E.53 On Afropessimism Part 1of 2 | Frank B. Wilderson III

Today’s episode is with award-winning writer, scholar and activist Frank B. Wilderson III. Frank is known as the Godfather of Afropessimism: a critical theory that positions anti-blackness as the antidote for the psychic well-being of society. Did that sound heady? Well, pull out our pen and paper. Frank’s curiosity and fearlessness in revealing hard truths, takes us on a scholarly journey that will surely require some unpacking.

In part one of today’s episode, Frank reminds us to be fearless in the pursuit of knowledge, even if that knowledge reveals unhealthy truths. Strap in, as Frank takes us on a ride exploring the foundational tenets Afropessimism along with his own thoughts about reconciliation, activism, and what it means to be a Black individual living in a state of social consciousness and racial reckoning.

People and ideas mentioned
More information on what is Afropessimism
Jared Sexton - Professor, African American Studies
Marxism thought of Karl Marx
Professor David Marriott History of Consciousness
Historical and cultural sociologist Orlando Patterson

What to Read
Afropessimism by Frank B. Wilderson
Incognegro: A Memoir of Exile and Apartheid by Frank B. Wilderson III
The Future Is Black: Afropessimism, Fugitivity, and Radical Hope in Education by Michael J. Dumas, Carl A. Grant, Ashley N. Woodson
Whither Fanon?: Studies in the Blackness of Being by David Marriott
Slavery and Social Death: A Comparative Study, with a New Preface by Orlando Patterson
The Autobiography of Medgar Evers: A Hero's Life and Legacy Revealed Through His Writings, Letters, and Speeches by Manning Marable, Myrlie Evers-Williams

What to listen to
Fight the Power – Public Enemy
Hell You Talmbout – Janelle Monae and Wondaland Records
This is America – Childish Gambino
Inner City Blues (Make Me Wanna Holler) – Marvin Gaye

Who to follow
Follow Frank B. Wilderson III on IG @frank_wilderson
Visit his website here.

This conversation was recorded on August 11th, 2022.

Host Dario Calmese
Producer: Coniqua Johnson
Visual Art Direction and Designs:
River Wildmen, AfroVisualism
Director of Digital Content: Vicky Garcia
Bookings: K.T. Thompson

Original Music composed by Adam Radice
Audio Edited by Adam Radice
Visit us at blackimagination.com