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L. B.'s recent work, No Sense in Wishing, blends the personal with the societal in a memoir that functions as a homage to his hometown. The publication examines the creative and social forces that shaped his journey, weaving collectively subjects of family, fatherhood, and institutional challenges.

A Politicized Lens on Baltimore

The author notes that the city has long been politicized and racialized. Burney reflects on his early essays on police brutality, inspired by the high-profile case and personal family encounters. Over time, his method shifted to a increasingly contextual perspective, examining the city's legacy of segregation and discriminatory housing policies.

Baltimore boasts arguably the most damaging public relations of every urban center in America.

He contends that despite societal problems, the city's reputation is often misrepresented by media reporting. Great art and music emerge from Baltimore, yet these contributions often remain overlooked by wider viewers.

Elevating Local Artists

Via his zine True Laurels, the writer aimed to showcase Baltimore artists often overlooked by larger outlets. A significant piece involved a musician named the artist, who faced reportedly police targeting. While Burney's reporting, the cops implicated were charged with serious offenses, revealing deep-rooted misconduct.

• This situation illustrated anti-Black and anti-poor law enforcement practices.
• Burney emphasized that different African American communities experience the same level of policing.

Emotional Range and Intimate Insight

This memoir balances devastating moments with lighthearted elements, mirroring the multifaceted essence of life. Burney concentrated on eliciting emotional responses in the audience, arguing that emotion outweighs technical proficiency in art.

He shared how musicians like Lupe Fiasco deeply impacted his life, challenging notions of masculinity and identity.

Vulnerability and Personal Growth

Reflecting about personal topics—such as attending church, before-school care, and fatherhood—required considerable openness. He noted that addressing his role as a father and the choice to follow a career chance in another location was particularly challenging.

Writing about these feelings wasn't simple. That chapter probably took me a quarter of a year to just produce a initial version.

International Connections

This memoir also covers Burney's journeys to Johannesburg and the Nigerian metropolis, drawing connections between his hometown and different worldwide cities. He suggests that Baltimore acts as a small-scale representation of wider societal issues, including class conflict and ethnic segregation.

In the end, Burney presents the city as a primer to grasping complex societal systems not only in the U.S., but across the western world.