Month: October 2022

Read

• Hurston, Zora Neale. “Sweat” in Fire!!

• Hurston, Zora Neale. “Characteristics of Negro Expression” in History and Theory Packet

• Lies and Other Tall Tales Collected by Zora Neale Hurston. Adapted and Illustrated by Christopher Myers.

• O’Meally “The Vernacular Tradition” Eds. Henry Louis Gates Jr. and Valerie Smith. The Norton Anthology of African American Literature. Third Edition. Volume 1. 10 – 72
  • Part 1 – Read “The Vernacular” and “Spirituals” and “Secular Rhymes and Songs” pages 10 – 33.
    • Optional – All of the “Work Songs” and “Stackolee” and “Sinking of the Titanic” and “Shine of the Titanic”
  • Part 2 – Read the essay portion “Folktales” 54 – 56; and the folktales on pages 64 -69
    • Optional – “The Blues” and other folktales.

Listen

• – “John Henry.” Unidentified Men and Richardson, Benny Will (22). Recorded by Alan Lomax. (November 1, 1947 to December 31, 1947) Digitally Archived at The Association for Cultural Equity. Tape Number T800, Track Number 2, Archive ID: T800R02. Last Accessed 10/21/22.

• – “Tall Tales.” Taylor, Jim (Dobie Red), Stewart, W.D. (Bama), Richardson, Benny Will (22), and Dew Holly (Bull). Recorded by Alan Lomax. (November 1, 1947 to December 31, 1947) Digitally Archived at The Association for Cultural Equity. Tape Number T 803, Track 4, Archive ID: T803R04. Last Accessed 10/21/22.

• – “Take this Hammer.” Taylor, Jim (Dobie Red), Smith, Milton (Foots), and Dew Holly (Bull). Recorded by Alan Lomax. (November 1, 1947 to December 31, 1947) Digitally Archived at The Association for Cultural Equity. Tape Number T799, Track 2, Archive ID: T799R02. Last Accessed 10/21/22.

• – “Stackalee” Performers: William, John Lee (Sonny Boy); Chatman, Peter (Memphis Slim); and Broonzy, William Lee Conley (Big Bill). Recording by Alan Lomax. (March 2 1947) Digitally Archived at The Association for Cultural Equity. Tape Number TD100, Track 1, Archive ID: TD100R01 Last Accessed 10/21/22.

• – “Unidentified Piano Boogie.” Ibid. Tape Number TD100, Track 2, Archive ID: TD100R02.

• – “Commentary by Big Bill Broonzy on Racism in and Leaving the South.” Ibid. Tape Number TD102, Track 2, Archive ID: TD102R02.

• – “Conversation with Big Bill Broonzy, Memphis Slim, and Sonny Boy Williamson about Chain Gangs and Prison Camps.” Ibid. Tape Number TD95, Track 2, Archive ID: TD95R02.

• – OPTIONAL:
  • “Conversation with Big Bill Broonzy, Memphis Slim, and Sonny Boy Williamson about Interracial Violence and Sexual Desire.” Ibid. Tape Number TD95, Track 1, Archive ID: TD95R01.
  • “Commentary by Big Bill Broonzy on Playing Music for Black Audiences.” Ibid. Tape Number TD101, Track 1, Archive ID: TD101R01.
  • “Life is Like That.” Ibid. Tape Number TD90, Track 5, Archive ID: TD90R05