The Death (or not) of Black Literature
Written by RAWSISTAZ · August 5, 2009 · 668 views
What brought about the “death” of black literature? If Langston Hughes, Zora Neale Hurston or James Baldwin were alive today, what would they say/think about the state of black literature? Would they be surprised at what’s hot & selling? Is it something we can be proud to pass on to our children?
Or, is black literature just fine and simply going through a re-birth of sorts? There is a bit of something for everyone and many readers have eclectic tastes. So, this could be looked at as a good thing.
What are your thoughts? What is our literary legacy?
RAWSISTAZ Literary Group was founded in 2000 to support and promote the work of African-American authors. The groups, on and offline, represent close to 600 readers, writers, aspiring writers, and others interested in literacy and the impact on our communities.
I think they would be happy about the fact we have so many black authors who are diverse in thier writing. I also think they would have much to say about how many poorly written books make it to market yet are being read by people who dont know who James Baldwin is, as an example. I wish there was a sign that says, if you read 10 urban/street/erotic or any other current work that is in that type of genre I may have missed, that you also have to read a minimum of 1 classic..LOL But hey that’s me.
IMHO black literature is not quite dead, but seriously injured for certain. This most likely is a temporary, even if rather long lasting condition. The problem isn’t that there are not plenty of African American authors writing quality novels. The problem IS that these books aren’t the ones being published, or when published, the ones being marketed and promoted. Major publishers, who despite the emergence of self publishing still by far have the biggest say, have decided that only a small segment of fiction by black authors is sellable. This segements is made up of so called urban-street-hip hop fiction of a quality that presumably is somewhat superior to most self pubbed books falling into this genre, and thanks to the success of Waiting to Exhale oh so many years ago, “sassy tales of sistahood” bound in colorful covers also get pubbed. The latter is basically chick lit with black characters. Erotica with black characters sells as well, with no small amount of credit to Zane. But where is the black authored literary fiction? Too few books too far between take up space on shelves at Borders and Barnes & Noble. Apparently surveys were conducted and tests showed there is not a significant enough audience for such books. Once upon a time pretty much all black fiction was serious and literary in nature. Times were troubled and our literature reflected this. Times are much better now, equality if not quite reached then come “close enough” to, with President Obama’s existence being the prime example of this theory. So it has been concluded that there’s no need for a 21st century Native Son or Invisible Man or The Chosen Place, The Timeless People, or etc. The civil rights struggle has been waged and won, so we can relax now and bring on the fluff. Such an attitude hurts all African American art, with literature the most adversely affected, although I suppose a very similar argument can be made for the plight of jazz. Walker, Morrison and a couple others have been designated as the official providers of serious African American literature, with no more room left at the table for additional voices. There is plenty of room of course, but it will not be freely offered, it needs to be taken by writers with something significant to say who find a way to grab the attention of an easily distracted audience. This mission is a worthy one, and a necessary one.
- Roy Pickering (author of PATCHES OF GREY, available exclusively at Amazon.com)
I agree totally, Derrick.
I have to also agree with you!
Roy, thanks for sharing your thoughts. I agree with you. Sadly, there isn’t enough room for these titles to break through, but I remain hopeful! This is one of the reasons I started RAWSISTAZ almost 9 years ago. I wanted to get the word out about all Black writers, not just those who are already at the top of the best-sellers list. While I love and appreciate many of them, I want to see some others make it there.
Again, I remain hopeful!
-Tee
While our forefathers would be overjoyed with the production progress of Black Literature and the diversity of the genres, I think they would be terribly disappointed in the lack of intellectual substance. James Baldwin would ask “Are our black writers mercenaries who compromise their craft for a quick buck, or, in the alternative, students of the many nuances of writing?” Langston would inquire about the rhythms of the written word, and also wonder if any of our writing covers social and political issues that stand the test of time.
