The Root Presents: It's Lit!

We're taking a brief break, but please don't leave us. We'll be back soon!

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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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This week we're talking with the talented fantasy author, Namina Forna, about her debut YA novel The Gilded Ones, which was an instant New York Times bestseller. Listen to hear Namina talk about why she's so passionate about writing for the fantasy and YA genres, and how her upbringing in Sierra Leone and Georgia influenced the stunning first book in her upcoming trilogy, which has already been optioned for a film adaptation.

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This week we're talking to the talented and hilarious Yvonne Orji on the show. Many people know Yvonne best for her Emmy-nominated portrayal of Molly Carter on HBO's Insecure, but Yvonne also happens to be a stand-up comedian and now author as well. Listen to hear Yvonne talk about writing her new memoir, Bamboozled By Jesus: How God Tricked Me into the Life of My Dreams, as well as how her faith has carried her throughout her career.

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This week we have the brilliant author and political commentator Keith Boykin on the show to talk about his 5th and latest book, Race Against Time: The Politics of a Darkening America. Listen to hear Keith talk about what motivated him to write this particular book at this particular point in history, and why it's more important now than ever for both sides of the aisle to take the Black vote more seriously. Keith is CNN political commentator, an award-winning and New York Times bestselling author, and the co-founder and first board president of the National Black Justice Coalition.

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This week we have Beasts of Prey author Ayana Gray on the show. Ayana's debut novel has already generated a ton of buzz, including from the esteemed O Magazine, Kirkus Reviews, and Netflix—which is already working on the film adaptation. Listen to hear Ayana talk about what inspired the sweeping Pan-African-inspired fantasy, how she feels the YA genre has evolved over the past 15 years, and how she finds the discipline to finish these epic novels. 

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