This is a stunning collection of connected reflections on history, culture and beauty. I loved listening to the author read her own thoughts--it made the experience that much more meaningful. It is rare to be able to absorb information and pure beauty at the same time.

In Black in Blues, Imani Perry explores the deep ties between the color blue and Black identity across the diaspora. Weaving history, culture, and personal narrative, she reveals how Black communities shaped not just the Blues but an entire cultural language around blue’s complexities. From indigo-dyed West African fabrics to the oceanic routes of the enslaved, Perry examines blue’s dual nature—both sacred and sorrowful. She traces indigo’s transformation from a revered symbol to a cash crop that fueled white wealth, exposing its entanglement with both heritage and exploitation.
Blending historical research with poetic analysis, Perry explores blue’s presence in blues music, Hoodoo, and Black artistic expression, demonstrating how it embodies joy, grief, and resilience. More than a cultural study, Black in Blues is a testament to Black survival—how a color once tied to oppression became a symbol of power and pride.

Everyone should read Black in Blues. And hearing Imani Perry narrate her work made it all the more special. Imani Perry beautifully connects Black history, culture, and spirit to every form of blue throughout her wonderful stories. This well-researched book taught me new aspects of Blackness and the color blue, as well as shed new light on stories I was already familiar with. 10/10 I will be buying a physical copy for my personal library.

this is a history book unlike anything that i've ever read. through a series of essays that cartograph a journey through history, we're treated to stories of how the color blue correlates with Blackness. imani perry weaved these tales so delicately and pinpointed the blueness in each so cleverly that i'm now convinced that there has to be some cosmic being doing this by design.

through this book i've learned more about Black history more than i have ever learned in a history class; i think this book should be required reading for that reason alone. for example:

- in the 1800s, political leaders encouraged free Black people to immigrate to liberia. here, perry speaks of what it's like to be both colonized and colonizer. later, she goes on to say that ultimately, different diasporas realized there was a universality to their Blackness: "Even when we don't care for each other, we know we have something to do with one another."

- slavery has literally changed the environment. so many enslaved people jumped overboard into the ocean after capture that blue-green tiger sharks developed a taste for humans.

- the periwinkle flower isn't native to north america, so if it's seen growing in the wild, there are likely to be human remains of enslaved people near - since they weren't permitted the option of headstones, they used the flower to decorate the resting places of their loved ones.

- the song "jimmy crack corn" is actually an antebellum anthem. i didn't know this at all. turns out, it's about an enslaved man batting away blue tail flies from his master and his horse. one day, he misses a fly and the fly bites the master's horse, killing the master when the horse bucks him. i sobbed when perry summarized: "But it is also fascinating because the tiny, bothersome, inconsequential fly had a mortal impact. It might have been a warning about the meek of the earth." this tied in to perry's later discussions of the resiliency of Black people.

we also learn about blue bottle trees meant to ward off evil spirits - brought to the american south by enslaved africans. we learn about hoodoo and the blue used to keep the haints away. we learn that police uniforms are blue because union uniforms were repurposed and given to them. we learned about the blues. george washington carver is known for peanuts, but to diminish him to just peanuts is to severely undersell his contributions to society and the breadth of his humanity.

i cannot explain how well researched and special this book is - reading it felt like being introduced to a new world. perry's writing does an excellent service to these rarely told histories; her prose is compulsively readable and addictive, even, written less like an educational, technical work and more like sitting with a storyteller. (in fact, all of perry's books read this way; she's a must-read author.)

highly, highly recommend.

“How a Color Tells the Story of My People”

A rich, meaningful telling of the idea that intertwine colors themselves. Black and Blue. As well as
the connection to and the meaning of that connection to Black history and Black culture. Weaving together
these connections Imani introduces art, music, history and literature in a thought-provoking manner.


"Throughout history, the concept of Blackness has been remarkably intertwined with another
color: blue. In daily life it is evoked in countless ways. Blue skies and blue water offer hope for
that which lies beyond the current conditions. But blue is also the color of deep melancholy and
heartache, echoing Louis Armstrong’s question, “What did I do to be so Black and blue?”
In this book, celebrated author Imani Perry uses the world’s favorite color as a springboard for a
riveting emotional, cultural, and spiritual journey—an examination of race and Blackness that
transcends politics or ideology.”

