June 22, 2023: Beach Reads: Illmatic Consequences

[Thearrival of summer means a lot of good things, but high on the list for thisAmericanStudier is the chance to read for pleasure, preferably on a beachblanket with a view of the crashing surf. For this year’s annualBeach Reads series, I’ll highlight recent or forthcoming books bycolleagues and friends. Add your Beach Read ideas and nominations for acrowd-sourced weekend post that’ll always keep toes in the sand!]

The firstthree authors I’ve highlighted in this week’s series are folks I got to know inperson, as Fitchburg State colleagues (past and present) and friends. But oneof the most amazing things about the 21st century is how manycolleagues and friends I’ve never met in person, but have connected withthrough the intertubes (Twitterespecially). One of my most inspiring such connections is to Walter D. Greason, a Professor atMacalesterCollege and a leading voice in History, African American Studies, AfricanStudies, and many more disciplines and communities. And through that connectionI’ve had a front-row seat to the creation and publication of the vital newanthology Illmatic Consequences:The Clapback to Opponents of ‘Critical Race Theory’ (2023), co-editedby Greason and DanianDarrell Jerry and with illustrations by Stacey Robinson. Want to be themost badass as well as the best-informed person on your beach of choice? Thenmake sure to pack Illmatic Consequences inyour bag!

Last BeachReads tomorrow,

Ben

PS. Whatdo you think? Beach Reads you’d nominate?