Morehouse College alumnus Geoff Bennett ’02, co-anchor of PBS NewsHour and one of the nation’s most trusted journalists, will release his debut book, Black Out Loud, in March 2026 through HarperCollins.
Nearly four years in the making, Black Out Loud is a deeply researched and thoughtfully written examination of Black comedy as both an art form and a cultural force. The book traces the craft, influence, and legacy of Black humor, with particular attention to the transformative impact of 1990s television. During that era, landmark sitcoms and sketch shows did more than entertain; they helped redefine American media by centering Black voices, experiences, and perspectives in ways that were unapologetically authentic.
Bennett explores how shows of the 1990s carved out space for a distinct comedic voice, one rooted in cultural truth, social critique, and creative freedom. Through comedy, these programs challenged stereotypes, shaped public discourse, and influenced generations of creators and audiences alike. Black Out Loud positions Black comedy not as a side note in entertainment history, but as a powerful engine of cultural change.
Best known for his incisive political reporting and calm, authoritative presence on PBS NewsHour, Bennett brings a journalist’s rigor and storyteller’s sensibility to the book. His approach blends media analysis with cultural history, offering readers insight into how comedy operates at the intersection of art, identity, and power.
A proud Morehouse Man, Bennett’s work reflects the College’s enduring commitment to intellectual inquiry, cultural leadership, and truth-telling. Black Out Loud extends that legacy, demonstrating how storytelling, whether through journalism or comedy, can illuminate the complexities of American life.
Black Out Loud will be released in March 2026 and published by HarperCollins.
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Alumni Achievement