Cool People Who Did Cool Stuff Part Two: Ben Passmore on Black History
Feb 4, 2026
Ben Passmore, cartoonist and author of Black Arms to Hold You Up, guides readers through painful Black history with a fictionalized narrator. He talks about balancing humor with heavy events, counter-narratives to Black tragedy, revolutionary versus everyday resistance, intergenerational struggle and anarchist influences, and practical solidarity for imprisoned activists.
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Framing History With Personal Characters
- Ben explains why he inserted himself and his father as framing characters in the book to ground readers.
- He says the choice came from his comics-journalism background and personal connection to the history.
Tragedy Dominates But Bravery Is Overlooked
- Ben critiques the tendency to center Black history around recurring funerals and tragedy.
- He emphasizes also showing bravery, ingenuity, and successful resistance actions often omitted from mainstream narratives.
Violence Stems From Despair, Not Heroism
- Ben examines the allure of individual violent acts and their roots in loneliness and despair.
- He stresses the movement's aim is life and collective struggle, not suicidal martyrdom.
