By André Brock, Jr.

From BlackPlanet to #BlackGirlMagic, Distributed Blackness places Blackness at the very center of internet culture. André Brock Jr. claims issues of race and ethnicity as inextricable from and formative of contemporary digital culture in the United States. Distributed Blackness analyzes a host of platforms and practices (from Black Twitter to Instagram, YouTube, and app development) to trace how digital media have reconfigured the meanings and performances of African American identity. Brock moves beyond widely circulated deficit models of respectability, bringing together discourse analysis with a close reading of technological interfaces to develop nuanced arguments about how “Blackness” gets worked out in various technological domains.

As Brock demonstrates, there’s nothing niche or subcultural about expressions of Blackness on social media: internet use and practice now set the terms for what constitutes normative participation. Drawing on critical race theory, linguistics, rhetoric, information studies, and science and technology studies, Brock tabs between Black-dominated technologies, websites, and social media to build a set of Black beliefs about technology. In explaining Black relationships with and alongside technology, Brock centers the unique joy and sense of community in being Black online now.

New York: NYU Press, 2020 266p.

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by W. E. B. Du Bois

The Souls of Black Folk is a seminal work of American literature penned by W.E.B. Du Bois in 1903. Through a collection of insightful essays, Du Bois delves into the complex issues of race, identity, and equality in post-Civil War America. His profound analysis explores the double consciousness experienced by Black individuals, the challenges of racial discrimination, and the enduring quest for justice and liberation. With eloquence and depth, Du Bois's work continues to resonate today, offering readers a timeless reflection on the African American experience and the ongoing struggle for civil rights.

Publisher? 1903. 189p.

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By W.E.B.DuBois

"The Gift of Black Folk" is a thought-provoking exploration of the invaluable contributions and enduring legacy of Black individuals throughout history. From art and music to science and civil rights, this book delves into the profound impact that Black individuals have had on shaping our world. Through detailed research and compelling storytelling, it sheds light on often overlooked achievements and celebrates the richness of Black culture. A must-read for anyone interested in gaining a deeper understanding of the remarkable gifts that Black folk have bestowed upon society.

Square One Pub., 2009, 198 pages

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By W.E.B. DU BOIS

Darkwater: Voices from within the Veil is a compelling anthology that delves into the depths of the human experience through a collection of haunting narratives. Each story in this book is a testament to the resilience, struggles, and triumphs of individuals who have navigated the complexities of life shrouded in mystery and uncertainty. From tales of love and loss to explorations of identity and belonging, these voices from within the veil invite readers to ponder the complexities of the human soul and the intricate web of connections that bind us all. Darkwater is a poignant and thought-provoking journey that will resonate with readers long after they turn the final page.

Harcourt, Brace and Howe, 1920, 276 pages

By Megan Ming Francis and LeahWright-Rigueur

This review examines the Black Lives Matter movement. Despite a growing body of literature focused on explaining the formation and activities of the present Black Lives Matter movement, less attention is given to the historical antecedents. What are earlier Black-led movements centered on ending state-sanctioned violence? This article situates Black Lives Matter in a much longer lens and examines the long struggle to protect Black lives from state sanctioned violence.We draw from existing research to provide a historical genealogy of the movement that traces the beginnings of a movement to protect Black lives to the work of Ida B.Wells and follows it up to the work of the Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party and the urban rebellions that have followed.

USA, Annual Review of Law and Social Science. 2021, 21 pg