Authors Kao Kalia Yang (l) and Shannon Gibney “What God Is Honored Here?: Writings on Miscarriage and Infant Loss by and for Native Women and Women of Color” (University of Minnesota Press, $19.95) is an arresting anthology of tragically traumatic recollections. Shannon Gibney and Kao Kalia Yang, co-editors and contributors, accomplished authors … [Read more...]
A space for local and national arts and entertainment stories, with an emphasis on stories pertaining to African and African Americans.
Remembering the incomparable Toni Morrison
Toni Morrison Toni Morrison, world-renowned American literary master, remains an author of undying consequence. Morrison along with such literary icons as Maya Angelou and James Baldwin led an unprecedented era of voices challenging and dismantling society’s concept of Black identity as being less-than, brilliantly expressing and courageously celebrating Black culture in … [Read more...]
Help decide Minnesota’s best books of 2019
Are you an avid reader with a love of literature? Apply today to be a judge for the 32nd annual Minnesota Book Awards. Judges are selected from across the state to include a diversity of professional experience, educational background, ethnicity, age, and gender. Previous judges are welcome to apply. Qualified individuals — both experienced in judging and those new to the … [Read more...]
‘Black American History from Plantations to Rap Culture’ — flawed but valuable
Pascal Archimede’s Black American History from Plantations to Rap Culture (Nofi Group) merits an "E" for earnest effort, though the execution is hit-and-miss. For ages, a lasting complaint in mainstream academia has been that by the time students reach university or college, their education entails scant reference to African American history beyond the advent and … [Read more...]
A champion of the people: Josie Johnson still finds hope in the struggle
Dr. Josie Johnson Josie Johnson. The term “living legend” might well understate her stature in the community. She is a beloved lady with a warmhearted smile and serious political clout who has made history, indeed helped shaped it, as chronicled in her book Hope in the Struggle: A Memoir (University of Minnesota Press). On the dust cover of the memoir, … [Read more...]