COVID-19 among African Americans and Hispanics:Does gastrointestinal symptoms impact the outcome?

BACKGROUND The coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)disproportionately affected African Americans(AA)and Hispanics(HSP).AIM To analyze the significant effectors of outcome in African American patient population and make special emphasis on gastrointestinal(GI)symptoms,laboratory values and comorbidities METHODS We retrospectively evaluated the medical records of 386 COVID-19 positive patients admitted at Howard University Hospital between March and May 2020.We assessed the symptoms,including the GI manifestations,comorbidities,and mortality,using logistic regression analysis.RESULTS Of these 386 COVID-19 positive patients,257(63.7%)were AAs,102(25.3%)HSP,and 26(6.45%)Whites.There were 257(63.7%)AA,102(25.3%)HSP,26(6.45%)Whites.The mean age was 55.6 years(SD=18.5).However,the mean age of HSP was the lowest(43.7 years vs 61.2 for Whites vs 60 for AAs).The mortality rate was highest among the AAs(20.6%)and lowest among HSP(6.9%).Patients with shortness of breath(SOB)(OR2=3.64,CI=1.73-7.65)and elevated AST(OR2=8.01,CI=3.79-16.9)elevated Procalcitonin(OR2=8.27,CI=3.95-17.3),AST(OR2=8.01,CI=3.79-16.9),ferritin(OR2=2.69,CI=1.24-5.82),and Lymphopenia(OR2=2.77,CI=1.41-5.45)had a high mortality rate.Cough and fever were common but unrelated to the outcome.Hypertension and diabetes mellitus were the most common comorbidities.Glucocorticoid treatment was associated with higher mortality(OR2=5.40,CI=2.72-10.7).Diarrhea was prevalent(18.8%),and GI symptoms did not affect the outcome.CONCLUSION African Americans in our study had the highest mortality as they consisted of an older population and comorbidities.Age is the most important factor along with SOB in determining the mortality rate.Overall,elevated liver enzymes,ferritin,procalcitonin and C-reactive protein were associated with poor prognosis.GI symptoms did not affect the outcome.Glucocorticoids should be used judiciously,considering the poor outcomes associated with it.Attention should also be paid to monitor liver function during COVID-19,especially in AA and HSP patients with higher disease severity.

Poverty Status and Clustering of Cardiometabolic Risk Factors and Metabolic Syndrome among African Americans: Results from the National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey 2001-2006

Background: African Americans (AA) are disproportionally affected by cardiovascular disease as compared to other racial-ethnic groups. Exposure to adverse socioeconomic conditions may partially explain disparities in risk factors and prevalence and cardiovascular diseases for AA. We aim to study the impact of poverty status on metabolic syndrome (MetS) and its components among African Americans. Methods: We used data from the National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey (NHANES) cycles 2001-2006. We defined MetS using the Joint Scientific Definition as the presence of any 3/5 components: elevated blood pressure (BP), elevated triglycerides (TGL), lower high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL), elevated fasting plasma glucose (FPG), and elevated waist circumference (WC). Poverty to income ratio (PIR) was categorized as below poverty (<1), above poverty (1 - 3) and high income (>3) groups. We used multivariable survey-weighted logistic regression models to study the impact of poverty status of prevalence of MetS and its components among AA men and women. Results: Overall, the average aggregate prevalence of MetS among AA sample was 22% in our study with prevalence being 25% for women and 18% among men (p < 0.001). In regression models, among women, living below poverty (PIR < 1) was associated with a higher prevalence/odds of having metabolic syndrome compared to those living in the high-income group (PIR > 3) (OR = 1.57, 95%CI = 1.00 - 2.46, p = 0.05) with no association observed among men (OR (PIR < 1 vs PIR >= 1) = 0.70, 95%CI = 0.43 - 1.19, p = 0.13). Further, similar associations were observed for individual components among women including: elevated waist circumference (OR = 2.04, 95%CI = 1.37, 3.01, p < 0.001), elevated triglycerides (OR = 1.85, 95%CI = 1.02 - 3.36, p = 0.04), reduced HDL (OR = 2.04, 95%CI = 1.15, 3.60, p = 0.02) and elevated blood pressure (OR = 2.16, 95%CI = 1.34 - 3.49, p = 0.002) as compared to women in high income group (PIR > 3). No association of poverty status with MetS and its components were observed among AA men. Clustering of factors identified key groups that define MetS among women included WC. Conclusion: African American women living below poverty have a higher likelihood of having MetS and 4 of 5 individual components. Clustering of these factors differ across men and women and should be further explored as tools for clinical management. Main Points: 1) Metabolic syndrome remains an important public health burden among African Americans and shows disparities by socioeconomic status;2) Women living below poverty were more likely to have MetS and associated components as compared to women living above poverty;3) Clustering of components gave us snapshot of factors that should be considered to develop gender specific targeted health interventions for MetS among African Americans.

