The People Can Fly

In The People Can Fly, Dr. Joshua Bennett blends personal memoir and cultural history to explore the complex experiences of Black prodigies from the 18th century to today, examining what it means to be deemed exceptional in a society that often limits understanding of Blackness. Drawing on archives of influential figures like Malcolm X and Stevie Wonder, as well as his own family history, Bennett reflects on the cultural and educational spaces that have shaped Black pioneers. This thought-provoking work highlights the legacy of Black dreamers and creators who have uplifted their communities through transcendent purpose and resilience.