The Ultimate Holiday Book Gift Guide

Fans of The Roots are getting an intimate look into the early life of the group's co-founder, Tariq "Black Thought" Trotter, in his memoir "The Upcycled Self." The Philadelphia native joins Writing Black to talk about the love stories he says have shaped him into one of hip-hop's most treasured MCs. Black Thought also shares why now was the time to reveal his most vulnerable side to the world.

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Grammy Award-Winning artist Rhiannon Giddens has always been vocal about Black people's pivotal role in the origins of country music. The conversation surrounding those contributions has reignited as Beyoncé's new music debuted at the top of the country charts. Giddens plays banjo on Beyoncé's track "Texas Hold 'Em," and during her conversation with Writing Black hosty Maiysha Kai, Giddens shares that the instrument's history is "Blackity Black". The pair also discuss Gidden's projects, including an opera about an enslaved man and her first children's book. This conversation was originally recorded in October of 2022. 

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The complexity of being multiethnic is explored in this powerful conversation between host Maiysha Kai and theGrio's Natasha Alford. "American Negra" is part memoir, part cultural analysis, and all truth as Alford shares her experience navigating two worlds. Not just culturally but also economically. Alford talks life after Harvard and the immense pressure she felt post-graduation; she also gets vulnerable about her recent health struggles.  This Grio crossover is full of Black girl magic. 

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The restaurant chain Slutty Vegan has become an empire because its founder Pinky Cole refused to give up when life continued to tell her "no." Cole is now on a mission to share her struggles, hoping it will inspire people to pivot when they hit a roadblock. Her book, "I Hope You Fail," is an unfiltered how-to-guide that will keep your attention and leave you feeling motivated. Maiysha Kia and Cole talk her writing process, and dig into the dark times that eventually led to success.

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Books make great gifts, and Maiysha Kai is here to help make your holiday shopping easier. She's curated a list of nearly 70 different titles that will work for kids, teens, and people interested in history, cooking, fiction, and more. The Writing Black Holiday Book Gift Guide is just what you need to share the love of reading with someone special. 

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NBA All-Star and 2-time Olympic Gold Medalist Chris Paul joins Writing Black to discuss the vulnerability it took to write his book "Sixty-One." The book centers on the impact Paul's grandfather had on him. Affectionately known as "Papa," he was tragically murdered at the age of 61, the day after Paul signed his letter of intent to play college basketball at Wake Forest. Paul talks about writing the book during the pandemic as the country was going through racial turmoil following the death of George Floyd. He also touches on his commitment to criminal justice reform and the impact mass incarceration has had on Black Americans. 

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With an impressive Hollywood career spanning decades, Jada Pinkett Smith reminds the world that she's much more than salacious rumors and speculation about her marriage. Jada joins Maiysha Kai to dive into her memoir "Worthy," which is an honest and deeply personal look at her upbringing, the family she's created, and her journey to self-worth. Jada doesn't hold back as she discusses the infamous Oscar slap, the dehumanization of Black women, and her undeniable bond with Tupac Shakur.

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theGrio Black Podcast Network is proud to announce that two of our original podcasts, Being Black: The '80s and theGrio Daily, have received nominations from The Lovie Awards for their outstanding work. Click here to vote for Touré and here to vote for Michael Harriot and spread the word! Let's show the world we value Black storytelling. 

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Brace yourselves for a raw and unfiltered conversation with the iconic and world-famous Wypipologist and theGrio Daily host Michael Harriot, famed for his Black Twitter presence and unfiltered takes. Maiysha and Michael dive deep into his book "Black AF History," where he doesn't hold back in addressing vital issues within the Black community, his upbringing, and his love for Black people and Black history. 

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Maiysha Kai sits down with iconic model and activist Bethann Hardison. Discover the transformative power of Hardison's documentary, "Invisible Beauty," and hear firsthand accounts of her journey through the fashion industry as a Black woman. The two discuss reshaping beauty standards, the importance of fostering diversity, and the road ahead for the industry. 

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