This book is a dialogic engagement that draws upon shared lived experiences, hopes and fears of two Black people. It shows that collaborative writing can have knowledge-making and knowledge-transforming effects, since it allows humans to externalize their thinking in forms that are easier to reflect on and potentially rework.

Bryant Keith Alexander is a professor and Dean in the College of Communication and Fine Arts, and an Interim Dean in the School of Film and Television at Loyola Marymount University, USA. He is author or co-editor of five previous books.

Mary E. Weems is a poet, playwright, scholar, and author of 14 books including Blackeyed: Plays and Monologues, and five chapbooks. Weems was awarded a 2015 Cleveland Arts Prize for her full-length drama MEAT and has also been nominated for a Pushcart Prize. Weems may be reached at www.maryeweems.org.

1. Introduction: Collaborative Spirit-Writing 2. Exploring Self with/for Others 3. Spirit-Writing: Creating from the Collective/Collaborative Vibe 4. Suggestions to Further Engage with This Book; Section I: Introduction to Revolution 5. The Revolution Will Be Televised (with Apologies to Gil Scott-Heron) 6. Freedom 7. "Common Sense" and "Oh Freedom" 8. The Devolution of Gil Scott-Heron 9. Dreamscapes and Escapedreams: An Autoethnography through the Art of Jerry Weems Section II: Introduction to Resistance 10. Unprecedented Times (January 6, 2021), or: The Insurrection Was Televised and New Normal (January 6, 2021) 11. Cultural Capita(o)l 12. 119 13. Black Trauma; Section III: Introduction to Reimagining 14. Talkin' on a 20 Dolla Bill 15. Lagniappe 16. I Am a Woman of Prayer 17. O' for my Grand/Mother 18. O! Say Can You See?; Section IV: Introduction to Reparations 19. The Payback 20. Say It: Or Reparations My Ass!; Section V: Introduction to Redemption 21. Black Notes 22. Black, Black Notes - 2-24-2021 23. Tale End and Spirits-Free 24. 3-4-2021 Early A.M. Dream