The Matter of Black Living

In her latest work, Womack examines the relationship between race and data that shaped the social, cultural, and literary environment between 1880 and 1930. She calls into question the use of statistics, social surveys, and other data-collection methods to try and solve racial problems and explores the impact this approach has had on Black life. Drawing from the work of various Black voices, including W.E.B. Du Bois and Zora Neale Hurston, The Matter of Black Living (Chicago Press) highlights the value of Black creative innovation.