Mark Christian Thompson
Krieger-Eisenhower Professor and English professor at Johns Hopkins University, scholar of African American literature and philosophy and author of Phenomenal Blackness: Black Power, Philosophy, and Theory.
Best podcasts with Mark Christian Thompson
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Jan 17, 2026 • 1h 2min
Mark Christian Thompson, "Phenomenal Blackness: Black Power, Philosophy, and Theory" (U Chicago Press, 2022)
Mark Christian Thompson, a scholar of African American literature and philosophy at Johns Hopkins University, dives into his book, exploring the evolution of Black thought from sociological to aesthetic frameworks. He discusses the significance of African American writers like Baldwin and Baraka, emphasizing language as a vital tool for community and identity. Thompson also examines critical figures like Malcolm X and Angela Davis, shedding light on their unique approaches to Black political thought and the interplay between theory and action in the quest for liberation.
Jan 17, 2026 • 1h 2min
Mark Christian Thompson, "Phenomenal Blackness: Black Power, Philosophy, and Theory" (U Chicago Press, 2022)
Mark Christian Thompson, Krieger-Eisenhower Professor of English at Johns Hopkins University, delves into his book, Phenomenal Blackness. He explores the evolution from sociological to phenomenological perspectives in African American thought, highlighting figures like James Baldwin and Amiri Baraka. Thompson emphasizes the importance of language in cultural expression and critiques essentialism through Malcolm X's strategies. He discusses how thinkers like Angela Davis merge philosophy with activism, showcasing the need for criticisms that drive political change.
