Across the Tracks with Lawrence Jackson

On this episode of Black & Published, Nikesha speaks with Lawrence Jackson, author of the memoir, Shelter: A Black Tale of Homeland, Baltimore.  Jackson is a biographer and critic whose work has appeared in Harper’s Magazine, n+1, and Best American Essays. He teaches English and history at Johns Hopkins and founded the Billie Holiday Project for Liberation Arts.

Episode Notes
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On this episode of Black & Published, Nikesha speaks with Lawrence Jackson, author of the memoir, Shelter: A Black Tale of Homeland, Baltimore.  Jackson is a biographer and critic whose work has appeared in Harper’s Magazine, n+1, and Best American Essays. He teaches English and history at Johns Hopkins and founded the Billie Holiday Project for Liberation Arts.

During the conversation, Lawrence discusses how he turned to writing as a way to work out his feelings on race and rage, and the importance of acknowledging where you came from when you move up in the world. Finally, in the speed round breaks down why James Baldwin's classic book, The Fire Next Time, is overrated.