Imani’s work “Black in Blues: How a Color Tells the Story of My People” is an important addition to Black history, particularly at this time
when parts of society are trying to negate importance and even its existence. Another injustice. Audio book read by the author.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Special thanks to NetGalley, ImaniPerry and Harper Audio for this advanced readers copy in exchange for a fair and honest review. Publication Date: January 25, 2025

For more book reviews and recommendations follow me at #EmptyNestReader #instagram #Goodreads #BalckInBlues #HowaColorTellstheStoryofMyPeople #ImaniPerry #fNonFction #NF #NetGalley #FebruaryReads #bookstagram #bookstagrammer #bookstagramalabama #bookstagrammichigan #bookreviews #bookreviewer #bookrecommendations #readalittlelearnalittlelivealittle #HarperAudio
#emptynestreaderaudiobooks🎧

4.5 stars. Black in Blues is a beautifully crafted deep dive into the color blue and its connections to Black history, culture, and identity. Imani Perry weaves together art, music, history, and personal narrative in a way that is both thought-provoking and poetic. As an English teacher, I especially appreciated the literary analysis and the way she drew connections across disciplines, making the book feel like a rich, interdisciplinary exploration.

The audiobook experience was even more powerful with Perry narrating—there’s something special about hearing an author read their own work exactly as they intended. Her voice carries both the weight and beauty of the subject matter, making it a stunning listen. The research, the storytelling, and the emotional depth all come together to create a book that lingers long after it’s finished.

My only complaint is that I waited so long to listen and read this book. I will have to get a physical copy, and do a re read because there was so much nuggets and gem throughout this book. And listening to the audiobook was so informative. And when i see post on social media asking what books should people have physical copies of in their personal libraries due to the current administration and their policies, this book will be top on the list. I had an arc of the audio and kindle version, and both were good, I will still need a physical copy. It has easily become one of my favorite books of the year.

This was such an interesting read, especially in a time when American history often overlooks Black people. As someone who is well-read in Black and African history, this book offered new insights into things I’ve recognized in everyday life. The author, Imani Perry, explores the color blue and its significance in the lives of Black people—from our favorite pair of blue jeans to the impact of blues music.

Reading this book, I couldn’t help but feel both anger at the injustices Black people have faced and immense pride at all we've overcome. It’s a powerful blend of history, culture, and resilience. There’s so much to absorb in this work that it’s a book worth reading and rereading to fully take in all the lessons and truths Imani Perry is offering.

I have high expectations for Imani Perry - I loved South to America and have been a fan of her academic writing since graduate school - and Black in Blues did not disappoint. I will say that Black in Blues reads more like an excellently devised syllabus than it did a book for me, but I'm not mad at that, particularly from one of America's best scholars.

Black in Blues offers the color blue not as a plot device or method for exploring history but as an organizing theme; the idea that blue has been inherently othered throughout history and also at the epicenter of Black life for centuries. Perry's writing is a beautiful synthesis of storytelling and excellent archival work and I learned so much through reading this book about people - like George Washington Carver - that I thought I already knew well enough about. Similarly, her focus on the African diaspora offered me a deeper understanding of African (American) history and the threads of deep blue woven throughout it. This book is synesthetic and is just as much a visual experience as it is a literary one.

Mostly, this book taught me that remembering is an important act. And if there is one clear takeaway, it's that you can always trust Imani Perry to churn out work that is as creative and engaging as it is meticulous.

This book blew me away. I will admit I was pulled in initially by the cover but this book was so beautifully written. It had me second guessing things, seeing things for the first time and gaining a new appreciation for my favorite color blue. You will walk away gaining so much information and insight. I highly recommend this book.

Black in Blues was a unique way of telling stories and historical events regarding the Black diaspora. Interwoven is the childhood & adulthood memories of the author, Imani Perry's life. Her research on various people & places was great research and a anthropological study. Everything was rooted in color and carried a significance. From the the Indigo plants to discussions on colorism in the antebellum period and how it affects our present realities. The narrator had a soothing voice and was pleasant to hear. I would recommend this audiobook for any fans of history & culture.

This book is informative, reflective, and provides so much comfort to those who have experiences with the blues or relative to.

