We Be Walkin' Blackly in the Deep: A Poetry Collection in Defense of Black Cultural Preservation

Book cover with black and white abstract background and the title 'We Be Walkin' Blackly in the Deep' by Thomas Kneeland. The word 'Poems' appears in small text.

“...a powerful collection that celebrates Blackness, moving through the pain of past and present with grace and tenacity to arrive at a more just future.”

— Susan L. Leary, Author of Dressing the Bear (Trio House Press, 2024)

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...these poems are rhythmic, spiritual, life-sustaining...

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...an examination of grief that is both cathartic and hopeful...

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...man was it a life changing kind of good...

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...these poems are rhythmic, spiritual, life-sustaining... ❋ ...an examination of grief that is both cathartic and hopeful... ❋ ...man was it a life changing kind of good... ❋

Black and white book cover with bold text reading 'We Be Walkin' Blackly in the Deep,' by Thomas Kneeland, featuring abstract black scribbles on a white background.

Title: We Be Walkin' Blackly in the Deep

Publisher: Marian University Department of Media, Communication & Design

ISBN: 9781734958942

Publication Date: 5/4/2023

Synopsis of Book: We Be Walkin' Blackly in the Deep explores the necessity of cultural preservation for people of color, as they live, survive, and thrive against the backdrop of American society. The poems in this collection are both the calm and the swell. Inspired by the works of 20th Century and contemporary poets, Robert Hayden, Derek Walcott, Yusef Komunyakaa, Gwendolyn Brooks, Joshua Bennett, and Donika Kelly, this collection calls for the safeguarding of identity and history.

Important Information for Booksellers: This collection is available for bulk ordering through Ingram.

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IN PRAISE OF WE BE WALKIN’ BLACKLY IN THE DEEP

Thomas Kneeland's WE BE WALKIN' BLACKLY IN THE DEEP (Marian University, Department of Media, Communication & Design) is a powerful collection that celebrates Blackness, moving through the pain of past and present with grace and tenacity to arrive at a more just future. Tender in protest, resilient in joy, and hopeful in community, these poems are rhythmic, spiritual, life-sustaining, and add to the rich tradition of poets working with clarity and profound care against systemic oppression. 10/10 recommend.

— Susan Leary, Author of Dressing the Bear (Trio House Press, 2024)
I met Thomas while working the in the library, and I do not think a sweeter soul exists in this world. I was so honored to receive a copy of his book, and man was it a life changing kind of good. Thanks for being you, Thomas! We need more voices like yours in the world.

— Maythazin M.
Reading this collection was a truly reflective experience. This heart-wrenching collection of Kneeland’s poetry is a masterful account of the pride Black people have in themselves and their ancestors and why fostering that pride is so important. Kneeland confronts systematic racism and anti-Black violence and holds no punches when calling out the injustices Black people currently face, and have faced throughout history. To be frank, I cried. I cried a lot. This work forces an examination of grief that is both cathartic and hopeful. Kneeland strikingly recounts the turmoil and grief these crimes have caused. He so vividly paints the picture of the emotional weathering of our Black community and the hopefulness that one day, it will be different. Don’t miss out on this beautiful talent!

— Stephanie W.

I met Thomas while working the in the library, and I do not think a sweeter soul exists in this world. I was so honored to receive a copy of his book, and man was it a life changing kind of good. Thanks for being you, Thomas! We need more voices like yours in the world.