Hey everyone,
First and foremost, Happy Easter! (If that’s a thing you celebrate). I can think of no better Easter gift than a pre-ordered copy of "Dungeons 'n' Durags: One Black Nerd's Comical Quest of Racial Identity and Crisis of Faith" (by Mango Press) coming out one month from now on May 17. It'll make you laugh... and cry (from more laughter). And most importantly, it'll make you think. Conservative or liberal. Republican or Democrat. Theist or Atheist. It's a book that will challenge whatever you think.
You can check out the Amazon page here.
As we get closer to the official launch date, I’ll share more about my publishing experience and the lessons I’ve gleaned. In the meantime, feel free to write me back and let me know what you think.
Until next time,
Ron
Early praise for the book:
“Ron does a masterful job at tackling provocative topics in a way that often feels uncomfortably raw. It’s a hilarious and biting commentary on not only white supremacy ideology, but also points a mirror at Black culture.”
—Lavaille Lavette, president and publisher at Ebony magazine
“Ron’s profound and hilarious journey is like if "Conversations with God" had a baby with "Hollywood Shuffle." And his love for cinema and popular culture makes it a great read for any cinephile and nerds everywhere. This book is tailor-made for anyone who wants to spend a few hours with a really great storyteller.”
—Mishna Wolf, author of I’m Down: A Memoir
“It’s not often you see Black men, or people in general, get this personal when sharing their stories. I appreciated the authenticity and vulnerability Ron shares in his experiences as a black man and how a white-dominated world influenced him and his complicated faith journey. Lastly, as a fan of film trivia, how could I not love all the hilarious cinematic homages?”
—Nichelle Protho, SVP Loud Sis Productions
“Dungeons ‘n’ Durags is a hilarious, masterfully written love letter to us ‘Blerds’ and so-called ‘Oreos.’ Dawson uses humor to seamlessly highlight and unpack his personal experiences and insights as a Black man in America. This book will make you laugh out loud and think deeply about racial identity and what it means to be Black.”
—Brandee Blocker Anderson, CEO and founder of The Antiracism Academy
“Funny. Smart. Provocative. A hilarious page-turner that pulls no punches at addressing issues of white privilege and hypocrisy in the evangelical church.”
—Talicia Raggs, writer/producer The Equalizer, NCIS: New Orleans, and The Originals
“I love everything about this book. The way Ron uses popular culture, his excruciating honesty, his humor, and especially the confessions (there’s nothing an ex-Catholic likes more than a good confession). It’s a timely work!”
—Peter Crowe, writer and editor of the humor and satirical collection Dishonour the Right Thing
“Witty, sarcastic, hilarious, and, well, blerd-y, this must-read story affirms the diversity within the Black diaspora and reminds us there is room for Durags, D&D, and even, maybe, Ron.”
—Chrysta Wilson, racial justice and equity consultant, author of the award-winning cookbook Kiss My Bundt
“I wouldn’t be surprised if there are Trump supporters reading this book who are gonna think, ‘How the hell did this mutherf*cker get me to read this thing?’ Ron Dawson is Black Magic.”
—Chris Spencer, handsome comedian, writer, director, producer