Toni Cade Bambara

Tradition is an integral aspect of preserving any culture and tying communities together. One of Toni Cade Bambara’s greatest contributions to the African American community was her emphasis on preserving tradition, particularly through language and folk-lore. Her political activism is interspersed in her writings as she speaks out for the plight of black women and social justice. In her short story, ‘Gorilla, My Love,’ Bambaras use of a very specific dialect of language speaks to preserving the black speech and storytelling forms of the past. She writes extensively about her little brother, Baby Jason, that, “he is my blood brother and understands that we must stick together or be forever lost, what with grown-ups playin change-up and turnin you round every which way so bad. And don’t even say they sorry.” This proclamation of a need to stick together echoes a larger message to other members of the Black Arts Movement and also, perhaps, to the genders.

Haki Madhubuti

Madhubuti made great contributions to the Black Arts Movement not only through his own writings, but also through his commitment to publishing the works of fellow black authors in his community. Similarly to Ishmael Reed, Madhubuti eventually strayed from a direct con African American struggles in America to a more broader topic that concerned the predicaments of people of color internationally. In the poem ‘Killing Memory’ he writes a long litany of injustices in countries such as El Salvador, South Africa, Lebanon, Ethiopia, and Afghanistan which are not unlike the struggles African Americans face in the United States. I particularly admire Madhubuti’s efforts to awaken his readerships to the broad scope of social issues facing minorities and people of color around the world. I see his writing as a sort of call to action by way of awareness.

Eldridge Cleaver

Eldridge Cleaver writes a fierce and suggestive social commentary of his time. In his essay ‘From Soul on Ice,’ Cleaver illustrates the strange phenomenon of black oppression, under the light of the Brown v. Board of Education decision. It seems even After the desegregation of schools in America, Cleaver writes, “no wonder that many ‘innocent people,’ the manipulated and the stimulated, some of whom were game for a reasonable amount of mystery and even adventure, had their minds scrambled. These observers were not equipped to either feel or know that a radical break, a revolutionary leap out of their sight, had taken place in the secret parts of this nation's soul.” He likens the game-changing decision of desegregation to a sort of salvation for America which white americans are too brainwashed to even recognize. Similarly to other writers of the movement, Cleaver references musicians and other writers and artists of the African American community to illustrate his messages. He beautifully likens desegregation and steps taken towards equality to the countries salvation.

Nikki Giovanni

Similarly to other members of the Black Arts Movement, Nikki Giovanni felt there was by necessity a strong connection between poetry and music. Her poems are very moving, sincere and intimate. The very personal experiences that Giovanni shares seem to resonate, however, with a much larger communal experience of life for African Americans.
“I wanted to write a poem that rhymes but revolution doesn’t lend itself to be-bopping,” Giovanni writes in ‘For Saundra.’ She expresses the need for free form and innovation both in her language and in her style. The revolution she refers to seems to be all encompassing. It is a revolution of prose, or music, of social structures and norms. Like many of the other writers in the Black Arts Movement, Giovanni manages to bring all of these seamlessly together in her works. The musicality of her prose is striking and original.

Ishmael Reed

Unlike many of the other authors in our readings, Ishmael Reed expresses skepticism and criticism and for the Black Arts Movement. His biggest qualm with the movement seems to be that it is ‘mono-cultural.’ This sort of criticism is a great expression of the sort of ideals and views that Reed sought to put forth with his writings for the African American Community, challenging it to a more international approach of expression. He often uses parody in an effort to defamiliarize the cultural assumptions that have come to be taken for granted within the community, thereby forcing his readers to question the norms of the time. “Introducing the Black Caligula, who performs a strip tease of the psyche,” Reed writes. This line seems emblematic of precisely what his particular style seeks to accomplish.

Sonia Sanchez

Sonia Sanchez is unique amongst the Norton writers, in her allegiance to a yet unborn movement of black feminism. Her writing takes criticism of the rhetoric that seemed to closely associate itself with black liberation during the Black Arts Movement. Her ability to incorporate her own intimate experiences of life with a larger cultural perspective is unique and inspiring. Her deeply personal accounts of childhood manage to reflect a much bigger picture of the misogyny that is at play both within and without the african american community. Sanchez’s words appear to shape an evolving vision of an equal place for women in life and in arts in the advancement of African American civil rights.

“..i want to tell
you about me
about nights on a
brown couch when
i wrapped my
bones in lint and
refused to move.
no one touches
me anymore.
father do not
send me out
among strangers.
you you black man..”

