In a recent interview on NPR’s Fresh Air, Ta-Nehisi Coates, author of The Beautiful Struggle discusses life growing up in West Baltimore in the late 1970s and ’80s, as crack and guns burst into prominence in Baltimore.  The son of a Black Panther, and Afro-centric book publisher discusses his experiences in Baltimore, and his life since.  He has written for The Village Voice, Washington City Paper, Time, The New York Times Magazine, The Washington Post, The Washington Monthly, and O. Coates currently is a contributing editor for The Atlantic, and also writes for its blog.  His bio on The Atlantic‘s website describes his environment as a youth as, “not quite The Wire, but sometimes ill all the same.”  In this interview he offers a brief commentary on his view of Baltimore through an alternative, very political perspective.

In the interview he comments on the state of parenthood in his environment growing up, and how he was an exception to have his father active in his life.  He also comments on the introduction of guns and drugs into Baltimore, and the influence that had on his community.  While not essential listening to appreciate the sociopolitical implications of The Wire, Coats gives valuable historical perspective, and personal anecdotes that can further inform the contextual understanding of the series.