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L. B.'s latest work, No Sense in Wishing, merges the personal with the political in a autobiography that serves as a tribute to Baltimore. The volume delves into the creative and social influences that formed his journey, intertwining together themes of kinship, parenthood, and institutional issues.

A Political View on Baltimore

The author observes that Baltimore has for decades been politicized and racialized. He reflects on his initial essays on law enforcement brutality, inspired by the high-profile case and personal household encounters. As time passed, his approach shifted to a more historical perspective, examining Baltimore's history of division and redlining.

The city has arguably the worst PR of any city in the United States.

Burney contends that despite social ills, the city's reputation is often distorted by media reporting. Great creative work and music emerge from Baltimore, yet these contributions frequently go overlooked by wider viewers.

Elevating Local Artists

Through his zine True Laurels, the writer sought to highlight local artists often overlooked by mainstream outlets. One notable piece involved a musician called Young Moose, who faced alleged police harassment. During Burney's investigation, the cops involved were indicted with federal offenses, exposing systemic misconduct.

• This situation illustrated anti-Black and class-based law enforcement practices.
• Burney emphasized that not all Black neighborhoods experience the identical level of surveillance.

Affective Range and Intimate Insight

The memoir mixes devastating experiences with humorous ones, mirroring the multifaceted nature of life. Burney concentrated on eliciting emotional responses in the audience, arguing that feeling outweighs craft-based proficiency in cultural production.

He discussed how artists like the rapper deeply impacted his path, challenging perceptions of masculinity and identity.

Openness and Personal Growth

Reflecting about personal subjects—such as going to religious services, before-school care, and fatherhood—demanded considerable vulnerability. He noted that addressing his experience as a parent and the decision to follow a career opportunity in a different location was particularly challenging.

Talking about these feelings was not easy. The chapter likely took me three months to just crank out a first draft.

Global Connections

This book also includes Burney's journeys to Johannesburg and the Nigerian metropolis, drawing parallels between Baltimore and different global urban centers. The author suggests that Baltimore acts as a microcosm of broader societal dynamics, such as class conflict and racial division.

In the end, the writer offers Baltimore as a primer to understanding complicated societal structures not only in America, but across the global stage.