Outskirts Press, INC.

A SATIRICAL AFRICAN-AMERICAN PERSPECTIVE SET TO A JAZZ-LIKE RHYTHM

In this biting and thought-provoking collection of essays, educator and comic Clen Vance turns a wry eye on a whole range of topics including Venus and Serena Williams; Jeremiah Wright; Bill Cosby; and Barack Obama. In “(W)right or Racist,” Vance asks what really worried America about the message of Obama’s controversial preacher during the 2008 campaign, skewering the media, politicians — and even the then-candidate’s own gun-shy supporters. “Not So Precious” examines the self-hating, disingenuous and retro themes in the critically acclaimed movie Precious. And in “Still Bill,” Vance reappraises the African American community’s backlash against Bill Cosby, finding the entertainer’s eyebrow-raising comments anything but out of line. Through it all, Vance leavens his sharp insight with a savvy wit, wide historical context, and personal experiences here in America and a remarkable trip to Africa. Funny, Black, and Intelligent is a cross between Ralph Wiley and Bill Cosby — with a touch of Malcolm X — that will make you laugh, shake your head, or even shout.

From 14 Days in Africa, standing at the door of no return visiting the slave castles "i felt weak in the knees. i was overwhelmed with the idea that i was the answer to my ancestors' prayers. I was back home. We are them. Spirits in the vessel of a body." From Wright or Racist, "But Barack could not think or talk like Wright, because he was not Jeremiah Wright. he had not experienced what Jeremiah wright and his generation had felt." From I never thought i would be a teacher, "I teach developmental math because it is a blessing and a calling."