The Root Presents: It's Lit‪!‬ The Root

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This week we're talking with the co-founders of Black Nerd Problems, Omar Holmon and William Evans, about their aptly named new book, Black Nerd Problems. Listen to hear the talented poets and writers talk about how their new collection of essays came to be, their opinions on everything from X-Men's Storm to Candyman, and why it's so important to embrace nerd-dom.

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This week we're joined by Nathan Harris, whose debut novel, The Sweetness of Water, has been a breakout hit of 2021. Not only was the book an instant New York Times bestseller, but it was also an Oprah's Book Club pick, named on Barack Obama's Summer 2021 Reading List, and has been longlisted for the Man Booker Prize. Listen to hear Nathan talk about how he went about capturing the different characters he created, and why he chose to write about the post-Civil War era of history.

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This week we're talking with Emmy Award-winning actress, singer, TV show host, and writer, Keke Palmer. Though Keke is perhaps best known for her roles in films like Akeelah and the Bee, Hustlers and the Scream Queens series, Keke is also an accomplished writer. She's recently partnered with romance novelist Jasmine Guillory to produce a collection of short stories, called Southern Belle Insults, which is available to listen to or read for free on Amazon. Listen to hear Keke talk about how the character of Lady Miss Jacqueline came to be, and where she hopes to take her next.

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This week we have the pleasure of being joined by the very funny and talented Gina Yashere. Gina is a standup comedian, TV writer, and actress. She has three self-produced comedy specials, is well known as the British Correspondent on The Daily Show with Trevor Noah, and is also known for writing and performing on CBS’s sitcom Bob Hearts Abishola. Now, Gina has a memoir out titled Cack-Handed, which details her Nigerian British upbringing, and her hard-won career success.

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This week we're talking with award-winning historian Dr. Keisha N. Blain about her latest book, Until I Am Free: Fannie Lou Hamer's Enduring Message to America. Listen to hear Dr. Blain talk about why she felt compelled to tell the story of Fannie Lou Hamer, and what most people don't realize about the significance of the complicated activist's legacy.

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