Census, the White non-Hispanic population stood at 57.8 percent, a decline of six percent since 2010. Your thoughts about that…īob: The nation is becoming increasingly diverse, in terms of ethnicity, as we speak. What’s it about and what’s its message? And where did that title come from?īob: As a white male, what gives you the right – the authority – to write about issues of race and gender? And why do you feel it is important to do so?īob In the atmosphere in which live today, with so much division, and yes, ethnic and racial hatred, what role can we, as authors, play in helping to ease these tensions and improve understanding among those with differing views regarding these subjects.īob: To me, one of the most important issues that we face today is the growing diversity of our country, which I believe is at the root of much of the division we face. Thanks for joining us, Ciahnan…īob: To get started, Ciahnan, tell us about Blood at the Root. These are important topics, so I’m pleased to welcome Ciahnan Darrell to our podcast. His story 'What Remains' was nominated for a Pushcart Prize by Rum Punch Press.Ĭiahnan holds Masters degrees from the University of Chicago and Stony Brook University, and a PhD in Comparative Literature from the University at Buffalo.īoth his creative work and his scholarly research explore systemic inequality and the ways in which discourse on race and gender shape the horizons of individual and social life. I’m with Ciahnan (Keenan) Darrell, author of the new book, Blood at the Root, and we’re going to talk about the role literature and the arts can play in promoting social justice.Īccording to Justin Gifford, associate professor of English at the University of Nevada, Blood at the Root “is a sharp-witted social satire that takes unflinching aim at race and class privilege in contemporary America.”Īn award-winning author, and scholar, Ciahnan’s first book was the award-winning “A Lifetime of Men.” His short stories and essays have appeared in several journals, most recently in The Columbia Review, Gone Lawn, and The Legendary. Today we have something a little different for you.

A Lifetime of Men by Ciahnan Darrell