Signifyin(g), Sanctifyin', and Slam Dunking: A Reader in African American Expressive Culture Paperback - 1999

First line

Although a prominent writer and political leader, James Weldon Johnson might be most widely remembered today as the co-writer (with his brother J. Rosamond Johnson) of "Lift Every Voice and Sing."

From the rear cover

Observers of American society have long noted the distinctive contribution of African Americans to the nation's cultural life. We find references to African American music and dance, black forms of oral expression, even a black style of playing basketball. But what do such terms really mean? Is it legitimate to talk about a distinct African American aesthetic, or is this simply a vestige of an outmoded racial essentialism? What makes a particular form of cultural expression "black", other than the fact that some African Americans may practice it?

These are some of the questions addressed in the readings gathered in this volume by Gena Dagel Caponi. The essays, some previously published and others new, spring from a variety of disciplines and cover a broad range of topics -- from the communal ritual of the ring shout to the evolution of rap to the improvisational genius of Michael Jordan. While each piece focuses on a different aspect of African American expressive culture, together they reveal a set of creative principles, techniques, and practices -- a cultural aesthetic -- that is remarkably consistent and resilient.

Media reviews

Citations

• Library Journal, 10/15/1999, Page 72
• Univ PR Books for Public Libry, 01/01/2000, Page 23