Ain't Never Not Been Black

by Javon Johnson

Ain't Never Not Been Black foregrounds Black pleasure Black pain and Black love in unflinchingly Black ways. Engaging with themes of masculinity, racism, love, and joy, Johnson is at once critical and creative. His spoken word performance transfers effortlessly to the page, with poems that will encompass you. This is a book about blackness and survival, and how in American these are inseparable. In a world of individualism, who can you hold close? In a world of danger, what makes you feel safe? From a poem written in the form of a syllabus, to another about the time his grandmother literally saved his life, Johnson's creative expression is constantly enacting the feminist mantra, "the personal is political."

Genres: Poetry, Nonfiction, Adult, Race, Activism

70 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 13, 2020

Reviews

[Jungian.Reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to #Netgalley for making this book available to me.
To me 'poetry' is synonymous with 'truth', a poet relinquishes his or her truth to the lines they write. Javon Johnson has done a perfect job of capturing his truth, the life he has lived in a black body since he was young. the way he is perceived and in turn the way he assumes responsibility for various events that have occurred in his life.
I really enjoyed this collection and one that really stood out to me was "ON HEALTHY MASCULINITY"
when you are young, you are told to be strong and to be a man but you are never told how much is strong and how much a man really is. You are meant to figure this all out on your own as a child. assuming you figure it out and you create the balance within yourself, knowing that feminity is inherently in every 'Man', you are assumed to be a weak man. However, that too is not explained, what makes a weak man and how weak must a man be to be labeled 'a weak man'.

The exploration of life, race, and masculinity definitely puts this collection high on my list. I hope you check it out

[Sheena · Rating 4 out of 5]

Poetry is nearly impossible for me to review. This collection of poetry is real and heart wrenching. The author speaks of his own experiences and there is a lot of insight in what it means to be a Black man in the world. It is definitely vital to read this for those who are interested in Black voices and poetry.

Thanks so much to Netgalley for sending me an arc!

[Lorena ♡ (semi-ia) · Rating 5 out of 5]

"(...)and isn't that what being Black is all about / how the world works to reduce you / even if you only want freedom"

I've become pretty selective with the poetry I read but the title caught my attention and I'm glad I decided to download it because, from the moment I finished the first poems, I knew I was going to love this poetry collection. And I wasn't wrong. It was so good.

Ain't never not been black talks about what it's like to be black in America (the US) and it was heartbreaking and exhausting to read how realistic and beautifully written it is. The number of times I wanted to highlight passages of it was outstanding.

So, let's talk a little bit about my favorite poems here. They are in order of appearance with only a brief thought on them because you should pick up this book and find out why I loved them.

1. Wishing well
2. America (a masterpiece, so heartbreaking)
3. Cuz he's black
4. The last conversation between Malcolm X and his daughter (damn, this one made me tear up)
5. On healthy masculinity

Thanks to Netgalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Publication date: October 13th 2020
Quotes have been verified with the finished copy.

[Kristy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Highly recommend watching his spoken word/poetry videos.

[Misse Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found Javon Johnson’s, “Ain’t Never Not Been Black” to be a riveting, impactful, relevant, and engaging collection of poetry that resonated with me on so many levels. Given the current social and political climate in this country so many of the poems heavily hit home. It was as much a collection about the Black experience in America as it was an ode and a call for social justice and peace. He was not by any means shy to talk about the sensitive subjects and that is ultimately why I was so engaged with every piece.

Instantly I was intrigued by the title and the cover art as this is my first book read by this author. I definitely recommend this to those who enjoy modern poetry and those who are interested in social justice and change. I am looking forward to reading other works by the author.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing this digital copy in advance for an honest review!

[bella · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ain't Never Not Been Black is a new favorite of mine, maybe even my favorite poetry collection of the year. I only wish it were longer! The poems within are necessary and hard-hitting, addressing issues including racism, masculinity, police brutality, gentrification, and more. Johnson's words are resonant, passionate, and raw, drawing upon his lived experiences to give insight into what it is like to be Black in America. As a non-Black POC, I can never fully comprehend what it's like (particularly for Black boys and men), but the honesty and power of Johnson's writing helped me gain a better understanding.

