On this Special MLK Day Episode R3 interviews the Co-Author of The Book Pro Wrestling's Black World Champions David L. Shabazz who is also a professor at Kentucky State an HBCW. David is the brother of Julian L. D. Shabazz, who died on June 14, 2020, at the age of 52. Wrestling book fans may recognize Julian as the author of Black Stars of Professional Wrestling. Originally published in 1999, the encyclopedia-like primer contained short profiles on many of the African Americans who have stepped into the squared circle going back to the 19th century. The book went on to a third edition printing in 2019.
While going through his brother’s possessions, David found a PDF file that Julian had created called, Pro Wrestling’s Black World Champions. The document was inspired by an article Julian had written for Kayfabe Magazine, entitled “Pro Wrestling’s Black World Champs: A Short History.” Julian had been inspired to expand and revise his original article. When David found the document, he felt he could update the file and “give a little more meat” to it so that it could be released in book form. The book, published by Awesome Records and co-authored by the brothers, was released on July 22, 2022.