Dr. Javon Johnson talks “The End of Chiraq” | Book Circle Online

Lem Gonsalves talks with Dr. Javon Johnson about his book, "The End of Chiraq." The End of Chiraq: A Literary Mixtape is a collection of poems, rap lyrics, short stories, essays, interviews, and artwork about Chicago, the city that came to be known as "Chiraq" ("Chicago" + "Iraq"), and the people who live in its vibrant and occasionally violent neighborhoods. Tuned to the work of Chicago's youth, especially the emerging artists and activists surrounding Young Chicago Authors, this literary mixtape unpacks the meanings of "Chiraq" as both a vexed term and a space of possibility. [...]