We had the good fortune of connecting with Daniel Black and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Daniel, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
I’ve discovered, during my 50 years, that parties never end. In other words, you can miss a few and be perfectly fine. Also, you don’t have to stay the entire time. This has saved my work life balance. I’ve now learned how to fellowship efficiently. I can attend the party without being their all night. I can also turn my phone off when it’s time to rest. Any emergency can wait. It really can.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Currently I work as professor of African American Studies at Clark Atlanta University. It’s been a joy immeasurable. I’m also a writer, having penned some 7 novels and one essay collection. Among my works are the titles THEY TELL ME OF A HOME, THE SACRED PLACE, PERFECT PEACE, THE COMING, DON’T CRY FOR ME, and BLACK ON BLACK. I’ve always believed I could write, but I began to doubt myself when I started doing it. Writing is a very difficult art. It demands honesty and vulnerability from the author, and it insists that one learn the craft of language play in order to master the skill. I’m a long way from that mastery, but I think I’m on the way.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
We’d definitely eat at my favorite food spot, Apres Diem in midtown. The food is great and healthy, and there’s always a warm atmosphere. Then, at some point, we’d visit the Atlanta University Center and see the historical collection of black colleges and universities there. This is the real gem of the city! We’d go to the Tara Theatre, on Cheshire Bridge Road, and see an independent flick. There’s always something interesting playing there. At some point, we’d walk in Piedmont Park and simply watch God be God. Finally, I’d take them by the King Center and make sure they know the price he paid for our freedom.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I live among a community of the most incredible souls on the planet. Some are biologically related to me, most are not. We sing in a gospel choir together, and we share African initiation space. Actually, many communities converge in my life and they all have keep me buoyed in a world and time wherein so many others didn’t make it.

Other: dblackmngt@gmail.com

Image Credits
Photo of me in white taken by Evelyn Quinones. All the others are fine to print alone.

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutAtlanta is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.