Imani Perry traces blue through Black American life, starting with her grandmother’s room

Imani Perry’s latest book, Black in Blues, delves into the significance of the color blue in Black American life and the resilience of finding beauty in the face of adversity. Mattea Roach from Bookends sat down with Perry to discuss her exploration of this theme and how it connects to her own personal experiences.

The interview begins with Perry describing her grandmother’s bedroom in Birmingham, Alabama, which served as the inspiration for her study of the color blue. The room was adorned with various shades of blue, from the walls to the bedding, creating a soothing and comforting space. Perry reflects on a moment with her young cousin, Ian, who pointed out a missing tile in the ceiling that revealed the original sky blue color of the room. This experience solidified Perry’s belief that blue was a portal to deeper insights about Black American life.

When asked why her grandmother was drawn to the color blue, Perry speculates that it may have been influenced by the abundance of blue wildflowers in Alabama and the elegance and restraint associated with the color. She highlights the dual nature of blue as both hot and cold, lush and delicate, which adds complexity to its symbolism. Perry emphasizes the importance of beauty in Black American history, particularly as a response to trauma and oppression.

Reflecting on the impact of writing Black in Blues, Perry shares that she has become more attuned to the presence of blue in art, literature, and everyday life. She discusses how the process of collaging and quilting, prevalent in Black southern aesthetics, has influenced her understanding of storytelling and community building. Perry encourages deliberate choices in how we curate our lives and narratives, emphasizing the power of intentional storytelling in shaping our identities and connections with others.

Overall, Perry’s exploration of the color blue in Black American life offers a nuanced perspective on resilience, beauty, and community. Through her book, she invites readers to consider the ways in which we can weave together fragments of our experiences to create a cohesive and meaningful whole. The interview with Mattea Roach provides a glimpse into Perry’s creative process and the profound impact of color on our understanding of history and identity.