An Intro to African American Literature African Diaspora

An Intro to African American Literature

African Diaspora Refers to the communities throughout the world that have resulted by descent from the movement in historic times of peoples from Africa, predominantly to the Americas and among other areas around the globe.

1. Characteristics and Themes That typify the African American literature movement

“ The consequence of the single story is this: it robs people of dignity. It makes our recognition of our equal humanity difficult. It emphasizes that we are different rather than how we are similar. - Chimamanda Adichie

Characteristics of African American Literature ■ Pre-dates independent America ■ Expressive subtlety ■ Social insights ■ Illuminates assessments on American identities and history ■ Critical acclaim in 1970 s ■ Began in the 18 th century

2. Antebellum Literature The start of the movement

Antebellum Literature ■ N. America: 2 nd half of the 18 th century ■ “All men are created equal” ■ Phyllis Wheatley: Poems on Various Subjects, Religious and Moral (1773) ■ Oladauh Equiano - pioneered the slave narrative

Antebellum Literature: 19 th century Slavery Freedom’s Journal Standard bearers of African American Literature spoke about the need to address the terrible sin of slavery. (1827); a collection of essays, poems, fiction, & conventional journalism. Extolled achievements of African Americans. Lobbied for the end of slavery.

Antebellum Literature Slave Narratives From 1830 to the end of the slave era. Anti-slavery movement sponsored these firsthand autobiographical accounts of slavery. Appealed largely to middle-class Americans. Poetry, Prose, Drama William Wells Brown authored the first black American novel (1853): Clotel (The President’s Daughter). Frances Ellen Watkins Harper: “The Two Offers” (1859) Harriet E. Wilson: Our Nig Oral Tradition Communal consciousness. Song & story gave substance and inspiration to much of the written AAL. Spirituals, Fables, Songs, Gospel.

3. The Civil War and Reconstruction The movement continues

The Civil War ■ Outbreak of Civil War ■ “War to end slavery” ■ Charlotte Forten: author of the most important African American diary in the 19 th century ■ End of Civil War ■ Hopes high for a new era of freedom and opportunity

Reconstruction ■ 1865 -77 short-lived ■ Unprecedented optimism ■ Elizabeth Keckley: Thirty Years a Slave and Four Years in the White House (1863) ■ Anticipation of progress

4. Late 19 th and Early 20 th Centuries The movement continues

Late 19 th and Early 20 th Centuries ■ Educational opportunity expanded ■ Self-conscious black middle class authors ■ Reconcilement of earlier tones & topics with a real socio-political agenda ■ Racial justice

Paul Laurence Dunbar ■ Most successful author to write in dialect ■ First professional African American Author ■ FOUR novels & lots of poetry

The NOVEL as social analysis ■ Direct confrontation of key issues: ○ Prejudices ○ Stereotypes ○ Racial mythologies ■ No more allowances for whites to ignore worsening social conditions

Other Notable Authors Booker T. Washington W. E. B. Du. Bois

5. The Harlem Renaissance The movement continues

The Harlem Renaissance ■ Flowering in literature ■ Assertiveness and confidence ■ Questioned traditional “white” aesthetic standards ■ Self-expression ■ Racial pride ■ Literary experimentation ■ Receptivity to black writing ■ Lasted long into the 1930 s

The Harlem Renaissance: Notable Authors ■ Countee Cullen ■ Langston Hughes ■ Claude Mc. Kay ■ Rudolph Fisher ■ Zora Neale Hurston ■ Jean Toomer

6. Urban Realism The movement continues

Urban Realism ■ Depreciation of black writing, art, and culture in the 1930 s ■ Great Depression ■ 1930 s and 40 s ■ Depreciated work of Harlem Renaissance ■ Shift to political engagement ■ Socially critical realism

Urban Realism: Notable Authors ■ Richard Wright ■ Margaret Walker ■ Dorothy West ■ Ralph Ellison ■ James Baldwin

7. The Literature of the Civil Rights The movement continues

The Literature of the Civil Rights ■ “All art is ultimately social” ■ Civil rights movement ■ Murder of Emmett Till ■ Energized by the freedom struggles ○ Creative ○ Imaginative ■ 1950 s and 60 s

Civil Rights: Notable Authors ■ Gwendolyn Brooks ■ Amiri Baraka ■ Margaret Esse Danner ■ Naomi Long Madgett

8. Renaissance in the 1970 s The movement continues

Renaissance in the 1970 s ■ Literary, cultural, political developments ○ 1950 s and 60 s ○ Visibility of female authors ■ Expanding presence of female expressiveness in AAL ■ Women’s movement ■ “The black women’s literary renaissance”

Renaissance in the 1970 s: Notable Authors Toni Morrison Alice Walker