Evidence of Being - The Black Gay Cultural Renaissance and the Politics of Violence

In the 1980s and 1990s, gay black men in Washington, DC, used creative expression to challenge views that marked them as unworthy of grief and forge a path toward bold new modes of existence. Darius Bost's account of the media, poetry, and performance of this time and place reveals a stunning confluence of activism and the arts.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 192 pages
Publication date: 21 December 2018
Publisher: The University of Chicago Press

In the 1980s, Washington, DC's gay black community faced a devastating combination of AIDS, the crack epidemic, and a series of unsolved murders. It appeared as if the government and mainstream culture had abandoned them. However, amidst this darkness, a remarkable new vision of community and hope emerged. Darius Bost's account of the media, poetry, and performance during this time provides a captivating insight into the intersection of activism and the arts. In Washington and New York, gay black men united, utilizing creative expression as a powerful tool to challenge the pervasive notions that deemed them undeserving of grief. They created art that not only enriched their lives but also reimagined their existence in the face of pain and neglect. At the same time, they forged a path toward bold new modes of existence.

Evidence of Being stands out as a corrective to the predominantly white male narratives of the AIDS crisis, offering an honest and compassionate portrayal of black gay life. It emphasizes the primacy of community over loneliness and hope over despair. Through his meticulous exploration of this period, Bost sheds light on the resilience and creativity of the gay black community, showcasing their ability to thrive in the face of adversity.

This book serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of community, activism, and the arts in shaping our understanding of society and advocating for change. It is a testament to the strength and resilience of the human spirit, even in the darkest of times.

Weight: 362g
Dimension: 154 x 230 x 12 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780226589824