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L. B.'s newest work, No Sense in Wishing, blends the intimate with the political in a memoir that serves as a homage to Baltimore. This volume examines the artistic and social influences that formed his life, intertwining collectively subjects of kinship, parenthood, and systemic issues.

A Political View on the City

Burney notes that the city has for decades been politicized and racialized. Burney reflects on his early essays on police brutality, prompted by the high-profile case and personal family encounters. Over time, his method evolved to a more contextual viewpoint, examining the city's legacy of division and discriminatory housing policies.

Baltimore boasts arguably the worst public relations of any urban center in America.

Burney argues that despite societal ills, the city's reputation is often misrepresented by media reporting. Exceptional creative work and musical talent emerge from Baltimore, yet these contributions frequently remain unnoticed by mainstream viewers.

Elevating Community Creatives

Via his zine True Laurels, Burney sought to showcase local artists frequently ignored by mainstream media. A notable piece centered on a musician named Young Moose, who faced reportedly law enforcement targeting. During Burney's reporting, the cops involved were indicted with serious offenses, revealing systemic corruption.

• This situation exemplified discriminatory and class-based law enforcement practices.
• Burney emphasized that not all African American communities experience the identical level of surveillance.

Affective Range and Personal Insight

The book balances devastating moments with humorous elements, mirroring the multifaceted essence of life. Burney focused on eliciting emotional responses in readers, believing that feeling transcends craft-based proficiency in cultural production.

He discussed how artists like Lupe Fiasco profoundly influenced his life, challenging notions of manhood and identity.

Vulnerability and Personal Growth

Writing about personal subjects—such as attending church, before-school care, and fatherhood—demanded considerable openness. He noted that addressing his experience as a parent and the choice to follow a career opportunity in another location was especially challenging.

Talking about those emotions wasn't simple. The essay probably took me three months to even crank out a initial version.

International Parallels

The memoir additionally includes Burney's journeys to Johannesburg and Lagos, establishing connections between his hometown and different worldwide cities. The author proposes that the city acts as a microcosm of broader social issues, including economic tension and racial segregation.

In the end, Burney presents the city as a primer to grasping complicated societal structures not just in America, but across the western world.