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Damien M. Sojoyner

Joy and Pain: A Story of Black Life and Liberation in Five Albums

Joy and Pain: A Story of Black Life and Liberation in Five Albums

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  • More about Joy and Pain: A Story of Black Life and Liberation in Five Albums

In Joy and Pain, Damien M. Sojoyner explores the carceral state's impact on young Black lives and how Black Americans resist, find joy, and cultivate new visions for the future. The book is structured as a "record collection" of five "albums," featuring Marley's personal encounters with everyday aspects of the carceral state and offering deeper context through anthropological and archival research.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 248 pages
Publication date: 01 November 2022
Publisher: University of California Press


A poignant exploration of the carceral state's profound impact on the daily lives of young Black individuals, and the resilient ways in which Black Americans resist, find joy, and envision new futures.

At the Southern California Library, a community organization and archive of radical and progressive movements, the author encounters Marley, a young man whose story vividly portrays the overwhelming nature of Black precarity in the twenty-first century. Through the lenses of housing, education, healthcare, social services, and juvenile detention, Damien M. Sojoyner highlights the myriad challenges faced by Black communities. However, it is essential to recognize that Black life goes beyond precarity; it encompasses social visions of radical freedom that enable individuals to pursue a life of joy and fulfillment, transcending oppressive systems.

This innovative book is structured as a "record collection" of five "albums," each offering a unique perspective on Marley's experiences within the carceral state. On the one hand, the ethnographic A side provides a personal and intimate account of Marley's encounters with everyday aspects of this system. On the other hand, the anthropological and archival B side offers deeper context and insights through an anthropological lens.

In "Joy and Pain," Marley's experiences at the intersection of history and the contemporary political moment invite readers to imagine more expansive and inclusive futures. Through his story, we witness the resilience and creativity of Black communities in the face of adversity, as they strive to create a world where their voices are heard, their rights are respected, and their lives are valued.

This book serves as a powerful testament to the ongoing struggle for Black liberation and a call to action for all who seek to build a more just and equitable society. It reminds us that Black life is rich in history, culture, and resilience, and that it is essential to honor and celebrate these qualities as we work towards a brighter future for all.

Weight: 324g
Dimension: 153 x 229 x 19 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780520390423

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