Elderly African Americans Insights on the COVID-19 Pandemic: An Exploratory Study of Risk Perception and Personal, Social, and Cultural Factors

This exploratory study examined elderly African Americans attitudes on the COVID-19 pandemic by identifying their perceptions of risk based personal, social, and cultural factors. It seeks to understand their insights toward public health pandemic response initiatives and other efforts to mitigate COVID-19 outbreak response measures impacting elderly African Americans, including policies, interventions, and public information/communication. The effectiveness of pandemic response measures and community caregiving support for the elderly African Americans was examined as well. Respondents in this study were a convenient sample of 60 residents predominantly in a Midwestern metropolitan area. Respondents were eligible for study participation if 1) there were 60 years and over and, 2) African American or people of African descent. A mixed research method design comprising focus groups and online survey was used to collect the data for the study. The respondents characterized the impact of the coronavirus as a personal, family, and community loss (e.g., less socially engaged and burdensome). An overwhelming majority (98.3%) expressed no worries about getting health care if they or their family members needed it. A sizable number of respondents expressed the need for all to be tested to help prevent the spread of the virus.

Perceptions and Receipt of Cancer Screening among African Americans: A Community Networks Program Project

Objective: Minority groups constitute one of the nation’s highest cancer risk groups. Historically, these groups have not been adequately informed about cancer, its prevention and/or treatment. The purpose of this study was to examine participants’ receipt of cancer screening and to explore perceptions of barriers to and facilitators of cancer screening. Methods: A two-part study design consisting of a survey and focus group was conducted among African Americans residents of neighborhoods geographically defined as low-income areas of Chattanooga, Memphis, and Nashville in the state of Tennessee. The survey was administered to 1071 participants, and 12 focus groups were conducted with a total of 112 participants, with both sets of participants being residents of similarly defined underserved communities served by the community health centers. Results: Overall, 51% of surveyed respondents were females;the majority (75%) had a yearly income of less than $25,000;and 67% reported 12 years of education or less. Most surveyed respondents had a family history of cancer. More than 30% and 64% of male respondents over 50 years old did not receive prostate cancer and colorectal cancer screening, respectively;58% of women 50 years and older were not screened for colorectal cancer;28% of women over 40 years old did not receive breast cancer screening. Barriers to cancer screening included: lack of information about cancer screening and treatments, cost of cancer treatment and fear. The need for more information about cancer and cancer treatment, as well as the involvement of churches to increase cancer screening awareness was identified as facilitators. Conclusion: This study provides information into the structural and psychological barriers in cancer screening. It describes the self-reported prevalence/frequency of screening among men and women in our target population, and the associated facilitators to screening.

