John Vercher
Cognoscenti contributor
John Vercher is a writer. His latest novel, "After the Lights Go Out," was published in June 2022. His debut novel, "Three-Fifths," was published in the fall of 2019.
Recently published
The unbearable whiteness of being
I’m raising my sons to be proud of their Blackness, writes John Vercher. But I also know that they’ll benefit from their lighter skin.
Your Shock And Horror Over Trump's 'Lynching' Comments Aren't Helping
On Tuesday, the president took to Twitter to call the impeachment inquiry a "lynching." John Vercher says we shouldn't be surprised. Surprise distracts.
Do You Think You're 'Woke?' It's Not A Compliment
For people of color, being "woke" means entering every situation, no matter how mundane, with eyes wide open, writes John Vercher.
Sad, Angry, But Not Surprised About Charlottesville And Our Enduring History Of Racism
White privilege is the ability to be astonished about the state of race relations in our country -- to be in denial that things have always been this way, writes...
Loving Day, And The Fluidity Of Racial Identity
Fifty years ago, Loving v. Virginia ushered in a modern interracial era. John Vercher reflects on the landmark case in this new age of identity politics.
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The Unbearable Whiteness Of Being
I'm raising my sons to be proud of their blackness, writes John Vercher. But they'll benefit from their lighter skin.
More Than Sidekicks: Finding Comic Book Superheroes Who Look Like Me
Comic books now feature more diverse superheroes, writes John Vercher, unlike most cartoons and merchandise.
After 'Moonlight,' We Need More Black Writers Telling Diverse Stories
In the 87-year history of the Academy Awards, only four black writers have won Oscars for screenplays, writes John Vercher.
'Are We Safe?' In Trump's America, A Father Worries
This president is well on his way, writes John Vercher, to making sure there are far fewer casual observers of race than before. "He places my children, and children like...
Midnight Is Nigh, America. It's Time To Find Common Ground
In organizing with those who share in our causes, writes John Vercher, we must begin to forge the bridges of commonality with those who do not.