USA Projects

Mat Johnson was born to an Irish American father and an African American mother, and grew up inspired by both literary traditions. He attended graduate school at Columbia University. Johnson has written two novels, including Hunting in Harlem (2004, winner of the Hurston/Wright Legacy Award in fiction), about the area's gentrification, and a nonfiction book, The Great Negro Plot. His work addresses contemporary race and social issues with wicked humor.

Portrait photo courtesy Emily Shur  

Hunting in Harlem, 2003; photo courtesy Bloomsbury USA