Jelani Cobb Talk Easy With Sam Fragoso

Cover Jelani Cobb Talks His New Book ‘The Essential Kerner Commission Report (1280x720)

Table of Contents

1. Early Life and Education
2. Career as a Writer
3. Books and Publications
4. Awards and Recognition
5. Impact on Society

Early Life and Education

Jelani Cobb was born on June 7, 1969, in Queens, New York City. He grew up in Jamaica, Queens, where he attended public schools. Later, he graduated from Howard University with a Bachelor of Arts in history. He then received his Ph.D. in American History from Rutgers University.

Cobb's doctoral dissertation explored the ways that the South African apartheid regime used segregation as a tool of social control.

Career as a Writer

After completing his Ph.D., Cobb began his career as a writer. He wrote for several newspapers, including The New York Times, The Washington Post, and The Village Voice. He also wrote for several online publications, including The Root and The Huffington Post.

Cobb has been a staff writer at The New Yorker since 2015. His work has covered a wide range of topics, including race, politics, and culture.

Books and Publications

Cobb has published several books throughout his career. In 2015, he published his first book, The Substance of Hope: Barack Obama and the Paradox of Progress. The book explores Obama's presidency and the challenges he faced as the first African American president of the United States.

In 2017, Cobb published his second book, To the Break of Dawn: A Freestyle on the Hip Hop Aesthetic. The book explores the cultural and political significance of hip hop music.

Cobb has also contributed essays to several anthologies, including The Best American Essays, The Best American Science Writing, and The Best American Sports Writing.

Awards and Recognition

Cobb has received several awards and honors throughout his career. In 2015, he was awarded the Sidney Hillman Prize for Opinion and Analysis Journalism for his columns on race, politics, and culture.

In 2017, Cobb was awarded the Walter Bernstein Award by the Writer's Guild of America East. The award is given to a writer who has "demonstrated a commitment to social justice through their writing."

Impact on Society

Cobb's writing has had a significant impact on society. His work has contributed to important conversations about race, politics, and culture. His essays have been widely read and have helped to shape public opinion on a range of issues.

Cobb's work has also inspired others to speak out and to engage in activism. His writing has encouraged people to think critically about the world around them and to take action to create positive change.

Conclusion

Jelani Cobb's writing career and books have made a significant impact on society. His work has contributed to important conversations about race, politics, and culture. His essays have been widely read and have helped to shape public opinion on a range of issues. His books have explored important topics, including the presidency of Barack Obama and the cultural significance of hip hop music.

Cobb's writing has inspired others to speak out and to engage in activism. His work has encouraged people to think critically about the world around them and to take action to create positive change.