Side Effects of Black Liturgies (with Cole Arthur Riley)
Mar 27, 2024
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Author Cole Arthur Riley discusses her NYT Bestseller Black Liturgies, exploring self-identity, inner vs. interior self, sacred connections, call and response dynamics in black traditions, significance of black narratives and literature, and embracing imperfections in artistry.
Exploring the Black interior self through fiction is crucial for reclaiming agency and confronting historical oppression.
Call and response in literature shapes collective experiences, emphasizing the importance of collective engagement and individual introspection.
Artists have a responsibility to connect with humanity, advocate for social justice, and contribute to the greater good through their work.
Deep dives
Exploring the Black Interior Life through Liturgy and Writing
Cole Arthur Riley discusses how the exploration of the interior self was necessary for her book, 'Black Liturgies.' She describes the importance of fiction in allowing for the exploration of the Black interior self across literature. Riley emphasizes the significance of delving into one's interior life, highlighting the complexities and richness found within.
The Role of Call and Response in Community Building
Riley delves into the power of call and response in her work, emphasizing how it can shape collective experiences. She discusses the varying roles of leader and follower in call and response, underscoring the importance of collective engagement and individual introspection. Riley's approach aims to create spaces for different voices and perspectives within her text.
The Intersection of Fiction and Reality for Black Liberation
Riley examines the unique relationship between fiction and reality for Black liberation. She draws parallels between the liberation of enslaved ancestors and the preservation of their interior lives. Riley highlights the urgent call for examining interior lives, especially for Black individuals, as a means of reclaiming agency and confronting historical oppression.
Exploring the Intersection of Artistry and Liberation
Artistry, viewed as a divine skill of creation, holds a responsibility for artist to connect with humanity and contribute to the greater good by protecting peace. The podcast delves into the intrinsic connection between artistry and liberation, emphasizing the need for artists to embrace their role in safeguarding humanity and advocating for social justice. Through personal reflections and experiences shared, the episode underlines how being an artist entails more than creating, urging individuals to challenge narrow expectations and express their authenticity to impact change.
Navigating the Journey from Solitude to Collective Creativity
The podcast highlights the transformative power of collective creativity, shifting the perception of writing from a solitary act to a communal endeavor. By intertwining personal anecdotes and discussions on the importance of collective imagination, the episode emphasizes the significance of shared experiences in fostering creativity and liberation. It explores the notion that writing, often seen as an individual pursuit, thrives within the embrace of the collective, bridging connections and amplifying voices in the pursuit of collective liberation and creative expression.