Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Trymaine Lee's new memoir, A Thousand Ways to Die: The True Cost of Violence on Black Life in America, is part history, and part personal. He traces the bloody history Black Americans have with firearms, recalls the gun violence in his own youth and follows his ancestors’ path back to Ghana. The book reads like a plea for people to see the humanity of those lost to gun violence — and for this country to care enough to act. Lee spoke with Tonya Mosley about the toll of writing about Black death. Also, Kevin Whitehead reviews a new anthology of Joni Mitchell's jazz connections. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
No persons identified in this episode.
This episode hasn't been transcribed yet
Help us prioritize this episode for transcription by upvoting it.
Popular episodes get transcribed faster
Other episodes from Fresh Air
Transcribed and ready to explore now
Who Is Laura Loomer, Trump's 'Loyalty Enforcer'?
12 Nov 2025
Fresh Air
Nutrition, SNAP & Why We Need A Food Revolution
11 Nov 2025
Fresh Air
Tim Robbins Believes In The Power Of Theater
10 Nov 2025
Fresh Air
Best Of: Judd Apatow / Misty Copeland
08 Nov 2025
Fresh Air
Patti Smith’s ‘Horses’ Turns 50
07 Nov 2025
Fresh Air
Trump's Options To Subvert The 2026 Midterms
06 Nov 2025
Fresh Air