But then again, they might accept fact that while they got nothing in terms of recognition, they opened the doors for us. I’m sure E. Lynn Harris has been having around-the-clock discussions with our forefathers since God has called him home.
You know, this debate about the characterization of African Americans & culture by other African Americans in Literature has been a source of fierce debate as far back as Zora Neale Hurston. Even when Zora was writing the classics that we all promote as must reads today. Yesterday, Zora was being attacked for allowing her characters to speak in a dialect that others criticized as a dumbing down of African Americans.
And today we are still having this conversation. This time over Urban Fiction and whether the imagery of drug, sex, murder, and money continues to chip at our ever present need to prove ourselves as intelligent, humane, and un-beast-like.
So where is the middle ground? Do we self-censor ourselves because we are afraid of what other people will think about us? Or do we continue down a road that promotes a way of life that is negative and ’sometimes’ influences people to act in a way that is contrary to a healthy society.
Personally, I’m a firm believer that we should stop taking our cues from people who only want to profit from our talents and not have to live with us or the consequences thereof. We’ve seen it over and over again most recently with Hip-Hop. I mean when was the last time you saw Jerry Heller kicking it on a Compton corner or Lyor Cohen ‘cold-chillin’ in the Marcy Projects.
The solution is simple write whats in your heart not what’s going to sell a book.
That’s where the classics are found.
Derrick, I LOVE this line and agree wholeheartedly!
“write whats in your heart not what’s going to sell a book”
-Tee
I’m going to be brief for now. (And a special thanks to Terra Litte for the topic idea.)
I don’t think Black literature is dying, but I do think some voices are being stifled. I think there are some wonderful, wonderful writers who are staying true to themselves and writing the stories they are meant to write. Some are doing well, others aren’t. And, that saddens me.
There are a lot of books I know I won’t pass on to my children, but there are so many others I’m proud to add to my library. I read a wide-range of genres, but above all, I look for good writing, a great story, and unique voices.
- Tee
Tee…thanks.
Your point about writers who are putting out great work and not being recognized for it saddens me also. Our entire focus is to be a resource for these quality books. Its somewhat difficult as a independent bookstore to service all of these self-published authors because it requires additional infrastructure that only the Bullies of the Industry can easily afford. However, I trully believe that if we, the real voices behind our niche market, made it our business to focus on these authors and work together to promote them we could do more the genre and each other.
Sometimes slow, steady, collaborative word of mouth marketing trumps big box publishers & retailers.
I definitely agree with his, Derrick. Problem is, a lot of folks (book clubs, organizations, and sadly, even some authors) are too busy competing to work together. But again, I remain hopeful. Anyone want to do a joint project, cross-promote, etc., to continue getting the word out about black books, authors, events & more, I’m game. Count RAWSISTAZ in!
-Tee
Tee, This is a topic with which I’ve long been concerned. As an author published by commercial publisher’s, I can tell you that writing literary fiction is risky for any African American who wants to make a living. Unless you’ve made a lot of money for the publisher, your synopsis won’t get past the publications committee no matter how enthusiastic your editor is about it. I titled a mainstream novel Blues For The Misbegotten, and the Sales Department had it changed to Blues From Down Deep, arguing that [black] readers wouldn’t understand that title. In romance, Arabesque books were once well written, reasonably “clean” stories, and to a considerable extent they still are, but if they don’t have enough provocative sex, most so-called reviewers will mark it down, and it won’t sell. At the same time, some editors push writers to include more sex scenes. Some of the Kimani Romance books border on pornography. The story is no longer the thing, nor is the quality of the writing considered by some reviewers. Publisher’s Weekly gave one of my mainstream novels a great review, calling it an ode to life, warm and wonderful. But the Romantic Times reviewer gave it a grade 2 and suggested that reading it might be a waste of time. The book had only two love scenes, and they were not too expliicit. I’d like to have time to do a survey to determine whether books by white authors published by the same companies reflect the same requirements as those writen by AA authors. We authors have to stand up for quality. I don’t need money badly enough to write a book about junkies, prostitutes,pimps ,crackheads,and ignorant women who have baby after baby for men who don’t care for them or their children. When our young people read that trash, they think it’s the standard. I’m with LInda Chavis. For every one of those, they should be compelled to read a classic.
