Donald Glover’s This is America: A Reading List

Childish Gambino's "This is America" directed by Hiro Murai [heads up: includes graphic violence and disturbing scenes]

On May 5, Donald Glover (aka Childish Gambino) released "This is America," now trending with upwards of 65 million views. This hypnotic, multi-layered project alternates between enthralling and shocking its viewers. Shifts in lighting, tone, and tempo emphasize (and distract from) the stark tension between the foreground and background action and demand repeated viewings. As an indictment of the ongoing legacy of slavery, the exploitation of Black culture and music, and the violence and fear that informs everyday Black experience, Glover's brilliant video includes subtle (and not-so-subtle) references to Jim Crow, the Charleston massacre and Jordon Peele's Get Out. The video features backing vocals by Blocboy JB, Slim Jxmmi, Young Thug, and 21 Savage and is directed by Hiro Murai. The multi-talented Glover is also the creator and star of the award-winning television series Atlanta. This video has generated much commentary. Some of the best analyses: The Guardian, Rolling Stone, The New York Times, The Toronto Star, and The Globe.

Canadian viewers of "This is America" may find much in this discussion that relates to communities outside the USA.

Here is a reading list available at the Toronto Public Library to get you started:

Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates

book
Large Print
Audiobook CD
ebook
eAudiobook
CD Talking Book (restricted to print disabled patrons)

I've Been Meaning to Tell You: A Letter to My Daughter by David Chariandy

book

Policing Black Lives: State Violence in Canada From Slavery to the Present by Robyn Maynard. Maynard was a recent panelist at the Toronto Public Library last February.