April 30, 2025 - Author and cultural commentator Tony DeVaun McNeil has released a bold and thought-provoking new book that dares to trace the complex, painful, and often misunderstood lineage of one of the most controversial words in the English language. Titled From Niger to the N Word, the book is now available on Amazon and is already sparking powerful conversations among readers, educators, historians, and community leaders.
In this compelling and historically grounded work, McNeil takes readers on a journey that stretches from the geographical and cultural origins of the word “Niger” to its distorted evolution into a racial slur that has left a deep imprint on society. With sharp insight and a fearless voice, From Niger to the N Word challenges readers to confront the uncomfortable truths of racism, language, and identity while also illuminating paths toward deeper understanding and healing.
“This isn’t just a book about a word, it’s about power, pain, and the way history is both remembered and rewritten,” says McNeil. “I wrote this to educate, to provoke, and to bridge the gaps between generations, cultures, and communities.”
Blending historical research with personal narrative and cultural analysis, McNeil explores how the word's meaning has shifted over centuries, from colonial geography to slave ships, civil rights marches to hip-hop lyrics. He addresses not only its origins and misuse, but also its appropriation, reclamation, and the deeply emotional reactions it continues to provoke today.
Early readers have described the book as unapologetic, enlightening, and long overdue. McNeil’s unique voice and fearless approach allow him to break down complex historical narratives in a way that is both accessible and challenging. His work asks readers to look inward, to examine their own relationship with language, and to reckon with the legacy of racialized vocabulary in public and private life.
From Niger to the N Word is not simply an academic study or a cultural critique, it is a call to accountability, education, and empathy. It is a book for those who want to understand more deeply, speak more responsibly, and engage more meaningfully in conversations about race and history.
The book is available now in paperback through Amazon. For interviews, speaking engagements, or media inquiries, please contact Sage Grey at sgrey@inkstartmedia.com.
About the Author
Tony DeVaun McNeil is a writer, speaker, and cultural analyst whose work explores race, language, and social justice through the lens of history and personal experience. With a powerful voice and unflinching honesty, he challenges readers to see beyond the surface and engage with the deeper truths that shape our world.
Media Contact
Company Name: Sage Grey
Contact Person: Tony DeVaun McNiel
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Country: United States
Website: https://www.amazon.com/Niger-Word-Tony-Devaun-McNeil/dp/1958381225/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=se&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.fDdx2qOuW1hLyc6HcIIoVA.QI-cWKS1YmntyJqHjR5XAvJrMZwYDxRV9FxYp5-koek&qid=1745412471&sr=1-1