Award-recognized author J. A. Faulkerson returns with a thought-provoking new literary work that blends political suspense, speculative fiction, social commentary, and visionary entrepreneurship into a compelling narrative designed to spark conversation about America’s past, present, and future. His latest novel, BLACK: The Bear on Our Backs, launches the ambitious BLACK Novel Series, inviting readers to examine complex issues surrounding race, justice, economic empowerment, and national identity through the lens of fiction.
At its core, the novel asks a provocative question: What if the American Civil War never truly ended—but instead evolved into battles fought through politics, economics, culture, and institutions?
Rather than offering simple answers, Faulkerson presents an imaginative story that encourages readers to reflect on history while considering new possibilities for leadership, innovation, and community empowerment.
An Olympic Dream Interrupted
The story follows Jason Black, an elite American sprinter preparing to compete for Olympic gold in the 100-meter dash during the 2016 Rio Summer Olympic Games. With the world watching, his future appears destined for athletic greatness.
Everything changes after a late-night confrontation with an armed white security guard forces Jason to defend himself. The incident quickly becomes a national controversy, placing him at the center of a legal battle and an emotionally charged public debate.
While awaiting trial at the Black-owned Sojourner Vista Resort and Conference Center, Jason undergoes a personal transformation that reshapes both his future and the direction of the story.
Instead of allowing himself to become another symbol of America’s racial divisions, Jason begins envisioning something much larger—a movement focused on economic ownership, workforce development, entrepreneurship, technological innovation, and creating opportunities for future generations.
A Story Beyond Conflict
Although the novel examines racial tensions, Faulkerson says its broader mission centers on empowerment rather than division.
Jason’s vision evolves into an ambitious effort to mobilize the collective talents and resources of Black athletes, entrepreneurs, innovators, educators, and business leaders to build sustainable economic opportunities for tomorrow.
The story challenges readers to consider how communities can transform adversity into innovation while emphasizing ownership, leadership, and long-term investment in future generations.
A Powerful Political Opponent Emerges
Standing against Jason’s vision is Malcolm Stillwell, a wealthy 76-year-old Manhattan businessman whose presidential ambitions conceal a far more dangerous political agenda.
As public outrage surrounding Jason’s case grows, Stillwell manipulates national events while readers gradually uncover the existence of a secret organization allegedly working to infiltrate American institutions and revive Confederate ideals from within the country’s political system.
The clash between Jason Black and Malcolm Stillwell creates a fast-moving political thriller filled with suspense, ideological conflict, and larger questions about democracy, power, and America’s evolving identity.
More Than Fiction
Faulkerson uses fiction as a vehicle to explore timely conversations surrounding:
- Race and national identity
- Economic empowerment and entrepreneurship
- Leadership and community development
- Innovation and future workforce opportunities
- Political influence and institutional power
- Historical legacy and modern social challenges
According to Faulkerson, the novel is intended to inspire readers to think beyond historical conflict and focus instead on creating practical solutions that promote opportunity and inclusion.
“BLACK: The Bear on Our Backs isn’t simply a novel about racial conflict,” Faulkerson says. “It’s about ownership, innovation, and the power of communities to write a new future. The central question isn’t whether history still affects us—it’s whether we have the courage to become authors of the next chapter.“
Continuing an Award-Recognized Literary Journey
J. A. Faulkerson has built a diverse body of work spanning fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and screenwriting. His previous novel, Adinkrahene: Fear of a Black Planet, earned recognition as a finalist for the Phillis Wheatley Book Award for First Fiction.
His published works also include:
- Adinkrahene: Fear of a Black Planet
- Real Men Raise CHAMPIONS: Unleashing Your Inner COACH
- Young Achiever Playbook: Planning to Achieve
- The Wise Man Say
- March of the Compassionate Neighbor
Across each project, Faulkerson explores themes of leadership, entrepreneurship, personal responsibility, community empowerment, and social justice.
The Beginning of a Visionary Series
BLACK: The Bear on Our Backs serves as the opening chapter in a planned series that combines fast-paced storytelling with thought-provoking ideas about innovation, technology, economic independence, and America’s future.
Readers who enjoy political thrillers layered with social commentary and visionary concepts may find Faulkerson’s latest work an engaging addition to their reading list.
Key Highlights
- 📚 First installment in the new BLACK Novel Series
- 🏃 Features Olympic sprinter Jason Black as the central protagonist
- 🇺🇸 Explores race, identity, justice, and America’s evolving political landscape
- 💼 Highlights entrepreneurship, innovation, and economic empowerment
- ✍️ Written by award-recognized author J. A. Faulkerson
- 🏆 Previous novel was a finalist for the Phillis Wheatley Book Award
- 📖 Available through Amazon, with retail distribution through IngramSpark
Through a compelling blend of suspense, political intrigue, and visionary storytelling, BLACK: The Bear on Our Backs encourages readers to look beyond today’s headlines and consider how leadership, innovation, and collective action can help shape a stronger and more inclusive future.
