Damon Young provides the reader a look at the peculiarities of the Blackness from a Black male perspective with a mix of honesty, hubris and humor. Certainly, these essays will resonate with those in the tribe. But, the prose is inviting enough to pull in any reader interested in the lives lived from the edge. Damon names the introduction, Living While Black Is An Extreme Sport and writes,
“This hypercognizance of both my blackness and what the possession of blackness in America is supposed to mean has created a n#**a neurosis—a state of being where Did that happen because I’m black? and If this is happening because I’m Black, how am I supposed to react as a Professional Black Person? are never not pertinent questions.”
It is this neurosis that informs this book of memoir through essays. His voice is valuable and valorous, for Living While Black can indeed be a battle as Damon declares with examples galore from his own life. The one thing that rankled me, is the use and vigorous defense of the N word. I’ve heard all the excuses, explanations, etc. for the continued use of it and I’m not buying any of it. However, that’s my personal issue and doesn’t keep me from recommending this book. Read, laugh, learn and reflect.