Gwynne Forster, Author of A DIFFERENT KIND OF BLUES
Thanks Sister Gwynne !!!
I agree with those who said black lit trailblazers would be happy with the volume, but perhaps dismayed with the content. Well let me re-phrase that – every author is and should be free to write about what they want/know. I think trailblazers would be dismayed that publishing seems hell-bent on keeping us in the ghetto – figuratively and literally.
I think black literature is thriving and will continue to do so. There are some wonderful author’s both past and present that portrayed their great vision(s) their passion with great class. However there were a few both past and present that lack the class. I also, agree that I’m saddened by that fact. I know freedom of speech is a beautiful and powerful right that we’re all granted.
Though I continue to cherish our literary gems, I think the term “literature” has been stagnate and needs to be expanded. Many of the greats wrote of the times they lived in, as do many authors today. It requires great talent and effort to successfully study and write of a time one has not experienced, so many write what they know, and that’s okay too. I do agree, though, that our content and style has fallen prey to more drama and hot mess, but market demand speaks volumes. Once the market becomes a force in driving production, it’s difficult it not near impossible to switch the cart and the horse and have production drive the market.
I’d just like to add that with African Americans being a minority group in this country, which makes AA lit a minority amongst genres if it must be considered a genre, I have no problem with any particular style or subject matter that is written. Everyone should write in their own voices and about what they’re passionate about, as others have stated above. But since AA lit is a minority genre, it can only thrive through diversity and quality. There must be high brow to accompany middle brow and low brow. We can’t allow ourselves to be represented as a group through the equivalent of the cartoon network without also showing consistent capability to both create and appreciate Masterpiece Theater. I’m fine with an outrageous BET reality show or lighthearted Tyler Perry production so long as balanced by strong substantive screenplays by Spike Lee. Books have a far more lasting impact than TV or movies. Classics of today will be taught in classrooms a century from now. So we must tell the full range of our stories in the widest range of techniques in order for AA lit to be amongst those classics. Subject matter isn’t really an issue with me. A great literary novel can be written about the life of a drug dealing pimp same as a piece of drivel can be written on same topic. I will always take quality over quantity, although quantity is critical too, not merely the amount of titles but the amount of perspectives being explored by the literary minds of our day. Darwin was right. Only the strongest will survive. This pertains to literature along with everything else. History will not judge the color of writers’ skins, only the value of what they had to say and how well they were able to express it.
I believe that Black Lit is alive and kicking. Unfortunately, you have to look long and hard to find a work that would equate to Hurston, Langston, Morrison or Walker. What we have is a very diverse voice among Black authors today. There is something for everyone – paranormal, self-help, fiction, non-fiction, eroctia, romance, and western. We need to continue to encourage authors to hone their craft and continually step up their game. Like someone else said…write what’s in your heart and don’t be concerned about the fame (as that usually comes after you are gone).
One thing that is not happening that would improve the state of black literature is greater exposure and using a variety of online platforms to promote work by black authors. Online book clubs and discussion forums are not enough. We need more reviews. When readers are looking for their next read, they very often google for a review. We need more blogs dedicated to our books with reviews. The publishing industry pays a great deal of attention to majority book bloggers. We need allies. We need our books featured on their blogs. We need readers being more visible and vocal about black authors.
There was a major book cover controversy recently. Too few participants in the outrage identified themselves as black readers and bloggers. Too few writers from black bloggers weighed in on the debate. We cannot provide the kind of support our writers need remaining in our private bubbles. We need to participating in spaces defined by genres and well as ethnic/race. We need to promote our sci-fi writers on mainstream sci-fi sites. We need to be participating in writing challenges and book tours featuring works by people of color. We need to step out and color up the blogosphere at-large.
