All Of It - Episode Summary: Get Lit Preview with Imani Perry on 'Black and How a Color Tells the Story of My People'

Hosted by Alison Stewart, WNYC's "All Of It" delves into the intricate tapestry of culture and its creators. In the February 3, 2025 episode, titled "Get Lit Preview: Imani Perry on 'Black in Blues'," Alison Stewart engages in a profound conversation with National Book Award-winning author Imani Perry. This episode offers listeners an insightful exploration into Perry's latest work, examining the multifaceted role of the color blue in Black American culture.

Introduction to the Book Club Selection

Alison Stewart opens the episode by announcing the February "Get Lit" book club selection: Black and How a Color Tells the Story of My People by Imani Perry. She provides an overview of the book, highlighting its exploration of the relationship between Black Americans and the color blue. Topics range from the historical significance of indigo dye in the slave trade to the influence of R&B music on contemporary culture. Stewart also mentions an upcoming in-person and virtual event with Perry scheduled for Wednesday, February 26th, encouraging listeners to obtain tickets and access an e-copy of the book through the New York Public Library partnership.

Imani Perry on the Significance of Blue

Timestamp: [01:31]

Alison Stewart introduces Imani Perry, initiating a discussion about Perry's inspiration for focusing on the color blue in her book. Perry shares a personal anecdote, stating:

"My grandmother's bedroom, which was the first home that I lived in, was blue with blue drapes and blue prayers in the corners of the mirror. ...the blues and the kind of recurrence of blue and black folk culture... it was just present in a way that appeared to me."
— Imani Perry [01:31]

Perry elaborates on how blue serves as a portal to understanding Black culture, intertwining personal memories with broader cultural symbols like blue porches in South Carolina.

The Dual Nature of Blue

Timestamp: [02:21]

Stewart probes deeper into the emotional associations of blue, questioning its status as a beloved yet sometimes melancholic color. Perry responds thoughtfully:

"I think because it’s contrapuntal. It can capture both sadness and joy. It's the color of the waters and the skies... It has this ability to resonate in multiple ways. I think of it as the world."
— Imani Perry [02:21]

She emphasizes blue’s versatility, highlighting its representation of both warmth and coldness, such as "blue flames" and "blue ice," which allows it to embody a wide spectrum of human emotions and experiences.

Excerpt: "Writing in Color"

Timestamp: [02:55 - 05:47]

In a pivotal segment, Alison invites Imani Perry to read from her book, specifically the section titled "Writing in Color." Perry narrates:

"In the beginning, when I was just calling this my blue book, I read books and essays about colors... I didn’t want to write an exegesis on blue, I realized I wanted to write toward the mystery of blue and its alchemy in the lives of black folk... the blues are our sensibility... These concepts can’t fully capture important truths, like how at the heart of being black is a testimony about the universal power of existence."
— Imani Perry [02:55 - 05:47]

She articulates her intention to move beyond academic descriptions, aiming to weave a narrative that captures the essence and lived experiences of being Black through the lens of the color blue. Perry describes her writing process as akin to "quilting," where disparate stories and elements are harmoniously brought together to form a cohesive and resonant whole.

Research Process Behind the Book

Timestamp: [06:05]

Alison Stewart inquires about Perry's research methodology for exploring a color. Perry details a multifaceted approach:

"I would come upon a story... led me to archival records and also to physical locations... personal narratives, stories, newspapers... Once I came upon something that I wanted to focus on, then I went to a lot of different types of material... like quilting, you pull these pieces together..."
— Imani Perry [06:05]

She illustrates her research as an engaging and delightful process, integrating various sources to uncover and piece together the cultural significance of blue within Black history and identity.

Highlighting Cultural Threads: Congo's Influence

Timestamp: [07:41]

Stewart asks Perry if there's a particular aspect of her book she'd like readers to emphasize. Perry highlights the influence of Congo culture:

"I do hope people pay closer attention to perhaps is the way in which Congo culture is threaded through the Kingdom of Congo... the way in which Congo culture shaped African American culture in the South... these threads of connection are really important to me."
— Imani Perry [07:41]

She underscores the importance of understanding the historical and cultural connections between African origins and African American experiences, particularly how Congo's cultural heritage has permeated and influenced Black culture in the United States.

Upcoming Event and Conclusion

Alison Stewart concludes the episode by reminding listeners of the upcoming "Get Lit" event featuring Imani Perry on February 26th at 6 PM. She encourages New Yorkers to secure their tickets and access an e-copy of the book through the New York Public Library. Stewart expresses gratitude to listeners and signs off, setting the stage for a community-focused exploration of culture and storytelling.

Notable Quotes:

• "I think blue is contrapuntal. It can capture both sadness and joy."
  — Imani Perry [02:21]

• "I wanted to offer truth with a heartbeat."
  — Imani Perry [04:15] (Excerpted from "Writing in Color")

• "These threads of connection are really important to me."
  — Imani Perry [07:41]

Final Thoughts

This episode of "All Of It" offers a nuanced examination of how a single color—blue—can encapsulate the complex narratives of Black American identity and history. Imani Perry's insights provide listeners with a deeper appreciation for the symbolic power of color in cultural storytelling, making this episode a must-listen for those interested in the intersections of art, history, and personal narrative.