Amiri Baraka

Amiri Baraka was one of the central figures who spearheaded the Black Arts Movement. Something I found particularly remarkable about this author is his ability to embrace personal and social change and transformation. There is something about his writing that mirrors his ever-evolving consciousness and ideas. I have a great deal of respect and admiration for his willingness to stray from his own previously expressed ideas or perceptions and express his evolution boldly, without fear of criticism from more rigid minds. Barakas open-minded and revolutionary style of prose is admirable in its ability to both confront the past and to use its old tools to give shape to a fresh vision for the future.

Mari Evans

Loss and the courage to keep on going and to not give up the struggle. This subjugation and determination seems to be an underlying theme of many of Mari Evans’ poems. In her famous poem, ‘Vive Noir’ Evans speaks with a defiant first-person voice, listing off a series of grievances against the conditions she has faced, similarly to many other poor black women. She expresses the sentiment that she has had enough, and her specific use of ‘I’ throughout the poem seems to evoke the voice of the hundreds of other ‘I’s who have been faced with similarly intolerable conditions and circumstances, taking on the voice of an entire community of the under-represented.

“I’m gonna spread out over America
Intruse
My proud blackness
All
Over the place..”

Mari Evans poetry is about not being silent any longer. She is very representative of the Black Arts Movement in that she expresses the need for change and for black voices to be heard and acknowledged.

Larry Neal

Larry Neal, a prolific activist, writer, poet, and scholar is particularly notable for his work in the 1960’s-70’s, when he was based out of Harlem. The Black Arts movement, which was well under way at this time, derived it’s name from Neal’s 1968 essay of this same title. What I particularly appreciate about Neals writing is his ability to integrate artists and elements of a variety of different artistic genres into his prose. He gracefully manages to use music, prominent figures, and songs of the african american culture to illustrate his message in poems such as, ‘Harlem Gallery: From the Inside,’ ‘Don’t Say Goodbye to the Porkpie Hat,’ and others.
“Do we need the Miracles or a miracle?” Neal writes, referencing Smokey Robinson Jr.’s famous rhythm-and-blues song from Motown records. He is integrating the music and soul of the African American community into poetry in a very unique and innovative way, that seems to pave the way for a new style of writing that is no longer limited solely to its own form.

Much of Neal’s political and social philosophies can be gleaned from his poetry and prose.

“..But everything ain’t
all right, the would-be
warriors of the nitty-gritty snap fingers,
ghosts boogaloo against this haze
Malcolm eyes in the yellow glow;
Blood on black hands,
Compacted rooms of gloom;
Garvey’s flesh in the rat’s teeth..”

Larry Neal incorporates references to the racial injustices and the leaders of movements who are fighting for change, referencing them as the ‘warriors of the nitty-gritty.’ He expresses his alignments with ideas of such prominent leaders as Malcolm X and Marcus Garvey, black nationalist founder of the U.N.I.A. His poems observe and simultaneously confront the injustices and grievances of the African American struggle. His integration of all of these other figures and elements of culture support the claim that he is an advocate for “the ‘dissolution’ of the Western focus on individual identity,” and strongly “opposes himself to any element of the artist that alienates him from his community” (Henry Louis Gates, Jr.).

Audre Lorde

Audre Lorde explores themes of race, feminism, and self determination in many of her poems and essays. As a black lesbian women Audre is no stranger to adversity and this celebration of difference is resoundingly heard through her narrative voice. This particular author appealed to me because of her commitment to authenticity in both her writings and in life. The power of her poems is in there ability to tell a deeply personal story that does not seek to hide behind sweeping generalizations about a social or political climate. Yet her adherence to her own personal truth is precisely what touches upon the sweeping truths of the social and political climate. Lorde has made a vast contribution to the African American literary canon with her ideas about personhood and that “‘blackness’ becomes not a privileged figure, sharing space and authority with other dimensions of self-hood in Lorde’s vision of ancestrally founded consciousness.”

In her poems ‘New York City 1970’ and ‘Walking Our Boundaries,’ Lorde talks about the possibilities of salvation or transformation through destruction and rebirth. “I have come to believe in death and renewal by fire,” she exclaims, suggesting that the present state is one beyond salvation by way of rearranging elements. It is a way that must be done away with entirely and replaced with acceptance and love. “My shoulders are dead leaves waiting to be burned to life,” she writes, suggesting that it is in the end of something rotten that salvation can be found. Her contributions to African American literature have been celebrated posthumously across the United States by major journals and papers as well as in Europe and the Caribbean. 

34-41

The authors of the essays in chapters 34-41 covered a wide range of topics ranging from african american feminist writings, to lesbianism in the black community, to the oppression of gay men as compared to there white gay counterparts. I noticed, however, that there seemed to be one common thread tying together the message of all 6 authors. This common message or proposed solution commonly presented itself in the necessity of visibility- the necessity to give a voice to these marginalized and underrepresented populations as being key to there success in the fight for equal rights.