Personally, I think it’s time to dismantle AA sections in bookstores. If you’re a literary writer, your work should be in the literary section not sitting next to Zane. More readers would be appreciating our work but many don’t because they feel the AA section is meant to exclude them and they don’t know who to look for if they did want to explore writers of color. My own experience with my youth group taught me I had to reach out to readers instead of waiting for them to find me.
I am unclear by how we’re defining black literature. Our work is no more monolithic than we are as a race. Are we writing only for ourselves or are our writers writing for all readers who appreciate good literature that features people of color? I read across race, gender, sexual orientation and ethnic groups. I want the world to appreciate our work.
In todays’s market all writers are working harding to cultivate and maintain a readership. Writers of color face many obstacles in the industry but that isn’t new. We must work to dismantle the barriers at the same time we are vigorously persuing new and more ways to promote our work.
“Are we writing only for ourselves or are our writers writing for all readers who appreciate good literature that features people of color?”
This is a very interesting point and something that I always wonder.
I remember when I started reading African American Lit in the early 90s during my college years. Back then, I would have to literally wait for the next Terry McMillan or BeBe Moore Campbell book to come out in order to read something that sparked my interest. I was exposed to Eric Jerome Dickey, Tim McCann, Marcus Major, and Colin Channer by reading this Today’s Black Woman article about AA black male writers. Much later, I was exposed to E.Lynn Harris and my personal library and favorite authors grew from there. I think today’s Black Lit offers a lot of variety which is a good thing on one hand. But on the other hand, the market has become so crowded that only a handful of AA books are getting the promotion that they deserve. I really didn’t know how the market was until we started our own review site 4 years ago and I’m still learning more and more each day. It saddens me too when some of my favorite authors just don’t have the same passion that they once had for writing due to the business aspect of it. I try my best to expose people to different AA authors on my website too so that people know that there is something different for everyone to read out there.
This is a great debate among us as writers and readers, but we’ve left out an important component that should be addressed: educators. If we want to change the culture of what is being read and defined as literature, we need to impact the world of academia. Most children start to read and get an appreciation of literature because of their teachers. If teachers are not teaching children (and adults) how to read, think and write critically, then we as a community will accept any garbage handed to us with a shiny cover and call it literature.
Hmmm, while I agree that educators should be involved, it first starts at home. My children have no choice…they will read. My daughter started reading at 4 and LOVES books, so our love for books was passed down to her. Jax? Well, he’s at the “eating them” stage, but again, he will have no choice. We try to read to them nightly and showcase through the book selections that you can do anything, be anything, and learn quite a bit by reading books.
-Tee
You’re right there, Tee. But with so many of our “parents” being children themselves, they don’t know any better and many times the only hope kids have to break the cycle are teachers, whether that’s in school or in churches or community organizations.
I agree about educators. But are we sure how much they are or are not doing? I am very active in a particular sphere of book blogs compromised of educators, librarians, parents and teen readers, there is a lot of discussion about what children are reading. There aren’t as many but I can list of dedicated bloggers who focus on multicultural lit.
I think we can do more to seek out these resources and network with them so all those who are committed to literacy and diversity are sharing information.
I run a community library and our library is 80% people of color. I would love to connect with more of you here. I sponsored a book drive for 3 years now for our community and my donors are mostly white readers. I don’t think African Americans wouldn’t support us but I do think we are more isolated. We’re operating from small islands.
It’s amazing to me that people are discussing the death (or not) of black literature, when not too long along, it was being stated that ‘we’ didn’t read at all. I believe there is enough diversity in novels and subject matter for everyone. Thank God. Everyone doesn’t enjoy a book by James Baldwin, but love the work of a Devon Scott. IMHO, the problem doesn’t lie in the vast choices in AA authors, but a platform and an open audience of readers for those unsung writers. If you’re not a Victoria Christopher Murray, Eric Jerome Dickey or have the right contacts, it’s hard as heck to get your toe, let alone, your foot in the literary door. Thank God for Rawsistaz and Urban Reviews or our voices would never be heard.
