African American Literature

African American Literature

“Literature is a struggle over the nature of reality.” ― Richard Wright, Native Son

Frederick Douglass

Toni Morrison

Origins:- Started in the 18th-century- Writers as Phillis Wheatley (first published African American woman) and Frederick Douglass.- They wanted to describe the cruelties of life under slavery, as well as the persistent humanity of the slaves as persons.

Writing has tended to incorporate oral forms, such as spirituals, sermons, gospel music, blues, or rap.

InterestingFact- The most important subjects in african american literature are: > role of a black living in a white people society> culture> racism> slavery> social equality

Phillis Wheatley

“The white man's happiness cannot be purchased by the black man's misery.”