Americans have been raised on a system of myths about race. We’ve invented stories to explain what we don’t understand, and it’s our belief in these often preposterous ideas that have shaped history. In A More Perfect Reunion, Calvin Baker seeks to dispel these myths as he writes about four key moments of racial awakening in American history, offering a solution and a path to move towards an integrated society.

About the Author

Calvin Baker is the author of four novels, including Grace and Dominion, which was a finalist for the Hurston-Wright Award. He teaches in Columbia University’s Graduate School of the Arts, and has also taught in the English Department at Yale University, the University of Leipzig, where he held the Picador Chair in American Studies, Long Island University, Graduate Department of English where he was a Distinguished Visiting Professor, Bard College, and Middlebury College. His nonfiction work has appeared in Harper’s and the New York Times Magazine. He lives in Brooklyn.

Episode Credits:

This episode was produced by Andrew Dunn and Amanda Stern. It was edited, mixed and sound-designed by Andrew Dunn who also created Bookable's chill vibe. Our host is Amanda Stern. Beau Friedlander is Bookable's executive producer and editor in chief of Loud Tree Media.

Music:

"Books That Bounce" by Rufus Canis, "Uni Swing Vox" by Rufus Canis, "Rich Man's Road" by The Outview, "Progress" by Keen Collective, "Caña" by Sun Shapes, "Proclaim The Dawn" by LandMrks, "Days of the Blackbird" by Pierpaolo Ranieri.

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