Hanif Abdurraqib, an award-winning poet and cultural critic from Columbus, dives deep into what it truly means to 'make it' in a world rife with inequality. He candidly shares his own financial struggles, including a harrowing eviction experience, and the weight of moral judgments tied to success. The conversation shifts to the importance of community, the impact of grief on creativity, and redefining success beyond materialism. Hanif also emphasizes the power of storytelling to celebrate resilience in marginalized communities.
Hanif Abdurraqib highlights the distinction between being broke and being poor, emphasizing the deeper struggles tied to eviction and instability.
His commitment to redistributing income for community welfare showcases a profound shift from individual wealth to collective responsibility and support.
Deep dives
The Distinction Between Being Broke and Being Poor
There is a significant distinction between being broke and being poor, as illustrated by the experience of Hanif Abdurraqib. Being broke often refers to temporary financial setbacks, while being poor reflects a prolonged state of instability, where basic needs are uncertain. Abdurraqib recounts his experience of losing his job and facing eviction, which forced him into creative living arrangements, such as sleeping in a storage unit while trying to maintain some semblance of normalcy. This contrast highlights the complexity of financial struggles and the societal perceptions that often accompany them.
The Impact of Eviction and Rebuilding Life
The challenges associated with eviction are not widely discussed, particularly the process of rebuilding one's life afterward. Abdurraqib emphasizes that after losing everything, starting over demands immense effort and resilience. He describes the emotional toll of going from having many possessions to the feeling of complete loss, which complicates the path to regaining stability. This journey between two states of existence lays bare the hidden struggles faced by many who experience eviction.
Navigating Identity Through Economic Challenges
Abdurraqib's youth involved significant legal troubles fueled by economic difficulties, leading to feelings of disconnection from his family and community. His drive for material possessions and acceptance by different social circles led him to theft, marking a tumultuous period where he sought validation through materialism. This desire for belonging illuminated the conflicts between identity, economic status, and relationships with others. His narrative connects personal actions with broader societal pressures that define success and acceptance.
Philosophies of Giving and Community Investment
Abdurraqib's evolving relationship with money reflects a deep commitment to community and social equity rather than individual wealth accumulation. After experiencing financial success, he chose to redistribute much of his earnings to support local organizations and initiatives, highlighting a philosophy rooted in community welfare. This approach underscores a belief that personal success should benefit the collective, making investments in the places and people he cares about. Ultimately, his decisions illustrate a crucial shift from self-interest to community responsibility, reinforcing the notion that thriving communities require investment at all levels.
For our season premiere, we’re sharing a conversation with one of our favorite writers, Hanif Abdurraqib. He joins Reema for a wide-ranging conversation about the moral judgments we’re quick to make about people’s financial circumstances, notions of success and legacy, and what it means to be “good” versus “bad” in an unequal world. Hanif also reveals one of the most challenging financial moments of his life and the reasons behind his commitment to giving away so much of his income.
Hanif is an award-winning poet, cultural critic and author from Columbus, Ohio. He’s written six books, several of which are bestsellers, including his most recent, “There’s Always This Year.” His work spans sports, pop culture and politics, often focusing on issues of race and class, while also delving into themes of grief, beauty and love. He’s been the recipient of a MacArthur Foundation “genius grant” and a finalist for the National Book Award, among other accolades.
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