Abstract
This article involves a close reading of two African American authors, Zora Neale Hurston, an acclaimed novelist and Katie Cannon, an influential theological ethicist. Texts from Steve Biko on black consciousness and from James Cone on liberation theology are used as methodological tools in trying to ascertain the degree to which Hurston and Cannon espouse a black (womanist) consciousness. A strong resonance of black consciousness will indeed be found in Hurston’s and Cannon’s texts. The conclusion drawn is that not only is there a resonance of black consciousness, but both writers also give proof of a black womanist consciousness that reveals new knowledge. Cannon’s oeuvre also begs the question of epistemological privilege. In addition, an animated critique is registered between these women scholars and male colleagues, in the world of fiction (Richard Wright) and academia (white European males).Contribution: This article demonstrates a link from South African black consciousness (Biko) to black womanist thinkers in the United States (Hurston and Cannon). A connection is also made between male, black liberation theology (Cone) and black womanist thinking, while expounding the womanist approach, liberated from (white) male dominance, on par with all others.
Highlights
I contend that the black womanist experience is indispensable as an insight to what is black consciousness and liberation theology, sending a strong message to humanity at large
The notion of double consciousness was formulated by Du Bois (1903) more than 100 years ago
As was the case with Richard Wright, Du Bois saw this tension as an unresolved matter and would eventually leave his native country
Summary
I contend that the black womanist (feminist) experience is indispensable as an insight to what is black consciousness and liberation theology, sending a strong message to humanity at large. I further argue that in this womanist discourse, black consciousness and liberation theology are taken to a new level with new knowledge. The task is to do a close reading of two African American women writers, namely Zora Neale Hurston, a novelist and Katie Cannon, a scholar in theological ethics.
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