Prognostic value of left atrial size in hypertensive African Americans undergoing stress echocardiography

BACKGROUND Left atrial(LA)enlargement is a marker of increased risk in the general population undergoing stress echocardiography.African American(AA)patients with hypertension are known to have less atrial remodeling than whites with hypertension.The prognostic impact of LA enlargement in AA with hypertension undergoing stress echocardiography is uncertain.AIM To investigate the prognostic value of LA size in hypertensive AA patients undergoing stress echocardiography.METHODS This retrospective outcomes study enrolled 583 consecutive hypertensive AA patients who underwent stress echocardiography over a 2.5-year period.Clinical characteristics including cardiovascular risk factors,stress and echocardiographic data were collected from the electronic health record of a large community hospital.Treadmill exercise and Dobutamine protocols were conducted based on standard practices.Patients were followed for all-cause mortality.The optimal cutoff value of antero-posterior LA diameter for mortality was assessed by receiver operating characteristic analysis.Cox regression was used to determine variables associated with outcome.RESULTS The mean age was 57±12 years.LA dilatation was present in 9%(54)of patients(LA anteroposterior≥2.4 cm/m^(2)).There were 85 deaths(15%)during 4.5±1.7 years of follow-up.LA diameter indexed for body surface area had an area under the curve of 0.72±0.03(optimal cut-point of 2.05 cm/m^(2)).Variables independently associated with mortality included age[P=0.004,hazard ratio(HR)1.34(1.10-1.64)],tobacco use[P=0.001,HR 2.59(1.51-4.44)],left ventricular hypertrophy[P=0.001,HR 2.14(1.35-3.39)],Dobutamine stress[P=0.003,HR 2.12(1.29-3.47)],heart failure history[P=0.031,HR 1.76(1.05-2.94)],LA diameter≥2.05 cm/m^(2)[P=0.027,HR 1.73(1.06-2.82)],and an abnormal stress echocardiogram[P=0.033,HR 1.67(1.04-2.68)].LA diameter as a continuous variable was also independently associated with mortality but LA size≥2.40 cm/m^(2) was not.CONCLUSION LA enlargement is infrequent in hypertensive AA patients when traditional reference values are used.LA enlargement is independently associated with mortality when a lower than“normal”threshold(≥2.05 cm/m^(2))is used.

Overestimate of Fibrosis by FIBROSpect(R) Ⅱ in African Americans Complicates the Management of their Chronic Hepatitis C

Background:Evaluation of advanced fibrosis in patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is used to facilitate decisions on treatment strategy and to initiate additional screening measures.Unfortunately,most studies have predominately Caucasian (Cau) patients and may not be as relevant for African Americans (AA).Aims:This study specifically addresses the issue of defining minimal vs.significant fibrosis in African Americans (AA) with chronic hepatitis C (CHC) using noninvasive assays.Methods:All patients (n =319) seen between 1 January 2008 and 30 June 2013 for whom a FibroSpect II(R) (FSII) assay was performed and had data for calculation of aspartate aminotransferase (AST)platelet ratio index (APRI) and Fibrosis-4 (FIB-4) were identified using the medical records.Results:When liver biopsy score and FSII assay results for the AA patients with CHC were compared,31% of AA had advanced FSII fibrosis scores (F2-F4) despite a biopsy score of F0-F1.In contrast,10% of Cau over-scored.The AA false positive rate was 14% for APRI and 34% for FIB-4.Combining FSII with either APRI (7% false positive) or FIB-4 (10% false positive) improved the false positive rate in AA to 7% (FSII + APRI) and 10%(FSII + FIB-4) but reduced the sensitivity for significant fibrosis.Conclusions:The FSII assay overestimates fibrosis in AA and should be used with caution since these patients may not have significant fibrosis.If the APRI or FIB-4 assay is combined with the FSII assay,minimal fibrosis in AA can be defined without subjecting the patients to a subsequent biopsy.

