A TIME Magazine’s Most Anticipated Book of Fall 2022
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In "When They Tell You To Be Good," Prince Shakur fearlessly explores his queer, closeted childhood within an immigrant Jamaican family. This memoir provides a raw and honest portrayal of Shakur's identity as an anarchist writer and traveler. The nonlinear narrative mirrors James Baldwin's coming-of-age stories, as Shakur navigates themes of mortality in an anti-black society, haunted by his father's murder. From backpacking in the Philippines to engaging in political movements like Nuit Debout in Paris, Shakur's journey encapsulates the challenges of diasporic masculinity, structural violence, afro-surrealism, and queer resilience.
This memoir surpasses the conventions of typical narratives, delving into profound truths about blackness, escapism, personal history, and love. Shakur's fearlessness will undoubtedly move and inspire readers for generations.
“Shakur's memoir has the ability to stand the test of time and be a guidepost for activists, writers, and revolutionaries to come.”
— HANIF ABDURRAQIB
Prince Shakur – author, journalist, podcast host, video maker, and educator – is an unapologetic force in today's literary and cultural landscape. With his thought-provoking articles in prominent publications such as Teen Vogue, Afropunk, Catapult, and Vice, Prince explores the intricacies of queer culture, the impact of police and prison systems, diasporic representations in film, and the captivating inner lives of black icons. Notably, his career has been widely celebrated and recognized by GLAAD, The Hurston/Wright Foundation, and the Society for Features Journalism for his impactful media work.
At the heart of Prince's literary endeavors lies his debut memoir, When They Tell You To Be Good. Publishers Weekly describes it as “… a searing account of self-discovery amidst the unyielding weight of structural oppression.” This memoir has garnered significant attention and was named one of TIME Magazine's Most Anticipated Books of the Fall.
Beyond the written word, Prince Shakur harnesses the power of visual storytelling. Collaborating as a writer, co-producer, and actor in an upcoming short film, Prince delves into the transformative tales of two childhood friends on the precipice of an event that promises to reshape their lives. He has attended several prestigious artist residencies, including Sangam House, Studios of Key West, Norton Island, Atlantic Center for the Arts, and La Madison Baldwin.
He shares writing resources about craft, publishing, and freelancing as the founder of the newsletter, Millennial Writer Life as well as his Youtube channel that documents his life as a traveler/author. He is also the host of The Creative Hour podcast, and has a long background as a grassroots, radical organizer in Ohio, Standing Rock, and abroad.
He is represented by Samantha Haywood of Transatlantic Agency. For work and speaking opportunities, reach out to his assistant, Alexi.
Prince’s ClearVoice | Medium | Muck Rack | Artist Background | Author’s Guild | Media Kit
Watch his videos…
Two longtime friends, Dom and Derrick, drink and reminisce the night before an important surgery tests the strength of their friendship.
Written by Prince Shakur. Directed by Julian Foglietti
Cast: Dom: Prince Shakur Derrick: Bryson Shultz
By Eli Hiller
A queer horror anthology...
It Came from the Closet features twenty-five original essays by writers speaking to this relationship, through connections both empowering and oppressive. From Carmen Maria Machado on Jennifer’s Body, Jude Ellison S. Doyle on In My Skin, Addie Tsai on Dead Ringers, and many more, these conversations convey the rich reciprocity between queerness and horror.