Though the collection is fairly short, the words within will stay on my mind for a long time afterward. The collection covers many emotions, from joy and love to devastation and pain. It discusses many heavy issues and moved me nearly to tears multiple times in the one sitting in which I finished it. Johnson's writing is accessible (I would easily recommend it even to friends who don't read as much poetry), while also being intricate and eloquent. A few (of many) standouts from this collection include America, Cuz He's Black, and Black and Happy,

I would absolutely recommend this poetry collection to others and look forward to reading more of Javon Johnson's work in the future. Many thanks to Button Poetry and NetGalley for providing this ARC!

trigger/content warnings: racial violence, racism, death, racial slurs, shooting, murder, police brutality, cancer

[Léa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Poetry has always moved me but button poetry...
The words in Ain't Never Not Been Black were so powerful and I really took my time taking in each and every word. Reading these topics as a white woman was super insightful and something that everybody should read.

[Bea (beansbookshelves) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advanced reader copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review via netgalley.

I don't know where to begin. This is such an important book. It shows the struggles of Black people in the past and nowadays. No one should live in fear just because of their skin colour. My eyes teared up while I was reading some of the poems; although it is extremely sad, this is a powerful book I believe everyone should read. Rating: 5/5 stars.

[Radwa · Rating 3 out of 5]

English Review Below.

الشعر غالبا إما أن يعجبني أسلوبه أو لا يعجنبي على الإطلاق، ورغم أن أغلب القصائد هنا لم تكن على هواي فيما يخص أسلوب الكتابة، ولكن فكرة القصائد نفسها والشعور العام لها مهم جدا. تتمحور القصائد حول تجربة حياة السود في أمريكا، وما تتضمنه من خوف وعنصرةي ومصاعب. تتحدث عن العنصرية وقسوة الشرطة وتعامل البيض والأحلام المحطمة وتمني مستقبل أفضل للأجيال القادمة من السود في أمريكا. أظن أنه كتاب مهم لمعرفة وقراءة تجربة السود مع العنصرية في أمريكا.

Poetry is more often a hit or miss with me, and while a lot of the poetry here was a miss for me because of the style, I can acknowledge the importance of these poems about Black experiences and Black lives, and what they entail from fear and prejudice and hardships. It's about racism and crushed dreams and hopes for a better future and the disasters of the American society. It's an important read, just to further the dialogue about Black experiences.

I thank Negalley for the digital ARC.

[g · Rating 5 out of 5]

ooouuooouuouhhhhh this is such an incredibly cohesive and lyrical collection with so much impact that my stomach hurts. the grief stricken, yet determined, yet hopeful, and yet full of seething rage narrative that threads through the entirety of this collection was beyond anything i expected and pretty much shit kicked me from the get go

[Joy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very insightful read. It was very short and easy to get through, but at the same it's very educational. I think this is an important book that a lot of people should read to have an insight and the lives of POC. This book teaches a lot about racism, and I think that's very important.
There are some short poems, but also longer 'essays' but I think there's a nice interplay between them.

I give this book 4 out of 5 stars.

[Jessica]

ain’t never not been black is magical. a lot of the poems sneak up on you as you read along, looking for the “moment” of connection and then it hits you out of nowhere and you are in awe; stunned. BLACK 201 is one of my favorites from this collection because i am a fan of poets who take an unconventional form and place a poem inside of it. a course syllabus on being Black? it seems too strange, but its execution is brilliant.

BLACK AND HAPPY is another poem that will stay with me for a long time. it is a testimony to choosing joy when sadness is everywhere around you. when anger is readily available and demanding to be used. instead, johnson focuses on everything that is joyous and familiar and comforting about being Black.

