Black Genius

Essays on an American Legacy

By: Tre Johnson

A powerful listen which redefines the meaning of genius while illuminating forgotten historical figures and the ways in which Black Americans have found various ways to thrive despite insurmountable obstacles.

With a blend of reportage, historical data, and pop culture, Black Genius touches on timely issues of race, class, and creativity. Tre’s life and career put him in a unique position to become a cultural observer, diving into predominantly-Black cities, communities, and schools with an ever-watchful eye of what was happening around Black opportunity, mobility, politics, and institutions. In this collection Tre pinpoints four key aspects of Black American genius—innovation, family, celebration, and community as the recipe to coming out on top.

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, Black Genius subverts expectations from the very first page as Tre dives into his own family history seeking big answers to complex questions. Tre however, is up for the challenge of excavating for the truth with his signature wit in tow.

©2025 Tre Johnson (P)2025 Penguin Audio