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This article showcases a selection of noteworthy titles in the fields of art, architecture, and photography. It covers a wide range of subjects, including the documentation of pop culture advancements and the exploration of prominent figures such as Albrecht Dürer. The featured titles encompass diverse topics, such as the photography of Baltimore's Black communities, the misunderstood portrayal of Muslim figures in Dürer's art, and the interest of Black artists in ancient Egyptian iconography. This article serves as a valuable resource for library patrons conducting research on specific subjects, offering a comprehensive overview of upcoming releases in these fields. One of the highlighted books, "Elizabeth Catlett: A Black Revolutionary Artist and All That It Implies," edited by Dalila Scruggs, delves into the art of Elizabeth Catlett, an artist associated with the Harlem Renaissance. Catlett's life in Mexico and her exclusion from the United States due to suspicions of communism are explored in this book, which provides a survey of her work and examines the implications of her art. [Extracted from the article]

The article features singer-songwriter Coco Jones and her works that led to her nomination in the 2024 Grammy Awards. Also cited are her roles in Disney Channel shows and films such as "Let It Shine" and "So Random!," her signing with High Standardz/Def Jam Recordings, and her accomplishments as singer-songwriter including her 2013 album "Made Of."

The article profiles several musicians who are 21 or under 21 years old, found success at an early age and who were able to balance their careers and maintain privacy. They include singer-songwriter d4vd who has a sold-out six-city tour, Olivia Rodrigo who is busy after her blockbuster debut album "Sour," and The Kid LAROI who had just announced his debut album "The First Time," after his Justin Bieber collaboration "Stay" became one of the biggest songs of the year.

"To After That" is a novella by Renee Gladman that delves into the process of writing and the connection between writing and life. The story follows the protagonist, Renee Gladman, as she writes a novel called "After That" in the mid-1990s. The novel explores themes of cellphones and gentrification, and Gladman reflects on her own existence within the realm of fiction. Despite being a story about a failed writing project, the novella is filled with unique and thought-provoking ideas and ultimately concludes with the relief of letting go. [Extracted from the article]

Alongside meetings of Black artists, there will be clay workshops for children and a Japanese tea ceremony - Gates studied ceramics in Tokoname - and music, from Gregorian chants to jazz. WHEN THE CALL came to design the Serpentine Pavilion - the high-profile annual commission for a temporary events space in London - Theaster Gates naturally thought of clay. Gates initially hoped to make Black Chapel from clay brick, like the Walker Art Center building, but the budget and timeframe proved prohibitive. [Extracted from the article]

John Vercher's novel, Devil Is Fine, explores the challenges of communication between fathers and sons, which can be passed down through generations. The protagonist struggles to respond to uncomfortable situations without resorting to sarcasm or inappropriate jokes, a trait he inherited from his own father. Vercher also examines the breakdown of communication within his own family and the impact it has on his relationship with his parents. The novel also delves into racial diversity in publishing and academia, particularly in the aftermath of the protests following George Floyd's murder. Vercher uses the lens of racial identity to explore questions of identity in the novel. The presence of the supernatural in the scenes set at a former slave plantation is left open to interpretation, allowing readers to wonder if these moments are real or imagined. [Extracted from the article]

The article focuses on the popularity of television shows as a means of introducing new musical talents and promoting them in the U.S., such as "American Idol," Dick Clark's "American Bandstand" and "Unplugged" on MTV.

The article focuses on the robust job gains in the U.S. construction industry in October 2023 marking the seventh consecutive month of overall increases with a notable rise of positions as reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Topics include the substantial contributions from specialty trade contractors particularly in residential and nonresidential sectors, the overall job gains in building contractors, and the increase in hourly rates and weekly earnings for construction workers.

The article reports on updates in the efforts to address systemic racism in the music industry, particularly the claim by the Black Music Action Coalition (BMAC) that there are few accomplishments in advancing racial justice in the sector. Also cited are the claim by "Gauds Show" podcast host Ray Daniels that labels do not want change and the issues in advancing reforms like lack of transparency and accountability in said programs.

Apple Apple's Black Unity Collection features a special-edition Apple Watch Black Unity Sport Loop and matching watch face. This year, Target's Black History Month product assortment features products from Black-designed/owned brands such as Sammy B, Little Giants Giant Shorties, Ade + Ayo and more. [Extracted from the article]

An interview with book author Lauren Michele Jackson is presented. Jackson talks about her book "White Negroes: When Cornrows Were in Vogue ... and Other Thoughts on Cultural Appropriation." She discusses how appropriation manifests in music, art and memes and provides advice to white creators who feel inspired by the work of artists of color.