Comparison and predicted equation of energy expenditure during walking or running among Caucasians,African Americans and Asians

Knowledge of measured energy expenditure(EE)during walking and running is important for exercise pre-scription.Further,research on the EE comparison and EE predicted equation during walking or running among different ethnicities is limited.The purpose of the current study was to compare EE to walk or run 1 mile in Caucasian,African American and Asian adults and to develop a regression equation to predict EE to walk or run 1 mile.Two hundred and twenty-four participants were included(71 Caucasians,68 African Americans and 85 Asians)with 3 groups(normal weight walking,overweight walking and running).EE was measured via indirect calorimetry.Analysis of variance was used to compare EE across groups.Multiple regression analysis was employed for EE prediction,and the prediction equation was cross-validated.A significant EE difference was found between walking and running among three ethnicities.The prediction equation was:EE=0.978 Body Weight-4.571 Gender(male=1;female=2)+3.524 Ethnicities(Caucasians=1,African Americans=2,Asians=3)+32.447(standard error of estimate=12.5 kcal·mile^(-1)).The equation was valid through cross-validation,so it is recommended to apply for calculating EE during walking or running 1 mile among Cauca-sians,African Americans and Asians.

Identification of speckle-type POZ protein somatic mutations in African American prostate cancer

The speckle-type POZ protein （SPOP） is a tumor suppressor in prostate cancer （PCa）. SPOP somatic mutations have been reported in up to 15% of PCa of those of European descent. However, the genetic roles of SPOP in African American （AA）-PCa are currently unknown. We sequenced the SPOP gene to identify somatic mutations in 49 AA prostate tumors and identified three missense mutations （p.Y87C, p.F102S, and p.G111E） in five AA prostate tumors （10%） and one synonymous variant （p.11061） in one tumor. Intriguingly, all of mutations and variants clustered in exon six, and all of the mutations altered conserved amino acids. Moreover, two mutations （p.F102S and p.G111E） have only been identified in AA-PCa to date. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis showed a lower level of SPOP expression in tumors carrying SPOP mutations than their matched normal prostate tissues. In addition, SPOP mutations and novel variants were detected in 5 of 27 aggressive PCa and one of 22 less aggressive PCa （P 〈 0.05）. Further studies with increased sample size are needed to validate the clinicopathological significance of these SPOP mutations in AA-PCa.

Gastric intestinal metaplasia development in African American predominant United States population

BACKGROUND Gastric cancer significantly contributes to cancer mortality globally.Gastric intestinal metaplasia(GIM)is a stage in the Correa cascade and a premalignant lesion of gastric cancer.The natural history of GIM formation and progression over time is not fully understood.Currently,there are no clear guidelines on GIM surveillance or management in the United States.AIM To investigate factors associated with GIM development over time in African American-predominant study population.METHODS This is a retrospective longitudinal study in a single tertiary hospital in Washington DC.We retrieved upper esophagogastroduodenoscopies(EGDs)with gastric biopsies from the pathology department database from January 2015 to December 2020.Patients included in the study had undergone two or more EGDswith gastric biopsy.Patients with no GIM at baseline were followed up until they developed GIM or until the last available EGD.Exclusion criteria consisted of patients age<18,pregnancy,previous diagnosis of gastric cancer,and missing data including pathology results or endoscopy reports.The study population was divided into two groups based on GIM status.Univariate and multivariate Cox regression was used to estimate the hazard induced by patient demographics,EGD findings,and Helicobacter pylori(H.pylori)status on the GIM status.RESULTS Of 2375 patients who had at least 1 EGD with gastric biopsy,579 patients were included in the study.138 patients developed GIM during the study follow-up period of 1087 d on average,compared to 857 d in patients without GIM(P=0.247).The average age of GIM group was 64 years compared to 56 years in the non-GIM group(P<0.001).In the GIM group,adding one year to the age increases the risk for GIM formation by 4%(P<0.001).Over time,African Americans,Hispanic,and other ethnicities/races had an increased risk of GIM compared to Caucasians with a hazard ratio(HR)of 2.12(1.16,3.87),2.79(1.09,7.13),and 3.19(1.5,6.76)respectively.No gender difference was observed between the study populations.Gastritis was associated with an increased risk for GIM development with an HR of 1.62(1.07,2.44).On the other hand,H.pylori infection did not increase the risk for GIM.CONCLUSION An increase in age and non-Caucasian race/ethnicity are associated with an increased risk of GIM formation.The effect of H.pylori on GIM is limited in low prevalence areas.

