Barbara P. Moss
The Black writerstoryteller has impacted the Black family and society in a number of ways. The Black writer’s works have served as a source of entertainment. Many Blacks have gotten into serious comedy. Others have made it big in the field of music as rappers. Rapping is a way of spreading the word or telling a story. In the late 1980’s, rappers dominated the music scene. One rapper told a story this way: I’m a storytellerWith a story to tellI can tell ‘em loudI can tell ‘em wellI don’t need a microphone where I talkI don’t need a chair and etc. Rappers appeal to almost all age groups—ially young people. Most rappers do tell stories through rapping. Heavy D and the Boys, MC Hammer and Kwame are some rappers that most young people enjoy listening to.
Black families tend to get together just to listen to their favorite song stylist or just watch their favorite comedian on TV. Prince, Miki Howard, Mariah Carey, and Inner City are Black storytellers. They are singers and they appeal to most audiences—Black and white. When Mariah Carey sings “Vision of Love” swaying or finger tapping immediately begin. Her songs have that kind of effect. Prince tells his stories not only through his music, but also by the way that he moves on stage. Janet Jackson is another song stylist who tells many love stories through her music. Micki Howard’s “Rap on Your Window Pane” is a good love story told musically.
Bill Cosby, Arsenio Hall and Oprah Winfrey are entertainers who impact not only the Black family, but whites as well. They are not “traditional” storytellers, but their messages and delivery is indicative of the impact they’re having on society—no one wants to miss their TV appearance or movie when such is the case.
Redd Foxx, Dick Gregory and Eddie Murphy are humorous storytellers but for people who are more intellectually inclined, Kathryn L. Morgan who was one of the first African-American women to receive her Ph.D. in folklore provides entertainment at that level. She is currently associate professor of history at Swarthmore College. She is the author of
Children of Strangers.
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. who was a Nobel Peace Prize winner falls into the same category as Kathryn Morgan. He is the author of
Strength to Love, Why We Can’t Wait
and
Stride Toward Freedom.
Jack and Rosa Maddox, a slave couple who managed to stay together despite hardships had their life story recorded by the Federal Writers’ Project between 1934 and 1941.
Society has also been impacted by stories from Pearl Primus who is very well known. Some of her works are
Hard Times Blues
and
The Negro Speaks of Rivers.
Yolanda D. King, daughter of Martin Luther King, Jr., is an actress, producer and director. Yolanda, along with Attallah Shabazz, daughter of Malcolm X are founders of Nucleus, a theatrical touring company which performs “Stepping into Tomorrow.” Zora Neal Harston contributed much to society. She was a folklorist, novelist, anthropologist, and celebrated daughter of the Harlem Renaissance. Some of her works are:
Their Eyes Were Watching God
and
Mules and Men.
Nikki Giovanni, Houston Baker, Jr., J. Mason Brewer, Oscar Brown, Jr., and Tejumola F. Ologboni who is one of the “biggest liars” in the country are just a few Black writersstorytellers. Our society is much richer as a result of their contributions.