Black southern towns in search of the threads connecting our past and present forced him to look inwards and evaluate what some deemed to be progress and what others labeled as innovation. As he examined all he collected, Tre couldn’t help but wonder about the brilliance of the every day. Specifically the creativity of the 90’s graffiti-style airbrush tee, or the bravery of the young motorbike riders known to rip through the streets of Philadelphia, and the eloquence of a profanity-laced monologue by comedian Dick Gregory--were these not obvious examples of greatness? Tre investigates the foundation of Black American life as he argues to expand what we call “genius”. Chatty yet profound,
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.
Summary
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.