Correlates and Covariates of Type 2 Diabetes in an African American Population in the Washington DC Area

In the United States, type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) disproportionately affects the African American (AA) community, which has not been systematically included in molecular studies of underlying mechanisms. As part of a gene expression study, we recruited cases with T2DM and matched, unaffected controls at an urban hospital in Washington, DC, with a majority AA population. Here we describe the profile of socio-demographic, behavioral, and health-related associations of the study population. Self-reported data were collected from cases with T2DM (N = 77) and age- and gender-matched controls (N = 80), ages 45 - 65 years. Logistic regression was used to calculate odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). As expected, obesity, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease were more prevalent in cases than in controls. Tobacco smoking and working alongside other tobacco smokers were also associated with T2DM. After adjusting for covariates, current tobacco smoking remained statistically associated with the disease (OR per half pack of cigarettes 1.43, 95% CI 1.04 - 1.95;p-value 0.027). HbA1c levels were elevated in T2DM cases who smoked more than a pack of cigarettes daily. These associations highlight the comorbid burdens of T2DM in an AA urban community setting and identify tobacco control as an unmet need for future prevention and control efforts.

Maternal Group B Streptococcus Infection Correlates Inversely With Preeclampsia in Pregnant African American Women

Objective:To determine whether an association exists between group B Streptococcus(GBS)colonization and preeclampsia among pregnant Black women.Methods:This retrospective cross-sectional study involved Black women who gave birth at State University of New York Downstate Hospital between January 2010 and December 2017.Data were collected from the Obstetric Department,including delivery date,time,mode of delivery,age of the mother,weeks of gestation at delivery,and antepartum complications.The GBS test results were originally determined using the eSwab transport system.Preeclampsia was defined based on the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists criteria for the periods 2010–2012 and 2013–2017.The primary outcome was whether GBS was associated with the outcome of preeclampsia in the population of Black women.Covariates,including smoking status,gestational age,parity,body mass index,maternal age,and presence of herpes simplex virus(HSV)and human immunodeficiency virus(HIV)were examined as potential confounders.Chi-squared test and logistic regression model were used,presenting odds ratios with 95%confidence intervals(P<0.050),analyzed with SAS on Demand for Academics(SAS Institute,Inc.,NY).Results:Among the 8,019 Black women included in this study,GBS-positive women(n=977)had a 53%reduction in the likelihood of being diagnosed with preeclampsia compared to GBS-negative women(adjusted odds ratio,0.47;95%confidence interval,0.32–0.70).We did not find evidence of differences in the distribution of smoking habits(P=0.783)or maternal age(P=0.107)between GBS-positive and GBS-negative women.However,the GBS-positive women tended to be less likely to have a preterm delivery(9.62%(94/977)vs.24.24%(1707/7042),P<0.001),less likely to be nulliparous(33.37%(326/977)vs.37.87%(2667/7042),P=0.006),and less likely to be obese(51.38%(502/977)vs.55.30%(3894/7042),P<0.001)compared with GBS-negative women.In contrast,GBS-positive women were more likely to have a comorbid infection than their counterparts:HSV(5.94%(58/977)vs.2.63%(185/7042),P<0.001)and HIV(1.54%(15/977)vs.0.82%(58/7042),P=0.028).Conclusion:We found a reduced likelihood of preeclampsia among women who were positive for GBS at delivery.Given the cross-sectional nature of our study,more research is needed to further explore this association.

