Dispatches from the Vanguard

Praise

“Dispatches from the Vanguard is James Baldwin’s dream manifested through art and culture, through porch talks, poetry and visual debates. This carnival of a book is a dynamic treasure trove of Black passion, style, intellectual prowess, wit, grace and soul. Behold this beautiful bouquet of Blackness.” — Tony Medina, author of Thirteen Ways of Looking at a Black Boy

“What a refreshing thought it is to be reminded of the mental strength, courage, and audacity it takes to be ‘Black’ again with a capital B. Howell gave me an invigorating read and a reminder of how to write for the right to fight.”— Omar Tyree, New York Times Bestselling Author

“Patrick A. Howell undertakes the role of griot — storyteller — in this insightful and hard-hitting collection of interviews. Thought-provoking and inspiring, Dispatches from the Vanguard is a worthy addition to anyone’s library.” — Gabrielle David, publisher of 2Leaf Press, author of Trailblazers: Black Women Who Help Make America Great

“Dispatches from the Vanguard is exceptional. It takes our current moment and draws an oral history from architects of the culture.  From the Black Arts Movement and, before that, the Harlem Renaissance to the Global International African Arts Movement.” — Rev. Run, founding member of Run-DMC

“Patrick A. Howell deploys the interview as scalpel and bridge, laying out the nuances of our hassled yet still beautiful Black while detailing, through the responses of these artists and intellectuals, resilience for this generation and the next. Here, Africa and its diasporas achieve completion.” — Richard Ali, lawyer and publisher, founding member of Jalada Africa

“This is a book for those who, in the words of Audre Lorde, are ‘deliberate and afraid of nothing.'” — Rachel Elizabeth Cargle, public academic and influencer

“A fascinating compendium of contemporary African diasporic thought, from figures you know, figures you think you know, figures you ought to know.” - Howard A. Rodman

“In these troubling and challenging times I am always glad to hear from those who are providing visions of wholeness and collective liberation. Dispatches from the Vanguard is a treasure trove of wisdom, cultural history, and reflection from some of today’s leading Afro-centric cultural workers. I found the mix of voices from older and younger visual artists, poets, writers, directors, and other arts movement workers, artfully woven together by the poetic voice of multi-talented Patrick Howell, truly moving, healing and inspiring. Read these interviews and you too will want to find out more about the work of these creatives and changemakers.” — Paul Kivel, activist

“Dispatches from the Vanguard is a timely compilation of cultural luminaries. Howell’s honoring of lived experiences coupled with vocal wisdom bridge past to future and illuminate the necessary interplay between education, field artistry, global consciousness, and social justice.” - Akilah Carter-Francique, Exec. Dir. for Institute of Study of Sport, Society & Social Change