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L. B.'s newest work, No Sense in Wishing, blends the personal with the societal in a memoir that acts as a homage to Baltimore. The volume examines the creative and cultural forces that formed his journey, weaving collectively subjects of family, parenthood, and systemic challenges.

The Politicized Lens on Baltimore

The author notes that Baltimore has long been politicized and seen in racial terms. He recalls his initial writings on law enforcement violence, inspired by the Freddie Gray case and his own household experiences. As time passed, his method shifted to a more historical viewpoint, analyzing Baltimore's history of division and redlining.

The city boasts probably the worst PR of every city in America.

Burney argues that despite social ills, the city's reputation is often misrepresented by media coverage. Exceptional creative work and music emerge from Baltimore, yet these contributions frequently remain unnoticed by wider viewers.

Elevating Community Creatives

Via his publication True Laurels, the writer sought to highlight Baltimore artists frequently overlooked by mainstream outlets. One notable story involved a musician named Young Moose, who encountered reportedly police targeting. During Burney's investigation, the officers involved were charged with serious offenses, exposing systemic misconduct.

• This situation exemplified anti-Black and class-based law enforcement practices.
• Burney emphasized that different African American neighborhoods face the identical level of surveillance.

Affective Range and Personal Insight

This book mixes heartbreaking moments with lighthearted ones, reflecting the multifaceted essence of life. The author concentrated on evoking affective reactions in readers, believing that feeling transcends craft-based proficiency in art.

He shared how musicians like the rapper profoundly influenced his path, questioning perceptions of manhood and selfhood.

Openness and Personal Growth

Reflecting about private subjects—such as going to church, before-school care, and being a parent—required significant vulnerability. Burney noted that discussing his experience as a father and the decision to follow a career opportunity in another city was particularly challenging.

Writing about these emotions was not easy. That chapter probably required me three months to just crank out a initial version.

International Parallels

This book also covers his travels to Johannesburg and Lagos, establishing connections between his hometown and different worldwide urban centers. The author suggests that Baltimore acts as a small-scale representation of broader societal issues, such as class tension and racial segregation.

In the end, Burney offers Baltimore as a primer to grasping complicated societal structures not only in the U.S., but across the western world.