Ontological Terror: Blackness, Nihilism, and Emancipation

Abstract

This book is born out of numerous conversations, spirited debates, noetic experiments, and silent reflections.My intention is to reinvigorate and expand a philosophical field, one often neglected and ignored: black nihilism.The thinking here represents my attempt to center the ontological crisis blackness presents to an antiblack world.This is a difficult task, and many have provided intellectual and emotional support to accomplish it.I am grateful for those who have endured my negativity, unconventional thinking, and exasperation.It takes an exceptional constitution to support a nihilistic thinker, especially when the very ground upon which the support is extended is also called into question.Words are inadequate to express my deep gratitude for those willing to travel to the depths with me, the "valley of the shadow of death," and think what seems ineffable.Identifying origins is always difficult, since innumerable factors influence the emergence of thought, but Yale University has been formative in my thinking.I would like to thank Dr.