From the archive: The last humanist: how Paul Gilroy became the most vital guide to our age of crisis

Published in 1903, 'The Souls of Black Folk' is a foundational text of American literature and sociology. The book explores themes of race, identity, and the quest for equality in an era marked by systemic racism and segregation. Du Bois reflects on the historical context of Emancipation, the double-consciousness of being both Black and American, and the struggles of the Black community. His prophetic remarks and critical insights have been cited as the intellectual framework for the Civil Rights movement and continue to influence contemporary writers.

Paul Gilroy's "The Black Atlantic" explores the cultural connections and shared experiences of Black communities across the Atlantic diaspora. It challenges essentialist notions of Black identity, emphasizing the fluidity and hybridity of Black culture shaped by historical forces like slavery and colonialism. The book examines the role of music, literature, and intellectual thought in forging a transatlantic Black identity. Gilroy's work highlights the interconnectedness of Black experiences across continents and the enduring impact of historical oppression on shaping cultural expressions. His analysis provides a powerful framework for understanding the complexities of race and identity in a globalized world.