Energy Never Dies: Afro-Optimism and Creativity in Chicago

by Ayana Contreras

From Afro Sheen to Theaster Gates and from Soul Train to Chance the Rapper, Black Chicago draws sustenance from a culture rooted in self-determination, aspiration, and hustle. In Energy Never Dies , Ayana Contreras embarks on a journey to share the implausible success stories and breathtaking achievements of Black Chicago's artists and entrepreneurs. Past and present generations speak with one another, maintaining a vital connection to a beautiful narrative of Black triumph and empowerment that still inspires creativity and pride. Contreras weaves a hidden history from these true stories and the magic released by undervalued cultural artifacts. As she does, the idea that the improbable is always possible emerges as an indestructible Afro-Optimism that binds a people together. Passionate and enlightening, Energy Never Dies uses the power of storytelling to show how optimism and courage fuel the dreams of Black Chicago.

Genres: History, Sociology, Music

192 pages, Hardcover

Published December 14, 2021

Reviews

[TheBookishMug · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of the best book on Black Chicago !

The book portrays incidents happened in history of Chicago related to culture, society, politics, power through shared economics and space for black community.

Theme of the book associates with struggle of Black Chicago rooted in belief. There are stories of faith, hope, anger and grief.

Author talks about
• Black lives
• Necessity of expressions in blackness
• Memories with her grandmother of the place.
• Great Migration of black people.
• Struggle stories of both black & south side of Chicago.
• Stories behind origin of Cinema, music, business in beloved black community.
• Aspirational images of blackness.
• Black Chicago's mark on mass media landscape.
• Gifts given by Chicago to the world. One of them is Chicago Soul Music.
• Events like Black Christmas.
And many more.

Book reminds struggle of Martin Luther King as leader giving voice to black community and his assassination in that process.

One of the remarkable feature of the book is there are song lyrics mentioned and recommended by author that inspires young generation to keep on pushing. And that makes the book compendium.

'Energy Never Dies' is a high quality book for readers with broad interest.

Thank you NetGalley for providing the book for reading before the release.

[Dante]

I've learned a lot about the glory days of Ebony/Jet just by reading this book. There is a lot of history here and if you want to know about the history of black Chicago, check this out!

[CB_Read · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ayana Contreras's deeply personal book is a must-read for lifelong Chicagoans and lovers of vintage soul music. It is told through reminiscences of Black Chicago's economic and musical heyday, primarily the 1960s-70s, with an ever-present urging toward the current generation to pick up the mantle of Black radical imagination and creativity. The author's collection of cultural artifacts--rare issues of soul magazines, photographs of sacred yet crumbling buildings, prints of the first advertisements marketing Black hair-care products created by Black-founded companies--are included to moving effect. And throughout the book the mantra of Afro-optimism, which encourages today's youth to further the culture amidst the limitations of the present, continues to inspire a sense of success and aspiration.

But I can't help but feel that the book was too loose in its structure and focus, often revisiting subjects that had been taken up in earlier chapters, and even repeating stories that had already been told. Many chapters feature deep dives into the history of Chicago record labels and musicians; rather than being informative, however, reading this history felt like being lost within the liner notes of a long out-of-press album.

What also felt at odds with the book's core premise of Afro-optimism was how often a success story ended with dissolution, loss, or erasure. This is of course neither the author's nor the story subjects' fault--if anything, it points to the urgency with which the unique culture of Black Chicago must be preserved, if not saved from deletion. But it pained me to read, over and over, how each example of the pinnacle of Black Chicago culture was eventually dissolved, mismanaged, or--more often than not--erased by white powers.

I feel that I now know more about an overlooked, underserved part of my city and my city's history after reading this book. I just wish that, within the context of an Afro-optimist narrative, the looming specter of failure and erasure were not so present, were not so powerfully and quietly there. But this is the friction against which Afro-optimism must push against, and this book is a testament to the power of what winning this fight can mean.

Thanks to NetGalley for the galley proofs in exchange for an honest review!

[Elaine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chicago. A city of rhythm, resilience, and undeniable influence in shaping Black culture. Yet, despite its significant contributions, it is often overshadowed by the artistic legacies of New York and Los Angeles. Energy Never Dies: Afro-Optimism and Creativity in Chicago by Ayana Contreras is a powerful rebuttal to this neglect—an evocative and insightful celebration of the city’s creative and cultural legacy.

Contreras masterfully crafts a narrative that reads like a love letter to Black Chicago, weaving together personal reflections, archival materials, and historical insights. The book highlights the impact of Chicago’s artists, musicians, radio personalities, and cultural curators—figures who have influenced Black and African American culture in ways often underappreciated on a national scale. Her Afro-Optimist lens adds an uplifting tone, focusing on the enduring power of Black creativity and community despite systemic challenges.

One of the book’s greatest strengths is its ability to position Chicago as an artistic and intellectual powerhouse. Contreras underscores the role of the city in shaping soul music, jazz, and literature, making a compelling case for why it should be recognised alongside its coastal counterparts. However, despite its in-depth cultural exploration, one glaring omission stands out—House Music. Chicago’s foundational role in birthing this genre is arguably one of its most significant contributions to global music, yet it barely receives a mention. Given its international impact and deep-rooted ties to Black Chicago, this oversight feels like a missed opportunity, leading to my decision to rate this book four stars instead of five.

That said, Energy Never Dies is still an essential read for those interested in Black cultural history, music lovers, and anyone keen to explore the artistic heartbeat of the Windy City. Contreras’ passion for her hometown is infectious, and her deep knowledge makes for an enlightening read. If you’ve ever questioned Chicago’s place in Black cultural history, this book provides a resounding answer—it has always been central, and its energy never dies.

[Jasmine · Rating 5 out of 5]

After slowly reading this book over the past year, my eyes and heart have opened up to the Black Chicago in new ways. This collection of historic, archival information is grounded in a kind of timeliness and presence that makes this book essential reading, especially as someone living in the South and West Sides of the city. Made me proud to call Chicago home.