“i closed the windows, could not deal
with yet another choir lifting the rafters
about more Black death.
i didn’t want to be sad,
didn’t want white supremacy
to tell me how to feel again. instead
i fell asleep smiling, listening
to nina simone and otis redding.
...asked if
jesus was a Black woman,
said, the only people i know
who could stretch that small amount of food
into a feast are big mommas. we laughed.
talked about bones and spades, about
how Black women must be magic.”

this made me wonder about choosing joy, and how sometimes we are made to feel guilty for not wallowing in sadness and grief by the mainstream because it is not being Black that is maddening or tiresome, it is this country and everyone that ain’t us but continues to dress themselves in our culture and then turn ghost when blood is required.

there is a lot more going on in this collection than i can cover. johnson takes you on a journey through Blackness, through the lens of a Black man trying to be free when life wants to keep knocking with reminders that you might not really be. and yet...johnson [we] continues to celebrate all this Blackness

black poets y’all. read them. read them. read them, and definitely read this one.

[Mara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange of an honest review!

There is nothing I can say about this book that hasn't already been said by other reviewers but I will try. Ain't Never Not Been Black is a powerful, beautifully written poetry collection about Black pain, Black joy, and the magic and endurance of Black people. The collection is short but has a lot of heart in it. I can't say that I got through it quickly (compared to other books of the same size) because I really had to stop and process on multiple occasions. Some pieces gave me chills and a deep heartache that I needed to sit with for a while. And I do recommend that you really read these pieces and think and feel afterwards. Each poem in this collection is gripping, and even the shortest of them made an impact -which leaves me in awe of Johnson's writing ability and command over words. It takes a lot to pack that much emotion in a 3 lines long poem.

This collection speaks of grief and sorrow spanning generations, but it also manages to overflow with joy, with Javon Johnson's love for his family, and most of all with so much hope and resilience. I will be thinking about this collection for a while, and I will definitely be reading it again soon.

[Prpages · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book for free from NetGalley In exchange for an honest review.

“Ain’t Never Not Been Black” is a collection of poems written by Javon Johnson.

It’s a poetry collection about being black in America and all the heartbreaks, joy, anger, and love encapsulated in the experience.

Often times with poetry it can be difficult to keep my eyes focused on the page, I frequently find myself drifting off or skipping around, but that wasn’t the case here.

This little collection kept me engaged - Javon Johnson is an excellent writer and strings together poems with just the right mix of metaphor and reality.

I will eagerly be awaiting more from this author.

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars. This collection of poems soars. By page 10, I knew this collection was exquisite—I was completely enamored by the writing and creativity the whole way through. The allegorical constructions and metaphorical language employed in this are exquisite and innovative. "The Last Conversation Between Malcolm X and His Daughter," "A Lesson in Proper Sentence Construction," and "Everything I Know About Gentrification I Learned From My Step/Father, Or When The Cancer Comes" are phenomenal.

[Susie Dumond · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a powerful and innovative poetry collection about Black pain, Black joy, and Black masculinity. Javon Johnson is a masterful writer, and every one of his poems presents something fresh and new. I can't recommend this collection highly enough.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Max · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best books of poetry I have read in some time. I will be purchasing a copy!

[Louise (Louus_library) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Now this is the first-time poetry is being featured on this page and I’m glad it is this one. The only reason its down a star is because I wanted it to be longer (literally shocked that I’m saying this about poetry). This certainly gave me a new perspective that other nonfiction books have not. Each poem gives a powerful and heart-breaking insight into black life in America. I read this in one sitting, as its very short but enjoyed it a lot.

I have no idea how to review poetry but Johnson talks about his own experiences and provides a lot of insight into growing up as a black boy in America. Spoken word comes across as a lot more personal which is not only more engaging and impactful but also resonates with you the way a non-fiction book that addresses the same issues may not. It was engaging and moving as well as educational for me, and in my opinion there’s never too much you can read about topics like those addressed in these meaningful poems.

My favourite poems in this book were America (where the words ‘black people’ are replaced with the word America, Cuz He’s Black, The Last Conversation Between Malcolm X and His Daughter (this was hearthbreaking) and On Healthy Masculinity.

