African American Literature

African American literature is a genre of writing that has evolved from the experiences, struggles, and triumphs of black people in America. It encompasses a wide range of styles and topics, from early slave narratives to contemporary works by some of today's most celebrated authors. In its broadest sense, it includes any work written or published by African Americans or about their lives and culture. This type of literature often speaks to issues related to race, identity politics, oppression, and inequality in America—all while telling stories that are unique yet relatable for readers across all backgrounds.


From its beginnings as an oral tradition passed down through generations during slavery to modern-day novels being adapted into major motion pictures on the silver screen, African American literature has come a long way over time. As such an important part of our nation's history—and one that continues to evolve with each new generation—it deserves special attention for those who want to understand more about this literary movement.


When looking at the evolution of African American literature throughout U.S. history, there are certain milestones that stand out: From Phillis Wheatley becoming the first black poet published in 1773; William Wells Brown's novel Clotel (1853) marking him as the first published novelist; Alice Walker winning the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 1983; Toni Morrison receiving Nobel Laureate status for her outstanding contributions towards fiction writing (1993); and Colson Whitehead winning both the National Book Award and the Pulitzer Prize simultaneously (2016) These achievements demonstrate how far this form of expression can go when given the opportunity—regardless of whether racism still exists within society or not!


Themes explored within African American literature have been varied but always meaningful, examining everything from spirituality and religion through music and art. Current writers tackle questions around gender roles, sexuality, identity rights, etc. Some key themes include: "double consciousness," which refers to the idea of having two identities depending on the situation, and survival despite adversity faced due to systemic discrimination. Other reoccurring motifs seen frequently revolve around ideas like love, hope, faith, and struggle.


The Color Purple

The Color Purple, by Alice Walker, is a classic novel in the African-American literary canon. Published in 1982, it tells the story of Celie Johnson and her struggles against poverty and racism while living in rural Georgia during the early 20th century. It was awarded both the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction and the National Book Award for Fiction shortly after its release.

Beloved

Beloved is a 1987 novel by American author Toni Morrison. The book follows the life of Sethe, an escaped slave who struggles to come to terms with her traumatic past and experiences as she builds a new life in Cincinnati, Ohio. At its heart, Beloved is a story about memory and identity—both personal and collective—and how those two forces shape our lives and inform our understanding of ourselves. It examines the power of love between mothers and children while also delving into deeper issues such as racism, sexism, and violence against women and black people during slavery in America. Through this exploration of history through fiction, Morrison brings attention to forgotten stories that have been overshadowed by dominant narratives.

How It Feels To Be Colored Me

Zora Neale Hurston's essay "How It Feels to Be Colored Me" is a powerful exploration of the author's experience as an African American woman in the United States. The piece was first published in 1928 and, since then, has become an important part of literature exploring issues of race and identity. In this essay, Hurston reflects on her own journey through life, from being a young girl living with her family in Eatonville, Florida, to becoming one of the most well-known writers and anthropologists of her time. She explores how she felt growing up surrounded by racism yet still having a sense of pride in her culture and heritage.

The Souls of Black Folk

One of the most significant works of African-American literature and one of the most significant books ever written about race and racism in America is W.E.B. Du Bois' 1903 publication, The Souls of Black Folk. In this collection of essays, Du Bois examines the history and experience of African Americans living under oppressive Jim Crow laws at the turn of the 20th century. Through his powerful writing style, he argues that while racial prejudice had denied black people basic rights for centuries, they were still capable individuals with unique contributions to make to society if given a chance.

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