新型雄激素受体种系错义突变与非裔男性家族性前列腺癌

Race, family history and age are the unequivocally accepted risk factors for prostate cancer （PCa）. Androgen receptor （AR）-dependent signaling is an important element in prostate carcinogenesis and its progression to metastatic disease. We examined the possibility of genomic changes in the AR in association with familial PCa in African Americans who have a higher incidence and mortality rate and a clinically more aggressive disease presentation than Caucasians. Genomic DNAs of 60 patients from 30 high-risk African American and Caucasian families participating in the Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center genetic linkage study of PCa were studied. Exon-specific polymerase-chain reaction, bi-directional automated sequencing and restriction enzyme genotyping were used to analyze for mutations in the coding region of the AR gene. We identified a germline AR （A1675T） （T559S） substitution mutation in the DNA-binding domain in three PCa-affected members of an African- American family with a history of early-onset disease. The present study describes the first AR germline mutation in an African-American family with a history of familial PCa. The AR （T559S） mutation may contribute to the disease by altering AR DNA-binding affinity and/or its response to androgens, non-androgenic steroids or anti-androgens. Additional studies will be required to define the frequency and contribution of the AR （A 1675T） allele to early-onset and/or familial PCa in African Americans.

Recruitment of Minorities into Nursing, Best Practices: A Scoping Review

The recruitment and retention of minorities into nursing is a pressing need given the evolving racial makeup of the U.S. A scoping review of the literature was conducted to identify and map evidence of the best practices and timing for recruitment and retention of minorities in nursing. This review utilized methods described by Asksey and O’Malley. PubMed, CINAHL, SCOPUS, Cochrane, Web of Science, and ProQuest were searched from 2000 to 2022. Data were extracted from 20 full text papers published in English in the U.S. Recruitment usually begins in middle or high school, but several authors recommended beginning as early as elementary school to establish positive views of nursing. Retention methods included multi-pronged approaches tailored by the academic institutions. Most received federal funding. Financial aid is key to the success for many minority nursing students, but must be aligned with other supports (e.g., academic, social, mentoring) in recruitment and retention efforts. Partnerships with local elementary, middle, and high schools, hospitals, community agencies and centers, businesses, and minority groups are necessary. Future research that measures outcomes of early recruitment of minorities and their choice of nursing as a career is needed. Recruitment and retention efforts should include information on potential sources of funding prior to student enrollment. More information is needed on recruitment and retention programs that are successful without funding and those that remain robust after funding ends.

Benefits and barriers to physical activity among African women:A systematic review

Black women have always been likened to being a less physically active group compared to women of other races/ethnicity,with reports of a high prevalence of obesity and other cardiometabolic diseases among them.The purpose of this study is to examine the health benefits of physical activity on women of color,as well as barriers that inhibit their participation.We searched PubMed and Web of Science databases for relevant research articles.Included articles were:Published in the English Language from 2011 to February 2022;conducted predominantly on black women,African women,or African American women.Articles were identified,screened,and data extracted following the Preferred Reporting Item for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis(PRISMA)guidelines.The electronic search produced 2043 articles,and 33 articles were reviewed after meeting the inclusion criteria.13 articles focused on the benefits of physical activity while 20 articles addressed the barriers to physical activity.It was found that physical activity has various benefits for black women participants but they are being hindered from participation by some factors.These factors were grouped into four themes,namely Individual/Intrapersonal barriers,Socio-economic barriers,Social barriers,and Environmental barriers.Various studies have examined the benefits and barriers of physical activity among women of different racial and ethnic backgrounds,but there have been very few studies of African women,with the majority focusing on one geographical area.In addition to exploring these benefits and barriers,this review offers recommendations on the areas researchers should focus on to promote physical activity in this population.

African American Literature and the Gothic: Some Critical Usage Considerations

As the term gothic has moved out from its confined space in 18th and 19th century European literature and is now applied to many literatures,both past and present,its definition has also become more and more expansive.The essay argues that critics should be more modest in the application of the gothic,not least by asking themselves whether“gothic”is the appropriate term to use to describe a specific plot turn or text.Especially in discussions of African American literature,the term gothic appears to this author sometimes misplaced.The essay gives a number of examples of problematic usages and of the risks associated with an overuse of“gothic,”among which are the reification of pain,a circular logic that does not elucidate anything,and the sidelining of other potential explanatory frameworks.