Iris Celeste author of Praise Your Way Through
http://www.irisceleste.webs.com
I would hope that Black literature/authors would continue to improve and stay around. In many blogs and groups recently, so many Black writers are being criticized for their writing by other Blacks until we are bringing each other down rather than trying to help and lift each other up. Crabs in a barrel?
It has already started to happen where white authors are starting to write more stories with Black characters and eventually Black authors will be fighting for any space on any shelf. Our books are slowly losing space on book shelves.
I agree that whatever genre one writes in whether it be street or the classics, try to hone your craft, promote it and THAT reader will pick up your book. And that reader’s word-of -mouth can get you more readers. Word spreads over a good/bad book, just as it does over tragedies. Everyone, including publishers and writers are reading reviews, blogs, group pages, newsletters, etc.. keeping up with what’s going on and being said. I agree with Roy that:
” History will not judge the color of writers’ skins, only the value of what they had to say and how well they were able to express it.”
Lauretta,
That is not my experience. I see more support and a desire to connect. That said, I think we should be free to evaluate a work regardless of the race of the writer.
At the risk of sounding like a broken record, the world is not just black and white. We want a wider audience, we want more support and exposure, then let’s make a real commitment to taking our books on the road. I believe and promote people of color. I read books that interest me and that means crossing race, genre and ethnicity. Help color up the blogosphere by showing up in spaces that lack diversity.
Often we aren’t supported not because a reader won’t read a black writer but because that reader doesn’t know he’d like your book. I’m not suggesting when convince others to read us but expose others to options available from black authors.
While writing is an art, making a living at writitng is business. It is no different than any other career. Those who are discouraged by the market have to decide if this is a career and passion or only passion. If passion matters more, don’t quit your day job.
Well said. I know that a lot of AA authors struggle to be heard in the industry but as an avid reader, I will read from any author based on the story. Now, I am reading more AA since joining rawsistaz and that God for that since there are so many authors that I did not know about. Your statement about passion vs career is definately something to ponder. I would love to write but I probably just leave it as a passion and keep my 9-5.
Everything is cyclical…it is a blessing that we have so many books by such a diverse group of authors….and there is truly something out there if you know where to look, I am a member of a bookclub that has hundreds of members and we have amazing local book gatherings and I have discovered some wonderful authors who sell hundreds, even thousands of book and no one really know who they are, me included…but we have to write, tell our stories and believe that as with most things….it will be better, I am ever hopeful. I also believe that while I work, I will work, I attend a church with several thousand members and THEY KNOW WHO this write-or-die woman is. Blessed! I have also had lots of support across racial lines, maybe because I get out there and having lived around the world, even Europe and Hawaii, I keep in touch with folks. Also, I support other authors and tell friends about them and blast their work every chance I get. It really takes a concerted effort. On all our parts. The universe is big enough to provide for all of us. And as long as group like RAW continues to do what you do….there is hope and promise…
angelia
A quick commercial break for those posting who haven’t set up a gravatar yet. Well, in order for your picture, book cover or logo to show up when you post a comment, you have to set up an account at gravatar.com. It takes a few seconds and will follow you/via email address, to any blog you post on with the feature installed. Soooooooooo…come on now, that’s free promotion.
Now…back to the discussion.
-Tee
With Black authors fighting for shelf space, I think that it’s so important for authors to do whatever it takes to promote their book. I say if you’re not online, then you’re behind. What I mean by that is if you’re an author and you don’t at least have a well maintained website, a Facebook page, or even myspace page then you’re already losing out on reaching hundreds or even thousands of potential readers. There are so many books that I see coming out on a weekly basis where the author hasn’t done any promotion at all. And when I try to find out more information on the book or the author, I can’t find any. I think that since we live in a digital and internet age, authors may need to rethink the way they promote themselves and their work.