Evelynn Hammonds sums this up nicely in her essay, ‘Black (W)holes,’ stating that, “the goal should be to develop a ‘politics of articulation.’”

Joyce A. Joyce similarly voices the necessity for an ongoing engagement and dialogues. He insists that the words which are harmful or untrue must be refuted, that, “we must be active in challenging and keeping in check all those Black voices that compromise our dignity and self-respect. We cannot afford to leave these voice undisputed.”

There is a growing imperative amongst the members of the black community, especially the under-represented groups such as women and queer individuals to make their voices heard. To stand tall and represent themselves and their tribes as they really are, without the guises or smokescreens society has deemed appropriate or polite.

It was particularly interesting for me to discover through these writings the differences of the struggles between gay individuals of color in oppose of white homosexuals or queer identified persons. This also applies to women. It seems in both cases the history of oppression and instances of cultural whitewashing have elevated the already complicated struggle for civil rights to an even higher more complicated level. It is of critical importance that these voices be heard, that they speak honestly and fearlessly in the face of oppression or injustice.

Literary Theory 34, 35, 40

Karlos F. C. Holloway's observations about the role of memory in his essay, ‘Revision and (Re)membrance,’ deal mainly with the necessity for preservation of the past and history of African Americans in relation to the African American literary canon. He refers to a certain ‘posturing’ that is commonplace to black writers, where-in the body of work has a “translucent flux and (is) identified by a shifting, sometimes nebulous text” (Holloway). Holloway seems to  attribute this textual fluidity to a certain in-between state of many of the characters. He explains that they are often “poised between a spiritual place and a place that has been defined for them, assigned by some person, or extracted from some ritual they are unable to remember” (Holloway). The author suggests this is partly a case of misaligned identity. He emphasizes the importance of recalling ancestral history and tracing back to the origins to help maintain and enhance the quality of African American works- to strengthen the language and characters.

‘Toward a Black Gay Aesthetic’ by Charles I. Niero falls back on this very historical background of African American men to explain the negative identity closely associated to them. I was actually quite surprised to recognize how differently being gay is treated in the black community compared to the white. It is easy to see the connection between the church, which was used as a justification to the end of Slavery in American and the subsequent prejudices that came to form against black me in there very own community.

Evelyn Hammonds finally outlines a clear cut solution to these problems in her essay, ‘Black (W)holes,’ stating that, “the goal should be to develop a ‘politics of articulation’” (Hammonds). She wrestles with the concept of the invisible lesbian black woman in the African American literary canon. What i found all of these text appear to share in common is a certain grasping for a voice for the African American writers. A voice that could be representative of more than just a niche portion of the black community, but one that encompasses the homosexuals, queers, and also the history and folklore of the people. It is in such a voice that  true strength and clarity can be drawn from for African American literature.

Power in Gilda Stories

Jewel Gomez inserts several underlying themes that recur and bely Gildas journey. Beyond the more obvious emphasis on feminism and race, Gomez plays on the notions of power and power structures as regards to their ability to corrupt or destroy if handled carelessly. Vampires in this novel have an obvious advantage due to their superior strength, speed, and psychological abilities. Some characters choose to either abuse this power or use it carelessly, as in the case of Eleanor.

“Her life has become devoted to the thrill of entrancing others,” Sorel explains. “As they grow more enthralled with her, she grows stronger.”

Eleanor abuses her power, eager to feed the demands of her ego and to entrap rather then to free those she comes to know. This ultimately is the source of her own misery and haplessness.

Gomez emphasizes the importance of honing this supernatural power and using it for good, as can be seen in the ways in which Gilda and her kind choose to take blood. Instead of merrily taking, they are careful to leave something behind for the human, such as an idea or gift. The idea of equal exchange resonates and creates a strong metaphor for society as a whole. The individuals who make up the system are not equal for a variety of reasons, yet each has something to contribute or offer and it is important that they not take from one another without leaving something in its place. This exchange protects individuals from losing themselves, their sense of integrity and peace of mind.

"Some are said to live through the energy of fear. That is their sustenance more than the sharing. The truth is we hunger for connection to life, but it needn't be through horror or destruction. Those are just the easiest links to evoke. Once learned, this lesson mustn't be forgotten. To ignore it, to wallow in death as the white man has done, can only bring bitterness."

Gilda Stories by Jewelle Gomez is a particularly striking read, particularly in the present times of the widely circulating ‘me too’ movement. Gomez makes a strong emphasis in her novel on gender and female empowerment. She subtly points out societal expectations by means of  her characters impressions of one another and contrasts these expectations through the fictional backdrop of her novel wherein female protagonists wield the power of command, property, and salvation.

