Nathan McCall facts for kids

Nathan McCall (born 1955) is an American author and journalist. He writes books and articles, often about the experiences of African-American people. His works include novels, memoirs, and social commentary.

Early Life and Education

Nathan McCall was born in 1955. Because his stepfather was in the Navy, he lived in many places. These included Morocco, Norfolk, Virginia, and Portsmouth, Virginia.

After facing some challenges in his early life, McCall decided to pursue an education. He studied journalism at Norfolk State University. This education helped him start his career in writing.

Journalism Career

McCall began his career as a reporter. He worked for newspapers like The Virginian Pilot-Ledger Star. He also wrote for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

In 1989, he joined The Washington Post. This was a major step in his journalism career. He became known for his insightful reporting.

Sharing His Story: Books

Nathan McCall is well-known for his books. His first book, Makes Me Wanna Holler, came out in 1994. In this memoir, he shares his personal journey. He talks about the difficulties he faced growing up. These included dealing with unfair treatment and peer pressure.

His second book, What's Going On, was published later. This book uses personal essays to discuss important topics. It explores social and cultural issues in the United States.

Life as a Lecturer

After his books became popular, Nathan McCall became a sought-after speaker. He left The Washington Post to travel and give talks. He shares his experiences and ideas with audiences.

Today, he continues to write and teach. He is a lecturer at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia. He teaches in the Department of African-American Studies.

His First Novel: Them

In 2007, McCall published his first novel, Them: A Novel. This story is about a topic called gentrification. Gentrification happens when a neighborhood changes. Often, new people move in and change the area.

Them tells the story of Barlowe Reed. He is an African-American man in his forties. He has to deal with changes in his Atlanta neighborhood. Many new people, often white, are moving into the area.

Looking Back

In an interview in 2014, McCall shared his thoughts. He was surprised that Makes Me Wanna Holler was still popular. The book had been selling for 20 years. This shows how much his story resonated with readers.