Black Authors

February 3rd, 2010 by Dr. Pauline

Black authors have spanned the field of writing and made great contributions to the entertainment, educational and sacred areas of our nation’s culture. They have been there to tell the stories straight and as the youth say, not get it “twisted.” It has been encouraging to see the Black Authors through the ages stand on principles and bravely tell the story as seen and lived by people of color. Black Authors come in both sexes and in different age groups. We read about life from the youthful point of view showing a boldness that has not gone through the slow process of seasoning. Whereas the older more seasoned Black Authors can and do present the history with authority and experience.

Black Authors have been recording the history of their sojourn in the United States ever since they were placed on an auction block as some odd spectacle to be held in derision. Sometimes the stories will make you laugh and cry seemingly at the same time. For example; Langston Hughes’ tales of Jessie B. Simple is one that will bring those mixed emotions. While perusing the day to day issues in the life of Jessie B. Simple you will find yourself laughing and crying, sometimes at the same time.

Black Authors, sometimes in there musing and times of reflections, allow their writing to ask some hard questions. The question that Sojourner Truth asks is on the surface quite simple. She wants to know, ”Ain’t I a woman?” Or, Tell Me How Long the Train’s Been Gone? James Baldwin’s fourth novel first published in 1968. Sometimes there is a cry from the soul seeking direction, and the question is, “Where do we go from here?”

Sometimes Black Authors are not in the questioning mode but like a modern day computer they open up a menu for us to choose our truth or battle for the day. Terri McMillan posed the issue of Waiting to Exhale. The author, after several scenarios, makes the reader wonder will life ever allow one to breathe easily.

Black Authors give the reader a look at life from the soul of the poet. A few of these poets who have spoken to our hearts are; Margaret Walker, who speaks boldly in her poem, “For my People,” Maya Angelou in her poetic voice, speaks loudly boasting of the “Phenomenal Woman.” Maya, in a crescendo of pride declares; phenomenally, phenomenal woman, that’s me.

Black Authors have shown how some survived the struggles of this life and lived to tell about their victories and defeats. Autobiographies of the people who have left footprints in the sands of time such as; Malcolm X, Booker T. Washington, Frederick Douglass, James Weldon Johnson, James Baldwin, Richard Wright and countless others who affected the lives of many in such a positive way.

Black Authors have recorded the day to day successes and failures of a people who have traveled a long lonesome road in search of the promises in the constitution of our nation.

This constitution promises life, liberty, justice and the pursuit of happiness for all. This promise has proven to be elusive to so many seemingly managing to stay just out of reach. So close yet so far. Many of the elders have left the story of their struggles etched in our hearts as they walked this earth as pathfinders for those who were to come after. Some of the elders did get a chance to get to the “Mountain Top” and had a chance to glimpse the “Promise Land and see the future. In their minds eye they saw the impossible dream become a reality. They heard the clear, strong voice proclaiming, “Yes, we can!”