Review Essay: The Black Arts Movement and the Aesthetic Framing of 21st Century Anthologies of African American Poetry

When considering anthologies of African American poetry in the 21 st century,it is noteworthy how much the legacy of the Black Arts Movement of the 1960s and 1970s both positively and negatively shapes their aesthetic politics,framing,and reception.This essay considers how these anthologies use the Black Arts Movement to frame their version of Black poetry and the way they come at questions of literary and cultural lineage,the relationship of Black poetry to African American experience,and formal tradition and innovation.

Zero Hour and the Changing Same: Aesthetic Modernism and Black Nationalist Identity

What is the meaning of Zero Hour for African Americans?The Zero Hour of May 8,1945 was a celebratory moment to mark“the victory of the cause of freedom,”in the immortal words of Winston Churchill.But what could Zero Hour signify for African Americans who continued to encounter racist and discriminatory practices at the end of the war and into the present?The history of African Americans has been characterized by series of“victories for freedom,”“new beginnings,”“forward progress,”and“breaks with the past.”How many other Zero Hours can we identify in the history of Black people in the U.S.?Examining 20205s moment of pandemic and protests in relation to race and class,I ask what any Zero Hour means for African Americans who have encountered many promising milestones of liberation that fell short of the expected rights and rewards.Using literary examples including Gwendolyn Brooks,Amiri Baraka,Ray Durem,Langston Hughes,Frederick Douglass,and Anne Spencer,I propose that African American history has been marked by a long line of Zero Hours that have indeed achieved progress yet never fully realized the goal of just and fair equality of treatment and opportunity.

Continuities of Racial Fascism:Louis Till and Black Marxism in the Pisan Cantos

In Ezra Pound's Pisan Cantos,Pound mourns the unjust execution of Louis Till,Emmett Till's father.This essay argues that the unusually sympathetic representation of Till in the poem was made possible by Pound's engagement with the ideas of activists for black liberation like Nancy Cunard and Langston Hughes;hence Pound,an avowed fascist,ultimately voices a critique of the“racial fascism”of the United States typical of discourses of black anti-imperialism.The essay concludes with exploring the antinomical racial logic of the Pisan Cantos,for which black political radicalism-the“Black Leninism”of Langston Hughes in particular-is revealed to be a constitutive,but repressed,ideological interlocutor.

Black “Crime,” Public Hysteria,and the Cinema of Containment:Black Cinema Aesthetics from Willie Dynamite to The Interrupters and a/k/a Mrs. George Gilbert

This essay will explore the ways in which African American visual culture has attempted to negotiate criminalization and the current situation of what Richard Iton rightfully characterizes as“hyperincarceration.”It will explore the ways in which contemporary African American visual culture is engaged in negotiating between the literal material realities and consequences of mass incarceration and aesthetic constructions of violence.While mass incarceration is increasingly becoming understood as“the New Jim Crow”for African American political organizing,Black criminality has become the key lens through which questions of masculinity,class exclusion,gender,and selfhood get negotiated in African American visual culture.This essay will argue that the“subtext of ongoing Black captivity”is the pretext for much of what drives Black action genres and African American representation in general as a key signifier of a racialized identity and as an indicator of a Black subjectivity fraught with complexities of non-belonging.

Before Citizen:Lyric Subjectivity and the Language of Experience in Claudia Rankine’s Nothing in Nature is Private

This essay analyzes Claudia Rankine’s first book,Nothing in Nature is Private,showing that although the book is formally dissimilar to her later work,it includes themes that continue to be foundational to her writing practice.From the title of the first poem,“American Light,”in this first book,to the subtitle of her two most recent books of poetry(“An American Lyric”)Rankine has dwelt in the history and multiple meanings of the“American.”Nothing in Nature is Private allows us to deeply consider a black female subject’s relationship to the American landscape,history,and literary lineages.Moreover,this analysis enlarges debates both about how subjectivity is framed and how it is related to poetic form.