Associate English professor Dr. Steven Moore has published his first book, The Cry of Black Rage in African American Literature. The book explores the rage of the African-American society and how historical figures dealt with rage starting from the days of slavery until just before the civil rights movement.

“The purpose of the book is to raise awareness. I think so many people do not understand the phenomenon of rage and they do not explore why rage and anger exist,” Moore said.

Moore, whose expertise is in African-American literature, said the roots of the book date back to while he was completing his undergraduate degree at the University of Wisconsin.

“I wrote my senior thesis on the phenomenon of black rage in Richard Wright’s book, ‘Native Son,'” Moore said. “The topic then evolved as I wrote my dissertation on black rage in graduate school.”

Peyton Mosley, a senior English major from Coppell, said the publication is an impressive work.

“It’s a great accomplishment for Dr. Moore, and I think it is something the entire department can take pride in,” Mosley said.

Moore said the publication has been a dream in the making for so many years, and it puts into perspective what writing can develop in to over time. Moore said he believes it is important to keep revisiting your works and encourages students to build and grow older works as they move further in their academic career.

“Reading what my students write really inspires me because you never know what your writing could become in the future if you continue to build on it,” Moore said.

Moore’s book is currently available in the library. He plans to make a few copies available for purchase in the campus store, with the price to be determined. The book can also be purchased online through Amazon or Barnes and Noble for $116.95.