The author reflects on using the word 'us' when writing about black people, discusses the structure and challenges of writing the book, and shares the emotional toll it took on them. They also highlight the importance of sharing their story and express gratitude for the opportunity to release the book.
Donovan X. Ramsey is a journalist and author of the new book When Crack Was King: A People’s History of a Misunderstood Era.
“I've only ever wanted to write about Black people—and that includes the elements of our lives that are difficult. I’ve always prided myself on being able to metabolize that information and not really be harmed by it. And this book really taught me that writing and processing is not just something that you do in your head. That the information does go through you as you're trying to make sense of it. And it's not happening to you, right? It's not like a direct form of PTSD that you have, but you do experience some trauma when you open up your imagination in that way.”
Show notes:
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices