A Conversation with Jabari Asim

A native St. Louisan and former reporter for several local publications, Jabari Asim’s byline can now be regularly seen in the pages of The Washington Post as deputy editor of the book review section. But it is his own book which is earning this “hometown boy made good” national attention.

Asim’s book details the history of what is perhaps the most controversial word in our language today: nigger (commonly referred to in polite company as “the N word”).

“The N Word: Who Can Say It, Who Shouldn’t, and Why” not only looks at the 400 year etymological history of the word, but also its origins in racism and how the use of the word has evolved.

On Sunday afternoon, Asim sat down with PubDef on the corner of 14th Street and Washington Ave, in front of the Geletaria café, to talk about his new book and the word that continues to cause so much pain and controversy.

You can meet Asim tonight at the St. Louis Public Library Central Branch, 1301 Olive Street, at 7:00 p.m. He will be discussing and signing copies of his book. The event is free to the public and all are welcome.

Click here to purchase the book on Amazon.com.