Lesson Summary

Dr Nicholas Baham III embarked on his writing journey at the age of fifteen, starting with a spy novel - which he still has, written on the back of events flyers! - and progressing to poetry and novels as an adult. His inspiration is rooted in personal experiences, including his love for the genre and martial arts background.

• Throughout his writing career, he has explored complex themes such as masculinity, diversity in characters, and the publishing process.
• His latest work is 'The People's Detective', a noir mystery series set in Oakland, California featuring the character Sonny Truehart.
• The series delves into societal issues like violence, sex trafficking, and housing struggles, striving to amplify the voices of marginalized communities and advocate for social justice.
• Dr Baham's writing extends beyond fiction to include nonfiction pieces on ethnic studies and jazz culture.
• As an academic, his work underscores his dedication to equity and social reform.

A resident of Oakland since the mid 1990s, Dr Baham values the support and collaboration of his publisher, particularly appreciating the thoughtful cover art that encapsulates the essence of his stories.

Nicholas Louis Baham III is a Professor of Ethnic Studies at California State University East Bay where he teaches African American Studies and Genders & Sexualities in Communities of Color.

Dr Baham is the author of The Coltrane Church: Apostles of Sound, Agents of Social Justice (McFarland) and The Podcaster's Dilemma: Decolonizing Podcasters in the Era of Surveillance Capitalism (Wiley), among other academic books.

In 2024, Dr. Baham became the Newest Writer of Oakland, CA Noir Mystery and Detective Fiction with the publication of The People's Detective (Bootstrap Publications).

Dr Baham says, "My passion for writing has allowed me to impact people's lives in meaningful ways. I believe that the written word can be a powerful tool for change and activism. My academic writings reflect my deep commitment to equity, justice, and social change. My fictional works allow me to tell stories that explore themes of race, power, and identity. As a writer, I strive to engage my readers and provoke meaningful conversations that can lead to positive change."

Born and raised in San Francisco, USA, Dr Baham has resided in Oakland, California since 1996.