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Journal of a Black Man is a lyrical exploration of Black identity in British Columbia, weaving together themes of love, faith, family, and resilience against systemic inequities. Why was this an important book for you to publish?
It was an important book for me to publish because Black people in Canada, especially in British Columbia, make up a very small proportion of the overall population. Therefore, I had to inform people about the things that we truly face. Visitors are often sold the glitz and glamor of the country, and while Canada is definitely beautiful, there are many dark moments. Also, there are a lot of things that I personally experienced, such as love. Overall, the start of the year had been tough for me, and I only made it through with family, faith, and resilience, which is why I highlighted those themes.
Many poems balance vulnerability with strength. How do you navigate writing about pain without letting it overshadow joy?
I navigated between the themes of joy and pain by understanding that there will be bright moments and there will be dark moments. Life isn’t perfect, but I know that I had to find a balance that I was truly happy with.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
Some themes that were important to me in this book were migration, love, the nuclear family, faith, and resilience.
What do you hope readers carry with them after sitting with your words?
I hope that readers truly enjoy the book, but what I really want them to understand is that nothing is truly what it seems. Be careful with each opportunity.
Author Links: GoodReads | Amazon
I allow you to see my feelings,
I am vulnerable…
This powerful fifth collection from prolific poet Marlo Browne is an exercise in vulnerability. He
exposes personal feelings about the Black experience in Canada, his adopted home.
Topics touched on in this work include the high incidence of missing youth in provinces like
Ontario, prevalence of drug use and abuse in Ontario, exploitation within the migration process,
biases in the workplace, and more.
Experience vulnerability in a bold new way within the pages of JOURNAL OF A BLACK MAN
today!
Journal of a Black Man
Marlo Browne’s Journal of a Black Man is a collection of poems that captures the lived experience of being Black in British Columbia while weaving in themes of love, faith, family, loss, and identity. It reads like an open diary, where Browne reflects on everything from systemic racism and social inequities to the tenderness of romance and the quiet power of prayer. The book is divided into two parts, with the first centering on Browne’s personal journey and the second featuring collaborations. Throughout, there is a strong undercurrent of vulnerability, pride, and resilience. It’s raw, rhythmic, and deeply personal, pulling the reader into the struggles and triumphs of a voice that refuses to be silenced.
What struck me most was the honesty. Browne speaks on racism at work, the ache of missing community, the pain of addiction, and the pressure on Black men to wear masks of strength. At times, the words felt like a confession, almost whispered, and at other times, they were a rallying cry. Some poems made me pause, sit with my own discomfort, and think hard about privilege and empathy. Others carried so much beauty and love that they softened the edges of the heavier pieces. I admired the way his style switches between conversational storytelling and sharp lyrical punches. It felt alive, like something meant to be performed aloud, not just read quietly.
Some pieces circled back to similar themes, but the sincerity shone through, and I found myself underlining lines that felt timeless. The references to culture, history, and community made the book richer and reminded me that poetry doesn’t just come from one person, it carries the voices of many.
Journal of a Black Man left me thoughtful, stirred up, and grateful. I’d recommend this book to anyone who wants to better understand the realities of Black life in Canada, or anyone who simply loves poetry that wears its heart on its sleeve. It would resonate deeply with readers who crave authenticity and aren’t afraid to face hard truths, but it also offers comfort to those who need to feel seen. It’s a book for people who believe words can heal, challenge, and connect us.
Pages: 132 | ASIN: B0FBV64YYB
LITERARY TITAN 