Thank you Net Galley and Independent Book Publishers Association for sending me an advanced copy of this book! #AintNeverNotBeenBlack #NetGalley

[Vivi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful, heart-wrenching work by poet Javon Johnson, who allows us through his poetry the perspective of a black man, full of the want, the need for a fulfilled, joyous, FREE life but also the hurt, the anger and the fear of a black man living in today's world. It tells the story of communal and individualistic suffering, of the ugly face of racism, of the growing up of a boy, a black boy and the developement of a man, a black man. This little book comes exactly at the right time where non-blacks seek more and more to understand black history and black story. Johnson's poems are deeply personal, aggressive and very relatable for every human being who has a heart. This work is sure to leave a deep impact on its' readers.

I thank Netgalley and Button Poetry for an ARC to read and review.

[Manon (bookswithonno) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Even though this collection was rather short, it was such a moving and powerful poetry collection. The author speaks of personal experiences regarding racism and black-identity. It was an educational and insightful read for me and I certainly believe more people should read it too. It won't take up much of your time but what you take away from it is very valuable. Important topics like this can't be discussed enough in my opinion. Not until we can say that racism is not present in the world anymore. I only gave this collection 4 stars instead of 5 because I sometimes felt like I wasn't actually reading poetry but more like a text with a unique format.

Thank you to NetGalley and Button Poetry for providing me with an e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

[Kayla Irvin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am not that big on poetry, but this definitely kept my interest. It opened my eyes on how the world can be viewed differently depending on the person.

[Fiona · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ain’t never not been black by Javon Johnson

I was provided with a review copy of this book via Netgalley in exchange for my unbiased review.

I had not read any works by Johnson prior to this book and that is something that I am going to rectify shortly.

This collection was short in page length, but long in effort and consideration. I feel like poetry has this public perception that because there are not as many pages, it’s less effort? I would argue that Johnson in his ability to finetune and finesse language down to a point means that he has expressed himself far more clearly than a prose author that uses 1000 pages.

As I read, I found myself needing to stop. To consider. To reflect. The beauty in his words, the power in his phrasing. He is masterful in his use of repetition to make arguments and his flow of words read like water.

When I write reviews I make notes as I go. My collection of notes on Johnson’s work merely consist of quotes that I found moving. I found myself wanting to take pictures of the pages and sending them to friends to share. I didn’t (as I was reading an ARC), but his words are so poignant right now the urge is strong.

His work covers topics and themes such as: black excellence and pride, fame, police brutality and murder, family, motherhood, anger, grief, “well-intentioned” white people, music, gentrification, and masculinity.

He moves stylistically between more formal stanza style poetry and other formats. This made it refreshing for the reader as you were aware that he was always going to take you somewhere new and be thoughtful about it. His expression was at times so raw my eyes watered reading about his pain in a physical and not just emotional sense.

I am an Australian white woman, so I cannot and refuse to comment on his experience as a black man in America as that is not my role. What I can say is that this book is deeply moving and will stay with you long after you finish. I read it on the day that it was announced that the police officers that shot Breonna Taylor will not be charged in relation to her death at their hands. Johnson’s work is a reminder and a rallying cry to stay angry and fight for change, but also to express your grief.

This is a book that has a lot of power when you first read it, but that power doesn’t fade upon rereading. It’s worth having on your shelf for that alone. I will be purchasing this collection as I wish to have a paper copy in my hands. I want to hold onto it, to dog-ear pages, to make notes and to consider. I suggest you do the same.

[Eram Hussain · Rating 4 out of 5]

"The best way to understand me is
to have my mother's cooking,
too much spice for most people
to stomach, but I like it that way."

"Not too famous though.
Don't want to be a hashtag.
No twitter coffins."

