Colorful book cover titled "Black Out Loud" featuring black and white photos of African American comedians and actors, with a yellow label that says "The Revolutionary History of Black Comedy from Vaudeville to '90s Sitcoms" and the author's name "Geoff Bennett" at the bottom.

COMING MARCH 2026 

From vaudeville to the golden age of ’90s Black sitcoms — a story of resistance, resilience, and reinvention, told through the legends who made America laugh.

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  • "What a wonderful book to read in these difficult days. Bennett takes us to the well of Black humor revealing its political, moral, and existential power.”

    — Eddie S. Glaude, Jr.

  • "Bennett writes with the confidence of a journalist and the heart of a fan. The result is hilarious, enlightening, and essential."

    —Good Reads

  • "An insightful celebration of comedy stars that makes for good times."

    —Kirkus Reviews

  • "A valuable primer on Black comedy and a perceptive view of Black comics as 'keen observers' of a culture that marginalizes them."

    —Publishers Weekly

Geoff Bennett is the co-anchor and co-managing editor of PBS NewsHour. A Peabody Award-winning journalist, he has reported on national politics at the highest levels -- covering the White House and six presidential election cycles -- while conducting exclusive interviews with cultural icons, world leaders, and groundbreaking artists. His work bridges politics and culture, offering clear-eyed insight into the forces that shape American life. He lives in the Washington, DC, area with his wife and their son.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Geoff Bennett

EVENTS

BLACK OUT LOUD is hitting the road. Join me for an evening of stories, laughs, and book signings.

March 19

Instagram Live with Jordan Hernandez
7:15PM
@_completelybooked

March 21

An Evening with Danielle Pinnock & Sam Sanders
Dynasty Typewriter | 4PM
Los Angeles, CA

March 26

An Evening with Phoebe Robinson & Jordan Carlos
The Greene Space | 7PM, Doors at 6PM
New York, NY

March 25

An Evening with Darryl M. Bell
MLK Memorial Library | 7PM
Washington, DC

March 27

A Celebration of Black Out Loud
Washington, DC

April 2

An Evening of Reading and Conversation
Enoch Pratt Free Library | 7PM
Baltimore, MD

March 28

In Conversation with Johnny Archer
Barnes & Noble Center City | 5PM
Philadelphia, PA

Get Tickets