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Lawrence Burney's latest work, No Sense in Wishing, combines the personal with the societal in a autobiography that serves as a tribute to his hometown. The publication explores the creative and social forces that shaped his journey, intertwining together subjects of kinship, fatherhood, and systemic challenges.

The Political View on the City

Burney observes that the city has long been viewed through a political lens and seen in racial terms. Burney recalls his early essays on police violence, prompted by the Freddie Gray incident and his own household experiences. As time passed, his method evolved to a increasingly historical viewpoint, examining the city's history of division and redlining.

Baltimore boasts arguably the worst public relations of every urban center in America.

Burney contends that despite social ills, the city's reputation is frequently distorted by news reporting. Exceptional art and music emerge from the community, yet these contributions often go unnoticed by mainstream viewers.

Platforming Community Artists

Through his zine True Laurels, the writer aimed to highlight local artists often ignored by larger media. A notable story involved a rapper named Young Moose, who encountered alleged law enforcement targeting. During Burney's reporting, the cops involved were charged with serious crimes, exposing systemic misconduct.

• This case illustrated anti-Black and anti-poor policing.
• He emphasized that not all Black communities face the identical level of surveillance.

Emotional Depth and Intimate Insight

The memoir balances devastating moments with lighthearted elements, reflecting the multifaceted essence of life. The author concentrated on evoking emotional responses in readers, believing that emotion outweighs technical skill in cultural production.

He shared how artists like the rapper deeply influenced his life, questioning notions of manhood and identity.

Vulnerability and Personal Growth

Reflecting about personal subjects—such as going to religious services, childcare, and fatherhood—required considerable vulnerability. Burney admitted that addressing his experience as a father and the choice to follow a career chance in another location was especially challenging.

Talking about these feelings was not simple. That chapter probably required me a quarter of a year to just crank out a first draft.

Global Connections

This memoir additionally includes his travels to Johannesburg and the Nigerian metropolis, drawing connections between Baltimore and other global urban centers. The author proposes that the city serves as a small-scale representation of wider societal issues, such as class tension and ethnic division.

In the end, Burney presents the city as a primer to understanding complicated social systems not only in the U.S., but throughout the global stage.