[Amber Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

In minimal words, Javon Johnson manages to convey the complexities and emotions of existing as a person of colour. More than once, I was moved to tears, or left to linger over the words on the page as the over all weight of his poems left me thinking and digesting. Mr. Johnson allows a glimpse into the struggles faced in everyday life as a black person in today's world, of the bias and disadvantages levelled against them.
My partner is a person of colour, and through her eyes I've been able to learn a lot about the privilege that I have had in life, through years of conversations, of comparisons. Mr. Johnson's words convey those same themes but in succinct phrasing, colourful imagery and heart wrenching honesty. Wishing Well took my breath away, and left me feeling cold, goosebumps down my arms as he managed in 5 short lines to portray the very real fears I have every time my partner's phone goes to voice mail when I know she's been out.
Cuz He's Black draws to mind the comparisons of my conversations with my 4 year old nephew regarding the police, of the very different conversation we had compared to that of the narrator. What kind of world have we created where children have to be taught to fear those who are supposed to help? Again Mr. Johnson delves to the heart of the matter, wasting no time or words to spell out the differences with fluidity and ease, leading the reader down a well of emotion.
In this time of Black Lives Matter, Javon Johnson is able to hone in on the issues of this movement and present them in a way that is unavoidable and filled with humanity. There is no beating around the bush. The truth is laid bare, in digestible chunks that let the reader easily draw parallels to their own lives, to see their own privilege exposed for what it is. I can not recommend this book enough, for readers of all generations, of all races. This book needs to be read.

[Elle · Rating 4 out of 5]

A theme of survival resonates throughout the poems published in this book. Ain't Never Not Been Black chronicles the life of the black man in America. It has been difficult to put my thoughts on this book into words: intense, serious, honest; Still at times, Johnson communicates his story so beautifully, that the gravity of these poems almost eludes me. From Malcom X to Jean-Michel Basquiat, these poems show how America's (mal)treatment of the black man has transcended generations. Eloquently written, creative and original, I think that this book is definitely one to read.

[Victoria · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ain't Never Not Been Black foregrounds Black pleasure Black pain and Black love in unflinchingly Black ways.
Engaging with themes of masculinity, racism, love, and joy, Johnson is at once critical and creative. His spoken word performance transfers effortlessly to the page, with poems that will encompass you.
This is a book about blackness and survival, and how in America these are inseparable. In a world of individualism, who can you hold close? In a world of danger, what makes you feel safe?
From a poem written in the form of a syllabus, to another about the time his grandmother literally saved his life, Johnson's creative expression is constantly enacting the feminist mantra, “the personal is political."

I am never disappointed by the books that Button Poetry publishes, and Javon Johnson’s collection is an impressive collection of poems that can be funny, heartbreaking, brilliant and honest. Touching on his experiences and his life, these poems make for touching moments and bitter truths that is life for people of colour in the USA.

As this collection is interspersed with little moments such as ‘Black Famous’ these lighten the mood inbetween poems such as ‘The Last Conversation Between Malcolm X and His Daughter’ which is heartbreaking and honest and when you connect it to ‘On Healthy Masculinity’ or ‘Cuz He’s Black’ where he talks to his niece and nephew you see the reality and how much there is a need to be taught to simply survive - made ever more clearer with ‘On The Murder of Black Children’ - this collection has been put together so incredibly well.

A collection you should read more than once, the nuance and stories the poet tells throughout this collection of joy, anger and sadness are powerful throughout, poems such as ‘Black And Happy’, ‘Los Angeles’ and ‘Enough For Everybody Or My Grand Mother Was My First Philosophy Teacher’ are moment of that jump out with such light in a collection that delivers hard truths and frustration at the world the writers lives in.

A brilliantly put together collection of poems, Javon Johnson spills out his life and personality in these poems and it makes for an intense and incredible read from beginning to end.

[Paula · Rating 4 out of 5]

One day I was with a friend waiting outside of our kids music class in a neighborhood that was being threatened by developers and their grand ideas on how it could be "better". There was some aggressive writing on the brick exterior of the building that suggested that white people should get out and take their ideas with them. My friend asked, "What is wrong with gentrification? Isn't it good for everyone when property values go up?" I pointed at the 40 year old run-down tienda on the corner and asked, "Do you think it's good for that shop owner and his family when the boutique shops come in? Do you think white people will shop there?" My "that's why" hardly scratched the surface of the emotional toll of gentrification. What I needed was Javon's comparison of gentrification to cancer because talk about real and raw and heartfelt., Wow! Something everyone should read and maybe it would stop at least one more person from complaining on the "Next Door" page about how the old neighbors in their new neighborhood are shooting off fireworks, letting their dogs run around, playing loud music, etc....

