In the Griot Institute’s second book group meeting of the fall semester, J.T. Roane’s Dark Agoras: Insurgent Black Social Life and the Politics of Place was discussed in depth. The book explores how working-class Black communities created revolutionary spaces in 20th century Philadelphia, from refurbishing intimate spaces to deliberate liberatory acts aimed at reshaping the city in transformative ways.
Led by Dr. Fourshey and student intern Da’Mirah Vinson, the discussion focused on the historical, present, and potential use of space and place as spatial resistance that challenges those against a liberated Black community. Though one reader expressed frustration with the long sentences and heavy academic lingo, others called attention to the struggle present in the language as exposing the aspects of the black experience that can not be easily translated. The conversation was so lively that we were unable to get through the first chapter, so with that in mind–
J.T. Roane will be coming to Bucknell through the Griot Institute for a workshop and talk next semester. Keep up with the Griot Institute for updates on this and other upcoming events!