The Black Reading Hour

A reading from the last chapter of WHEN THEY TELL YOU TO BE GOOD [Tin House Books, 2022] by Prince Shakur. - To buy the book ... WHEN THEY TELL YOU TO BE GOOD: https://tinhouse.com/book/when-they-tell-you-to-be-good/ - ABOUT THE BOOK... After immigrating from Jamaica to the United States, Prince Shakur's family is devastated by the 1995 murder of his biological father. A hidden family secret emerges from a forbidden diary penned by an outlawed uncle, seeking vengeance. As Prince uncovers his lineage's truths, he navigates the complexities of the Afro-diaspora, journeying from a closeted queer youth to a politically awakened traveler and writer amid Obama and Trump's America. From France to the Philippines, South Korea, and beyond, he immerses himself in the Black experience, participating in movements like Black Lives Matter and Standing Rock. Ultimately, Prince grapples with identity, immigration, and the lasting impact of patriarchal and colonial violence.

This essay was originally written by Prince Shakur and published on Catapult Story in 2019 about the writer, James Baldwin, and the importance of analyzing the mental health of black men/icons. 

An essay exploring the seminal text, Revolutionary Suicide by Huey Newton and its longstanding impact on black organizers since, like MarShawn McCarrel of Columbus, OH. Originally published in Level Magazine by Prince Shakur. Narrated by Prince Shakur.