Third Place Books is jazzed to welcome KEXP's Martin Douglas to our Ravenna store! Douglas will be discussing the new anthology, Black Punk Now, an anthology of contemporary nonfiction, fiction, illustrations, and comics that collectively describe punk today and give Black punks a wider frame of reference. It shows all of the strains, styles, and identities of Black punk that are thriving, and gives newcomers to the scene more chances to see themselves. Douglas will be joined in conversation by local multi-disciplinary artist and founding member of Black Constellation, Maikoiyo Alley-Barnes. This event is free and open to the public (to veteran punks, beginner punks, and non-punks alike).
Larry Mizell, Jr., originally scheduled to moderate this event, is no longer able to attend due to a scheduling conflict. We apologize for any inconvenience.
For important updates, registration is highly recommended in advance. This event will include a public signing and time for audience Q&A. Sustain our author series by purchasing a copy of the featured book!
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Black Punk Now is an anthology of contemporary nonfiction, fiction, illustrations, and comics that collectively describe punk today and give punks—especially the Black ones—a wider frame of reference. It shows all of the strains, styles, and identities of Black punk that are thriving, and gives newcomers to the scene more chances to see themselves.
Curated from the perspective of Black writers with connections to the world of punk, the collection mixes media as well as generations, creating a new reference point for music-lovers, readers, and historians by capturing the present and looking towards the future. With strong visual elements integrated throughout, this smart, intimate collection is demonstrative of punk by being punk itself: underground, rebellious, aesthetic but not static—working to decenter whiteness by prioritizing other perspectives.
Edited by graphic novelist and filmmaker James Spooner, and author Chris L. Terry, contributors to the collection include critic Hanif Abdurraqib and Mars Dixon, conversations with Brontez Purnell, and a roundtable of all femme festival organizers.
"Engaging and original . . . This is a fresh new collection of captivating writing and interviews about a vital, vibrant music and political scene."
—Allison Escoto, Booklist
"With graphics, short stories, poems, lyrics, conversations, commentary, and notes on how capitalism naturally tries to co-opt cultural scenes and how Black punks naturally resist it, the anthology is a cornucopia of righteous resistance, both fun to read and energetically provocative . . . Great reading for punks of every persuasion, who, one hopes, will take it and change the world."
—Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
“A testament to the often challenging experience of being an outsider, and the joy of finding a sense of belonging. These are the stories I wish I heard when I was growing up.”
—Nabil Ayers, author of My Life in the Sunshine
"Black Punk Now delivers a unique literary experience, full of sociopolitical insights, arresting visuals, and limitless imagination. By turns sharp, rousing, delightful, and electric, this is an anthology to savor."
—Dawnie Walton, author of The Final Revival of Opal & Nev
“In Black Punk Now Spooner and Terry have given voice, sound, fury and shape to all things Black and BIPOC punk. Equal parts how-to guide, field manual, and encyclopedic anthology comprising essays, short stories, interviews, memories, and graphic novel panels. From the historical origins of those who paved the way, to those individuals and groups carrying the torch and keeping the flame alive. To have such an emotive, resonant, and necessary resource is as revolutionary as those of us melanated 'outsiders' who defy convention, stereotype, hyphenate ,or box with our very being.”
—Justin Warfield, musician and hip hop MC, She Wants Revenge
Martin Douglas has been a proper music journalist since 2010. He has written for publications such as Pitchfork, MTV News, and respected music blog Passion of the Weiss, as well as many others. Martin currently lives in North Seattle and works as a staff reporter for KEXP, where he authors the long-running Pacific Northwest music column “Throwaway Style" and served as co-host and co-producer of the Webby Honoree podcast Fresh off the Spaceship. His contribution to Black Punk Now, "Confessions of a Black Rock 'n Roll Critic," is his first completed work of fiction.
Maikoiyo Anabi Alley-Barnes is a multimedia artist, curator, filmmaker, writer, and designer exploring the resonance of genetic cultural memory through the mundane and the mystical. Alley-Barnes’ practice offers meditative narratives that reflect his fascination with, admiration for, and immersion in the aesthetic, ritual and continuum that is the African Diaspora. Be it through his headdress and mask work, pelts, or unique brand of sculpture named refuse alchemy, central to Alley-Barnes’ practice is a desire to bring a more visceral, lush, and sensual sensibility to our day-to-day lives. Alley-Barnes is a founding member of the multidisciplinary creative collective Black Constellation. Alley-Barnes lives and works in Seattle.
Want a signed edition of the featured book, but can't make it to the event? Order through our website or over the phone, and write your request for a signature or personalization in the comments field at checkout. Please call the hosting store if you're placing your order within 24 hours of the event.
Third Place Books Events Code of Conduct: Third Place Books is committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of event attendees and guest authors, during both online and in-store events. By registering for this event, you are agreeing to refrain from engaging in inappropriate behavior and harassment of any kind throughout the course of this event (i.e. racial slurs, profanity, hate speech, spam comments, etc.). Please note that any participants who engage in inappropriate behavior or harassment of any kind will be immediately ejected from the event.
For media inquiries, access inquiries, or questions about our Covid-19 policies, please email events@thirdplacebooks.com or call our Lake Forest Park store at (206) 366-3311.
