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When it comes to understanding the intersection of race, identity, and literature, few platforms offer a more profound exploration than MahoganyBooks Front Row: The Podcast. In an episode that resonates with the deep chords of self-expression and cultural tapestry, Dr. Tony Keith Jr. and Rasheed Copeland take us on a journey that is as enlightening as it is personal.
The conversation begins with Dr. Tony Keith Jr., who introduces us to his world where poetry becomes a conduit for truth. His memoir, titled, How the Boogeyman Became a Poet, is more than a personal narrative; it is a reflection of years of introspection, discovery, and reconciliation. This pivotal change underscores the episode’s core message: that the written word is not just a form of entertainment, but a tool for transformation and resilience. This makes this book, though written for young adult audiences, just as profound for adult readers.
The conversation begins with Dr. Tony Keith Jr., who introduces us to his world where poetry becomes a conduit for truth. His memoir, titled, “How the Boogeyman Became a Poet,” is more than a personal story. It is a reflection of years of self-reflection, exploration, and reconciliation. The episode’s central message is that the written word is not only a source of entertainment but also a tool for transformation and resilience. This book, originally written for young adults, is just as meaningful for adult readers and the conversation held in this episode exemplifies why.
Dr. Keith’s discussions about code-switching and his use of African-American vernacular English (AAVE) in literature and academic settings go beyond a stylistic choice. They validate the voices of black and brown communities. Additionally, Dr. Keith explores the challenges faced by the Black gay community, particularly youth, in our homes and communities. His vulnerability, authenticity, and personal insight into this issue exemplify how writing can become a sanctuary for people struggling with identity. We are also treated to him reading from his book which further details how writing can create a space where internal conflicts and societal expectations can be arranged into stanzas that both challenge and comfort.
As the episode nears its conclusion, we reflect on the act of selective storytelling and the importance of choosing details that resonate with one’s journey, crafting a narrative that is both liberating and authentic. Further, we hear how the confrontation of racism, homophobia, and poverty through writing is a revolutionary act with the potential to unite, inspire, and free oneself from restraints others attempt to put on us.
MahoganyBooks Front Row: The Podcast, as highlighted in the closing chapter, serves as a reminder of the transformative impact African-American literature has on shaping narratives and influencing culture. The episode not only entertains but educates, leaving listeners with a deeper appreciation for the vibrant stories of African-American authors. This is one episode that will surely elicit multiple listens to unpack all of the gems Tony Keith and Rasheed Copeland share with us.
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Tony Keith Jr. is a Black American gay poet, spoken word artist, and hip-hop educational leader from Washington, DC. He is the author of the YA memoir in verse How the Boogeyman Became a Poet. Tony’s writings have appeared in the International Journal of Critical Media Literacy, the Journal of Black Masculinity, and many others. A multiyear Fellow of the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities with a Ph.D. in education from George Mason University, Tony is CEO of Ed Emcee Academy and lives with his husband, Harry Christian III, in his DC hometown. Visit him at tonykeithjr.com.
Rasheed Copeland is a native of Washington, DC. He is the author of The Book of Silence: Manhood as a Pseudoscience (Sergeant Press, 2015) and Mud Jubilee (Self, 2021) and is a multiple recipient of the DC Commission of the Arts and Humanities Fellowship Award. He has performed and facilitated writing workshops across the country and internationally. He placed 2nd in the world at the 2015 Individual World Poetry Slam. His work has been featured in online publications such as Poets.org, Split This Rock, and the Crab Orchard Review.
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