Ta-Nehisi Coates, acclaimed author of "Between the World and Me," joins host Ayesha Rascoe to discuss his new book, "The Message." He explores why literature often instills fear, leading to efforts to ban certain works. Coates emphasizes how storytelling and art shape societal views and movements, reflecting on the emotional ties to identity and heritage. He also addresses the complex narratives of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, advocating for inclusive storytelling that honors diverse perspectives.
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Past Works
Ta-Nehisi Coates's article "The Case for Reparations" sparked national conversation.
His book "Between the World and Me" explored being Black in America.
question_answer ANECDOTE
The Message's Origin
Coates discusses an overdue writing assignment about Dakar, Senegal.
This assignment evolved into the first chapter of his new book, "The Message".
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Art and Politics
Coates believes art and literature significantly influence politics.
He cites the Charlottesville rally, which began with a statue, as an example.
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Between the World and Me is a personal and literary exploration of America's racial history. Written as a series of letters to his 15-year-old son, Samori, Ta-Nehisi Coates reflects on his own experiences growing up in Baltimore, his education at Howard University, and his career as a journalist. The book delves into the realities of being Black in America, including the historical and ongoing impacts of slavery, segregation, police brutality, and mass incarceration. Coates shares personal anecdotes and historical insights to prepare his son for the challenges he will face as a Black man in America, while also offering a broader critique of American society and its treatment of Black bodies. The book is a powerful and emotional exploration of identity, history, and the struggle for racial justice[2][3][4].
The Message
Ta Nehisi Coates
In 'The Message', Ta-Nehisi Coates delves into the intersections of race, power, and identity through three intertwining essays. The book is part memoir, part travelogue, and part writing primer. Coates reflects on his visits to Dakar, Senegal, where he grapples with his Afrocentric roots; Columbia, South Carolina, where he examines the backlash against historical reckoning and book banning; and Palestine, where he critiques nationalist narratives and their impact on reality. The book emphasizes the urgent need to untangle destructive myths and embrace difficult truths to create a more just future.
Author Ta-Nehisi Coates is no stranger to controversy. Over a decade ago Coates wrote his thought provoking article in The Atlantic magazine titled The Case for Reparations. The article sparked a global conversation and led to Coates testifying in front of congress about reparations. Now Coates is back with a new book of essays, one of which takes on the conflict in the West Bank.
Today on The Sunday Story host Ayesha Rascoe talks to author Ta-Nehisi Coates about his new book, The Message and why some people fear books so much they lead efforts to have them banned.
Up First from NPR 
