Minneapolis, Minnesota Dec 26, 2019 (Issuewire.com) - When someone mentions they were a black kid in Chicago, it’s unlikely that your first thought is Doctor Who. The long-running, British science-fiction series may have a half-century legacy and global audience, but it’s not a property that springs to the top of mind when discussing inner-city youth. After reading the latest from one local author’s, that connection may no longer seem surprising.
T. Aaron Cisco, the prolific, indie author best known for his Afrofuturism novellas, and near-ubiquitous presence at Midwest fan conventions, has released Black Nerd Blue Box, a collection of memoirs about being a little Black boy with a big love for Doctor Who. The timing couldn’t be better, as not only will the new season of Doctor Who debut in the US on January 5th, but T. Aaron Cisco will also be appearing at CONsole Room, the Official Twin Cities Doctor Who fan convention in Bloomington, MN the weekend of January 17-19.
After having found local success with his Afrofuturism books, T. Aaron Cisco felt hesitant about putting out a nonfiction work- especially one so overwhelmingly personal, but felt compelled to tell his stories:
“Growing up, there were similar depictions of Black people and Black families in movies and television shows. know, just as every Black person knows- that Black isn’t a monolith, but even now, it often feels like there’s a single narrative being pushed out. There aren’t too many books, TV shows or movies featuring Black nerds- let alone Black nerd who are really into Doctor Who, and I want to change that. And hopefully, people reading it, won’t feel as alone as I used to.”
Beginning with his introduction to Doctor Who at the age of seven, T. Aaron Cisco shares memories covering a wide spectrum of the Black nerd experience, from bullying at school and racism in the workplace, to trying to date with no money, and the impact of his mother’s cancer. But Black Nerd Blue Box isn’t just a collection of essays. In between memories, readers are treated to a somewhat existential breakdown of the events as they occurred, and the contemporary effects of those events. Part insightful recap, and part existentialist commentary, the “one-sided dialogue” is simultaneously unique and endearing, allowing readers to get to the know not only how T. Aaron Cisco’s lived, but also how he thought, and thinks.
T. Aaron Cisco was born and raised in Chicago, and for over a decade, has called the Twin Cities home. His literary works include Teleportality, Dragon Variation, The Preternaturalist, Shadow of the Valley, and Big Ass Aliens. His recent accolades include the 2018 Society of Professional Journalists Page One Award for Best Online Arts Criticism/Review. He lives in South Minneapolis with his wife and two daughters, where he spends every Sunday evening at the movies, and most other nights working on cosplay, and trying to get caught up on episodes of Supernatural. T. Aaron Cisco will be appearing at CONsole Room- the Official Twin Cities Doctor Who fan convention- January 17-19.
Media Contact
T. Aaron Cisco taylor.cisco@gmail.com 9526881029 http://blkintl.com