I immediately wished I was able to read with my grandmother and ask her questions. She wrote this book with so much intention and knowledge and it led me to wanting to dive further in to better understand some chapters and elements. A deeper connection to why so many elders in my family share a favoritism towards the color blue.

This story was an interesting read/listen. This book got very heavy very quickly as (I guess) should be expected, but I somehow was not expecting it. There was a wealth of information here. I would like to have a copy of the book to check the sources because some of this info was so new to me and it made me want to read more.

I appreciated that the book was narrated by the author. Imani Perry has a very calming voice, which seemed to reflect the blue of which she wrote.

Thank you to Ecco, Harper Audio, and NetGalley for the advanced listeners copy!

Black In Blues: How a Color Tells the Story of My People details the connection between the history of Black people and the color blue through short essays. Perry's writing is so stunning, and it allows you to become immersed in the information that she is giving. I think it's so cool that in order to explore Blackness more, she did this by using the significance of a color!!!

I could have easily read 100 more pages of this book. However, with that being said, I do think that some things in this could be explained a little more, as it assumes that the reader will have a certain knowledge of some of the topics that she discusses. I'm sure with Perry being a professor, this was a reason for that; maybe it's second nature. That worked for me, but it could be off-putting for some.

Thank you so much to Ecco and Harper Audio for the advanced copies!

The narrator of this audiobook is the author, Imani Perry. Her voice is soft, genteel, and cultured. It's an advantage to hear the author read her own words. Most especially in this book, which is almost laid out like poetry but broken up by historical essays.

A beautifully told & narrated story that encapsulates how a color can define a race of people. After listening to this audio book, I know I need to get this in either physical or ebook form to fully appreciate the images.

Black In Blues: How Color Tells the Story of My People by Imani Perry


Imani Perry’s book South to America was a favorite of mine to revisit during Black History Month and I’m glad to add another one of her books as a staple to my reading. She combines her family’s history with the history of Black people around the world including Congo, Haiti, and Jamaica. It all connects with the color blue and her research is mind blowing and affirming. With information on the racial social construct with “Blue Veins”, Hoodoo’s usage of blue candles and garments, indigo dye, the blue waters that slave ships sailed on during the slave trades, and even “Blue Lives Matter”. This is very detailed but lyrical, which made revelations on historical facts seem spiritual. Black (people) are just as important as the color blue and this book does an excellent job at telling why and how.


When I got this book, I read it twice back to back because I enjoyed it so much. I know I will continue to come back to such rich writing. I recommend this book if you like layered & poetic writing, historical facts about Black culture, and personal stories & memoirs. If you love the color blue, it’s an added bonus.

I will never look at the color blue the same. I am so happy I received this audiobook for free during Black History Month. The monotony of the narrator’s voice made it more like a lecture, but the content of the book made up for it. You can tell the author did a lot of research and made the correlation between black and blue very clear to the reader, or in my case the listener. I would recommend this book to those who enjoy history and spiritual empowerment of black people. I found this book to be extremely educational.

Imani Perry's profound and evocative exploration of the color blue, weaving together history, culture, and personal narrative in a way that is both enlightening and deeply moving. Her reflections on the power of blue in its varying hues to express pain, resilience, and hope are particularly resonant, offering readers a deeper understanding of the emotional and cultural significance of the color for Blacks.

Thanks to NetGalley, HarperAudio, and Imani Perry for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. This review contains spoilers.

Black and Blue is an essay collection that details the role of “blue” in Black history, culture, and art. Imani Perry begins with the color blue in her grandma’s home as well as her own home. From there, the essays make detailed and varying connections between blue and black including blue gums, the Blue-Black speller, singing the blues, and indigo cloth.

Perry’s connections between blue and black are sometimes very clear and approachable, such as explaining why indigo blue cloth was common in clothing for people who were enslaved. A few connections are less linear. For example, in just a few sentences Perry takes the reader from Whitney Houston singing the National Anthem at the Super Bowl to the role of a young black girl named Grace in sewing the first flag which inspired Francis Scott Key - a slave owner - to write the “Star Spangled Banner”. Others - such as those about the blues - are critical of appropriation of Black culture.

Like South to America, Black and Blue is academic. For me, Black and Blue was something to read slowly and think about with Google and Spotify nearby to help me understand the references I didn’t know about. I accessed Perry’s work through audio; it might have been easier for me in print.