Farah Jasmine Griffin tells the stories of three black women artists whose creative and political efforts fueled a historic movement for change : choreographer and dancer Pearl Primus, composer and pianist Mary Lou Williams, and novelist Ann Petry. Like many African Americans in the city at the time, these women weren't native New Yorkers, but the metropolis and its vibrant cultural scene gave them the space to flourish and the freedom to express their political concerns.

Co-authored with Salim Washington "Examines the early symbiotic relationship and how two mavericks went on to rewrite the rules of jazz." Dave Callanan (Amazon Editors Pick, Best Non-Fiction).

The Library Journal called this meditation on the myths and meanings of Billie Holiday "an invitation to discover a view of the singer grounded not in attention-grabbing headlines and sensationalism but in reality and perhaps most importantly, in how Holiday's music spoke to listeners and celebrated and reflected their lives. Emotionally and intellectually, Griffin demonstrates a true fealty to Holiday's artistic achievements."

This interdisciplinary examination of the impact of migration and urbanization on African American cultural production identifies the Migration Narrative as a major form in Black Art. Griffin provides readings of several literary texts, migrant correspondence, painting, photography, rap music, blues and rhythm and blues.