Agreed…Radiah, you are correct…
Say it again, Radiah!
In the spaces where I hang out, writers have learned to promote themselves. They have formed relationships with their readers and their readers are loyal and active. If you not connected online, you’re cutting yourself off from potential readers.
Honestly I am not worried about the state of black literature. Though I may not like everything that is being put out or how popular urban fiction is becoming with younger audiences that need to be exposed to broader literary world I know that the other side is still being written and published in one way shape or form. What we are seeing with the trends is the effects of the business side of books. People banking on what is hot. What I have noticed is that among some of the hot ghetto mess that some people are actually putting out you can find some great stories and great writing. As these writers become more popular I see many of them putting more depth into their work getting beyond the hot ghetto mess and being an artist with pen and paper.
And in the end history will be the judge. 30 years from now most of the Hot Ghetto Mess will be collecting dust in the back of libraries or on some of our shelves cause we are obsessed with our book collections. And the art in written form will stand out. And there will be a greater variety of Black Literature for our kids.
DD,
I serve a community that loves urban black fiction. At first I tried to steer them in other directions but what I learned was to respect their preferences and when they were interested or willing to hear what I liked to read, then I would share my recommendations.
There are many black writers and other writers of color out there producing great work including in YA which many adults dismiss not realizing the quality and diversity of what the genre offers. I personally don’t like what I think is ghetto, but there are writers who write urban fiction (there is a difference as I understand the definitions). Personally, I read mostly women, women of color, multicultural and YA lit. I am less concerned about preferences and am more interested in increasing literacy and diversity. I want to promote reading across gender, race and genres.
If you’re looking for greater diversity, come by Color Online. We’d love to have you. T visits though she lurks ( I’m sure she’s going to comment soon).
This is such a great conversation, I’m not sure I have anything to add to what’s already been said. One problem I see in entertainment in general (movies, tv, etc.) is that if one works, they try to copy it, but without really getting what made the 1st so successful. So Terry McMillan sold a lot let’s publish a whole lot of black women writers. That would make sense, except I wish it was let’s publish a lot of GOOD black women writers. But even as I say that I run into the argument, who’s to say what’s good? Art and entertainment are so subjective maybe publishing everybody is the best answer to getting a wide range of voices? It’s complicated and I’m glad, Tee, you brought it up.
Carleen,
Let me say it then. Just because I got rhythm doesn’t make me a dancer does it? Believe me, nobody would pay to see me dance on stage. Yes, art is subjective but each art form also has standards, markers that distinguish it. Everything written isn’t good, and I really don’t need agreement to stand by that. Different tastes/preferences aside, there are standards for good writing. And you and I know that everything published is not worth the paper its printed on.
Terry McMillan represents one segment of writers. No one group represents us all. I don’t read romance. Not my thing. I don’t read street lit or chick lit. That doesn’t mean I’m unaware of the market. There are lot of readers not reading people of color because they think black literature means McMillian or Baldwin. They don’t know what’s in-between. The majority at-large needs a road map and tour guide- for real.
Let me repeat a few points:
1) Color up the web. We cannot make allies and inform the larger reading market if we remain on our private islands. We need to think more like career politicians: take your platform on the road, baby. White Readers Meet Black Authors got it right. Facebook, MySpace, Twitter, Blog all have space for you. If you’re not online, you’re not serious.
2) How broadly are we reading? In my mind, being well-read means reading good literature across genres. Actually keeping up what is being read allows me to engage others in their interests and introduce them to mine.
3) We need to cultivate a reading culture in our homes, community organizations and schools. Are we donating books, reading at storytime in library or schools, are we supporting literacy groups?
4) Blog brown.
I’ll step off my soapbox now.
Opps. Susan aka Color Online. lol
Tee,
I now have a gravatar. Help. How do I load it here?
It loads automatically! Woo hoo hoo. I’m proud of you. Now we can “see” you.