One such early instance of gender comparisons appears shortly after Gilda has rescued the Girl. As the Girl assesses her rescuer, in all her strength and glory, she, “thought for a moment: This is a man! A little man!

Gilda laughed out loud at the idea in the Girl’s head and said, No, I’m a woman. Then without speaking aloud she said, I am a woman, you know that. And you know I am a woman as no other you have known, nor has your mother known, in life or death. I am a woman as you are, and more.”

It is of great significance what these first uncensored thoughts of the Girl reveal of what she has experienced and come to expect from society and gender roles. Her initial disbelief that such a self assured and strong individual could be female reveals the level of institutionalized and socialized oppression bestowed upon women and their assumed roles.

It is of particular relevance that Gomez chose to make her central characters lesbians, which sets them further apart from any reliance on the male counterpart to satisfy needs or wants. Virginia Fusco in her dissertation, ‘Love and Desire in the Postmodern Era,’ writes that, “thanks to feminism and the growing emphasis on the «personal» as opposed to the «public», women demanded free access to pleasure and to a satisfactory sexuality that was not subordinated to reproduction or legitimated by the heterosexual dominant model.”

Podcasts & Presentations Brainstorm

Making a podcast relating to African American literature is going to be an exciting and new challenge for me. I have never made a podcast of any type before so this will be a unique learning experience in more ways than one. According to Digital Trends, “you could go broad and cover a wide variety of topics, or you could go specific and focus on your own niche. Either way, the rule of thumb here is to find a theme.. and be sure to stick to it, as it will keep you focused.” Fortunately, looking for the representation of African American culture in modern life is a good way to help narrow down my possible topics.

Some ideas I am considering for both my podcast and presentation include the Martin Luther King statue next to the National Mall, Howard University, and Malcolm X Park.

The MLK memorial has great symbolic features such as it’s location, the stone from which it was carved, and the nature surrounding it which could be interesting to explore deeper in presentation form.

Howard University is considered to be the first black law school in the United States and holds great historical significance for education and equal rights in the african american community. This focus could tie in very nicely to some of the readings we have already done in class such as Anna J. Coopers, Voice From the South.

Malcolm X park was a meeting grounds for many significant political demonstrations in the 1960’s and was frequented by activist heros including Angela Davis. As a central location for organizing in the fight for african american civil rights it contains a great well of significant historical events in the fight for equality.

The Souls of Black Folk

W.E.B. Du Bois’ describes a harrowing struggle of black people following emancipation. He eloquently details the frustration of the newly freed people, who after years of deprivation and humiliation, no longer have the tools to properly make of their freedom what they had dreamed and envisioned.


On the one hand, they are aware that they are no less able, having been given the same tools as the white man, to create and prosper in the world. On the other, they continue to exist in a world seen through the distorted lens of their white oppressors. Treated as lesser than, given access to little education, black people remain oppressed but only with a different title now of ‘free’ attached to them.


This knowing that one is free yet still unable to flourish in a society where the system is skewed for them to fail, leads to a sense of ‘double consciousness,’ where-in the black man is aware of himself through his own eyes as well as through the eyes of the prejudiced whites who look down on and oppress him. “By the poverty and ignorance of his people, the Negro minister or doctor was tempted toward quackery and demagogy; and by the criticism of the other world, toward ideals that made him ashamed of his lowly tasks,” DuBois explains in a long list of double standards and inscrutable paradoxes confronting black people, particularly those with special talents and ambitions.

In regards to the failed 'Freedmen's Bureau,' Dubois writes that, "it came to regard it's work as merely temporary, and negro suffrage as a final answer to all present perplexities... so the Freedmen's Beurau died, and it's child was the Fifteenth Amendment." The tone with which Dubois laments this exchange of the Bureau for suffrage brings to question his valuiation of the Fifteenth Amendement to African American progress. Despite the obvious shortcomings of the Bureau to instill real lasting assistance, DuBois seems disapointed at its dissipation and uncertain as to the benefits of negro suffrage to making real progress. Having a voice in electing suitable representation is a highly significant marker of progress, yet Dubois skims over it half-heartedly.

literacy tests impeding the african american vote

A 1985 article from the The Nebraska Law review echos the significance of the Fifteenth Amendment and the concerns of Dubois, by expanding on the idea that additional measures need to be taken to, "preserve or enhance the political effectiveness of racial minorities."


The institution of segregation is mentioned by both DuBois and Anna J. Cooper in ‘A Voice From the South,’ as being an insurmountable obstruction to the progress of black people. Both authors make mention of a certain more talented group of African Americans bearing a responsibility to bridge the gap between white and black communities. Ultimately, both authors place a special emphasis on access to education as a key to progress and true freedom and equality.