Imagine my surprise upon finding out I was one of the ‘brilliant minds’ featured in the Black Book of Lamentations, a book of life changing quote. It is an honor, the minute I heard I wanted to know more, hence this Q&A, the prequel to our podcast session.” – Nyota Uhura NYOTA:The Black Book of Lamentations can be described as black ingenuity in print, a book of anecdotes and quotes from grassroots activists that speak directly to their struggle. How did you come up with the concept? DR MICHAEL BLANCHARD: I began using social media in 2013 as a way of educating others and to learn from others as well. From about 2013 to the present I began noticing the wealth of talent, knowledge and intelligence from what I call the “Grassroots Scholars or what some call real community activists. The...