Who's Afraid of Post-Blackness

What It Means to Be Black Now

By: Touré, Michael Eric Dyson

Narrated by: Touré

A provocative look at what it means to be Black today. This audiobook includes excerpts from over 100 interviews with Rev. Jesse Jackson, Cornel West, Skip Gates, Melissa Harris-Perry, Kara Walker, Kehinde Wiley, Glenn Ligon, Malcolm Gladwell, Paul Mooney, NY Gov. David Paterson, Harold Ford, Jr., Soledad O'Brien, Kamala Harris, Chuck D, Questlove, and others. A memoir of the racist and racial incidents that have shaped Touré's life. An examination of Chappelle's Show and its brilliant way of playing with and skewering racial politics (informed by interviews with all of the major creative members of the show including Chappelle). And a trip through the modern Black art world focused on the work of Kara Walker, Kehinde Wiley, Glenn Ligon, William Pope.L, and Rashid Johnson.

©2011 Touré (P)2011 Dreamscape Media

Critic reviews

"[P]owerful...A likely bellwether for America's future struggles with race." ( Kirkus Reviews)

"Touré candidly tackles a burning issue confronting us today. Black America is undeniably a community 'free, but not equal,' and people from all walks of life are compelled to devise new approaches to confronting today's structural inequalities. Here Touré explores insights from many perspectives to help guide the way." (Reverend Jesse L. Jackson, Sr.)

"A fascinating conversation among some of America's most brilliant and insightful Black thinkers candidly exploring Black identity in America today. Touré powerfully captures the pain and dissonance of Black Americans' far too often unrequited love for our great nation." (Benjamin Todd Jealous, President and CEO of the NAACP)

"Who's Afraid of Post-Blackness is a tour de force! I applaud Touré's courage in standing up and telling it like it is. This special book will make you think, laugh, cry - and it will make you look at race and at yourself differently." (Amy DuBois Barnett, Editor-in-Chief, Ebony)

"Touré has taken a question I have asked myself uncountable times over the course of my life and asked it of everyone: 'What does it mean to be Black?' The answer in this book are thought-provoking, uplifting, hilarious and sometimes sad. His sharp writing and self-effacing stories help digest some hard facts about how identity can be used for and against each of us - and why it matters so much to all of us." (Soledad O'Brien, CNN anchor and special correspondent)

Yes! Someone gets me!

Would you listen to Who's Afraid of Post-Blackness again? Why?

Yes, I'm sure I will. It was alot of information, and I'm sure I didn't catch everything the way I wanted to. It's a good read, so listening again will be easy.

What other book might you compare Who's Afraid of Post-Blackness to and why?

I can't because this is the first book I've read that actually discusses post-blackness in this way.

What does Touré bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

How he tells a story really makes it worth the listen.

If you could give Who's Afraid of Post-Blackness a new subtitle, what would it be?

"Everything you wanted to know about being black in America, but were afraid to ask" or "Wait, racism isn't over yet?"

Any additional comments?

This is the first book I've read that is willing to break down both sides of the racism experience, particularly from both outside and inside the race, in a way that I could only scream, "Yes, Yes, that is so true!" as I listened to it.

Great experience!

Where does Who's Afraid of Post-Blackness rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

As of right now, it's the top rater! The audio for this book was pleasant and easy to follow.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Who's Afraid of Post-Blackness?

The sky diving passage

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes. The author is a great narrator. I would highly recommend.

Food for Thought

If you could sum up Who's Afraid of Post-Blackness in three words, what would they be?

Interesting, provocative and deep.

What about Touré’s performance did you like?

He is unmistakingly recognizable and his personality shines through. He is really passionate about the subject and he moves the book along at a really good pace.

Any additional comments?

I had heard an interview with Touré on the Canadian Arts & Culture show Q with Jian Gomeshi and was intrigued.This book has made me think about and question how I define myself and see others as well as how they see me. It has given me insight into why I often feel wary and uncomfortable, even frustrated when there seems to be an incongruence. I've been thinking about and discussing with friends, family and co-workers the ideas he raises in the book in the weeks since. Great read. Hopefully this is obvious but it is not just a book for blacks but everyone.
BTW I was also really excited to find it on Audible. You really are

I like Toure but

Would you try another book from Touré and Michael Eric Dyson and/or Touré?

The problem with the title made it look like it was a book by Dr. Michael Eric Dyson so that was the first problem I had. I do like Toure and feel that he is very accomplished but the whole story of how Black he is old hat to me. He is well accomplished and basically moves in a world that is colorless unless he is at BET but now since it is own by Viacom he may not have as much a issue. I believe in his experience because many people are ignorant. The story seem to regurgitate the same message of multiculturalism and rejection by African Americans. I believe he is a well accomplished African American my all means and no one can challenge that.

What do you think your next listen will be?

Anything on leadership or health

What else would you have wanted to know about Touré and Michael Eric Dyson ’s life?

I will like to hear what Toure think on the evolution of Hip Hop and the changing faces of it.

Excellent Read

What did you love best about Who's Afraid of Post-Blackness?

I loved. the. Narrative style. Felt like a friend was sitting down with me and having a conversation.

What was the most compelling aspect of this narrative?

Very well written and conversational style.

Have you listened to any of Touré’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

Never

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Yes I laughed many times. He has great way of making the ordinary funny.

Any additional comments?

I would recommend to everyone. It's a very empowering book.

Awesome!!

This book is moving, inspiring and accurate capturing of the Black experience in this country. I learned so much feom Toure and am so grateful to him for this book.

Bravo, Toure!!!

Understand Your Neighbor - Understand Yourself

Toure Neblett turns from fiction (The Portable Promised Land: Stories; Soul City) to explore the concept of Post-Blackness. Already known for his essays (Never Drink the Kool-Aid), Toure applies the essayists’ skill for analysis to his new book Who’s Afraid of Post-Blackness. Toure’s power of observation flashes off of every page and readers of all ethnic and racial strains will be struck by what appears there. The insights are stunning. Some may need time to get used to his writing style, but the content of this book is so instructive it is well worth the reader’s time. You will not agree with all of Toure’s conclusions (opposition to President Obama is based in racism for example) nor will you feel comfortable with all conclusions drawn in the book. However, be not afraid. Gird yourself up with courage and open Toure’s new addition to the cultural diversity literature. Toure narrates the audio version of the with great results.

PostBlackness requires we be post racism

a very hopeful book that already seems quite dated. ends on a note of respectability politics that undermines much of the work of the larger body.

I learned a lot about Touré that I didn't know

Would you consider the audio edition of Who's Afraid of Post-Blackness to be better than the print version?

I enjoyed hearing Touré read this audiobook. He added color to the text that I would have missed, had I just been reading it myself.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Who's Afraid of Post-Blackness?

There wasn't just one memorable moment. Touré interviewed and quoted so many people throughout this book…. I gain some super insights on the idea of "post-blackness".

Toure pleads his own case.

What would have made Who's Afraid of Post-Blackness better?

A story that supported the title.

Would you recommend Who's Afraid of Post-Blackness to your friends? Why or why not?

No, there is nothing to learn from this book.

How did the narrator detract from the book?

Toure narrated his own book, and did not detract from it.

What reaction did this book spark in you? Anger, sadness, disappointment?

Disappointment.

Any additional comments?

Toure's book is typical of the "Me Generation," it's all about them.