Black Arts Cities.

This article explores the significance of the Black Arts Movement (BAM) in urban history and its role in social movements during the 1960s and 1970s. It discusses three recent books that delve into the BAM, showcasing its importance in literature and art history. The article also examines two methodological approaches in BAM studies: the critical cultural approach, which analyzes the artistic qualities of BAM works, and the infrastructural approach, which focuses on the local context and networks that shaped the movement. It emphasizes the influence of cities, institutions, and politics on the BAM, as well as the reciprocal relationship between artists and communities. The article concludes by highlighting two recent books that offer promising methods for understanding the intersection of infrastructure and critical cultural approaches in urban history. These books emphasize the impact of the urban environment on artistic expression and community building. [Extracted from the article]