I didn't love every poem. Some tried too hard which distracted from the rawness and authenticity of the ones that just seemed to flow without effort. But for any poem that lacked luster it was backed up by another that shined. On Healthy Masculinity took my breath away as it describes how the experience of being Black creates an additional layer of complexity around allowing oneself to be vulnerable; vulnerability being a privilege afforded to those that are not perceived to be a threat based solely upon the color of their skin.

I look forward to more by this author and thank NetGalley for allowing me to read this book that I was highly anticipating in exchange for an honest review.

[Alana Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Opposite of the author, I "aint" never been black. I was intrigued by and drawn to the book by the title. "Ain't Never Not Been Black" is not how I speak. It took me a couple of glances to read it correctly in my mind. I didn't know what to expect to find on the pages inside

I was gripped by the truth and the art written in these pages. I read each poem once, twice, and then again to my husband or my child to discuss the real life implications of his words. I am a better for recognizing the truth in these pages. There are a couple poems that I can relate to, strongly, but most serve as an open door to a life I knew about, but have not stepped into.

Black Culture for most is limited - having been received through 90s rap music, music videos, images of Black worship services - a little Kirk Franklin, clothing styles and flat billed ball caps. But, this is not Black Culture. It is not the streets of Oakland, like described in one poem. Or the corner store. Or mom's cooking. Or the gathering of uncles, aunties, nieces and nephews. It is not the message "5-0, we gotta hide" told to you by your 5 year old nephew. It is not the danger of walking the streets in the middle of the day.

"Wishing Well" was a poem that hit me hard. Cut straight to the depth of a mom's heart, but deeper when considered from this other perspective.

Thanks to the author and to NetGalley for allowing me to review this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Çağla · Rating 5 out of 5]

thank you to @buttonpoetry & @netgalley for this e-arc!

Ain’t Never Not Been Black is a poetry collection surrounding Black pain, Black pleasure and Black love, by describing experiences from the author’s personal life as well as social issues that hit the African-American community more generally.

this. was. phenomenal. reading this poetry collection was such a visceral experience. the author uses language so beautifully, yet in a way that makes the themes (especially those poems surrounding Black pain) hit so hard. as a non-Black POC I will never be able to fully understand Black pain, but this poetry collection brought me a little bit closer to that. it is not an easy read at all, it was even quite upsetting at times, but it is so worth it. I read this entire collection in a single sitting and was left wanting more, so my only complaint would have to be that it’s not long enough.

what I also really liked is how accessible the poetry is. the language is not unnecessarily overcomplicated and there is even some slang used throughout. add to that the discussion of contemporary socio-political issues, and you’ve got a poetry collection that is accessible even to those people who don’t normally read a lot of poetry but are interested in venturing out. so whether you’re an avid poetry reader, or are just starting to explore this genre, I’d highly recommend this beautiful collection!

trigger warnings for racism, racial violence, police brutality & the death penalty.

[Tayla · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you do not like the ‘N word’ being used then I wouldn’t advise reading this. We need to realise that while for some in the black community it is incredibly offensive, for others, they use the word amongst their community almost as a big ‘f you’ to their past by using it I guess an empowering way. That does not mean that white people should use the word EVER. I believe that this is a really powerful and important collection of poetry that everyone should read.

This book captures the challenges and discrimination the world places on those in the black community and the anger that black people feel due to this.

Being scared of the police or mothers sending their kids out of the house and praying they make it home are sadly realities those in the black community face when this should not happen. Similarly, stigma suggesting that being black means being a drug dealer, in prison or participating gang fights regularly is not ok or true.

This poetry also ties in the stories of black people murdered and then painted as evil, for example Malcolm X. It’s so important those murdered are not forgotten. More importantly, it’s important that we educate ourselves and learn that black peoples lives are just as important as every other person in the world. The injustice black people are facing which is leading to them living their lives in fear needs to stop.