I've been working on my debut book, BLACK GENIUS, since Spring 2021—built on the strength of my writing in Rolling Stone, Washington Post, Slate, The Grio, San Francisco Chronicle, Atlanta Blackstar, Philly Mag, and more—but in reality, I've been working on it for the better part of my life. It consists of my thoughts on what has defined Black American cultural genius over the course of history, covering education, the internet, video games, music, comic books, family, and more—but above all, it's a long-form love letter to what we've individually and collectively done as a Black community.

SYNOPSIS: BLACK GENIUS sits at the heart of the American story. In his probing essay collection, BLACK GENIUS, cultural critic Tre Johnson examines how Black American culture has, against all odds, been the lifeblood of American ingenuity. At times using his own personal and professional stories, Johnson surveys Black cities, communities, and schools with an ever-watchful eye on what transpires around Black mobility.

With a passion for complex storytelling and pulling from both pop culture and American history, Johnson weaves past and present making his case for the genius of innovation. As he examined his findings, Johnson couldn’t help but wonder about the brilliance of the everyday. Specifically, the creativity of the 90’s graffiti-style airbrush tee, his aunties packed weekend bus trips to Atlantic City, and the razor-tongued, socially-sharp, profanity-laced monologues of comedian Dick Gregory.

Again and again, he asks us to ponder—are these not obvious examples of genius?

Chatty yet profound, BLACK GENIUS subverts expectations from the very first page with a blend of reportage, historical data, and pop culture as Johnson dives into his own family history seeking big answers to complex questions. Johnson’s signature wit and curiosity turns history into an amusing sequence of events.