African American Experience Research Articles

The pragmatics of black–white conversations: Richard Wright’s representation of the African American experience

Abstract Richard Wright represents the African American experience of white racism in his novel Native Son and autobiography Black Boy. In the two works, Wright delves into the psychic effects of white racism on young African Americans. From a pragmatic perspective, this article analyzes the conversations between whites and young African Americans in the two works, with the aim of exploring how the conversations can impact on how the young African Americans think about reality and about themselves in relation to whites, that is, how whites attempt to form black subjectivity through conversation. The conversational mechanisms of the formation of black subjectivity are investigated by building on research in pragmatics on conversational cooperation and interpersonal pragmatics. The article first examines the structural features of black-white conversations, and explains the conversational norms by using Grice’s theory of conversation as the explanatory framework. The analysis sheds light on the relative nature of Grice’s maxims and the inseparability of the informational and the relational aspects of conversation. The article examines the relationship dynamics of black-white conversations by drawing on studies in interpersonal pragmatics. From the stylistic feature of the use of address terms, the study delves into the interracial pragmatics of black–white conversations.

“Our American Optimism”: Race, Recognition, and Belonging in Claudia Rankine’s Don’t Let Me Be Lonely: An American Lyric

This paper explores Claudia Rankine’s representation of the feelings of racialisation in her 2004 poetry collection Don’t Let Me Be Lonely: An American Lyric. Contextualising this work within wider debates in Afropessimist philosophy, it considers how the poet’s portrayal of emotional pain, depression, and numbness exemplify a form of ‘social death’ instigated by the ubiquitous violence of antiblackness. Through close readings of select sequences, it argues that Rankine frames death as an ongoing structure of African American experience, rather than a singular event. In turn, this paper also considers how her innovative and hybrid “American Lyric” form functions to create a new grammar for Black self-expression in an ostensibly ‘post-race’ culture that obfuscates contemporary systems of racial inequality. It argues that Rankine’s collection cultivates an ethics of attention to the experiences and pain of others, offering poetry as a form of “exhausted hope” to challenge the dehumanising force of White supremacy.

Narratives of (Dis)Enfranchisement: Reckoning with the History of Libraries and the Black and African American Experience

Narratives of (Dis)Enfranchisement: Reckoning with the History of Libraries and the Black and African American Experience

The Lived Experiences of African American and Latinx Individuals with CKD Using Photo Elicitation

The Lived Experiences of African American and Latinx Individuals with CKD Using Photo Elicitation

For Crying Out Loud: Racial Battle Fatigue and Black America: Implications for the Counseling Professions

ABSTRACT Trauma is a far too common familiarity in the lived experiences of Black Americans that can be traced back to the historical and contemporary vestiges of white supremacy and racism in the United States. However, little is known about how persistent trauma from racialized events (e.g. microaggressions, discrimination, anti-Black violence) erodes the mental and physical health of Black Americans, contributing to distress and cumulative exhaustion. In this paper, the authors discuss Racial Battle Fatigue in relation to the experiences of Black Americans as a result of living in a racialized society. Using two case examples, the authors examine and explain how Racial Battle Fatigue takes a toll on Black people, and conclude with implications for counseling professionals.

Mitigating rACEsm in K-12 Classrooms: The Consideration of Culturally-Informed Adverse Childhood Experiences and Utilization of Culturally Relevant Education and Systemically Trauma-Informed Practice

Forty-six percent of children in the United States experience a potentially traumatic event (PTE), also known as an Adverse Childhood Experience (or ACE), including abuse (physical, sexual, emotional), neglect, and/or household dysfunction (incarceration of a family member, parental mental illness, divorce, etc.) before their 18th birthday. In the United States, 61% of African-American youth experience at least one ACE (more than any other racial or ethnic group), compared with 40% of White children. A culturally informed conceptualization of the ACEs framework (C-ACEs) that considers the effects of historical trauma, racist social conditions, and race-based biological stress on African-American youth is essential. This is particularly important in K-12 Educational institutions for two reasons: (1) Schools are a major environment in which African-American youth are exposed to racial trauma via teachers, peers, policies, and practices within the school itself; (2) Popularity of the “trauma-informed” movement in schools that overemphasizes and overuses the existing ACEs framework (i.e., a “neoliberal biomedical trauma model”) and does not consider larger systems that cause and perpetuate trauma (p. 105). Further, it is essential to review how school teachers, administrators, and staff can amalgamate Systemically Trauma-Informed Practice (SysTIP) with Culturally Relevant Education (CRE) to increase education equity, reduce the trauma of racism experienced within educational spaces, and help ensure that African-American students succeed academically and personally.

North-South research collaboration during complex global emergencies: Qualitative knowledge production and sharing during COVID-19

Large multinational teams of academics and activist-practitioners that span the Global North-South divide have become common in qualitative research because of the reliance of field of peace and conflict studies on “local” knowledge and expertise. Complex global emergencies, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, present the opportunity to (re)shape and (re)consider these endeavors in key some ways. This article focuses on the involvement of South-based activist-practitioners in three large North-South collaborations, one pre-pandemic (Beyond Words: Implementing Latin American Truth Commission Recommendations), one ongoing when the pandemic began (Gender, Justice, and Security Hub), and one launched during the pandemic (Truth Commissions and Sexual Violence: African and Latin American Experiences). Drawing on center-periphery framework, we adopt an autoethnographic approach, to reflect on how the pandemic has not only reinforced existing structural and institutional asymmetries through reduced funding, professional uncertainty, and personal loss and insecurity but also added some new ethical concerns. This reality has tested both our capacity and commitment to work toward the decolonization of knowledge in the field. In making this argument, we seek to contribute to the discussion on research ethics and the politics of knowledge production and sharing in qualitative peace and conflict research.

Jazz music: From black pride to political consciousness to social change in the United States

African Americans have been marginalised, discriminated against, and excluded from American society for centuries. First as slaves, but later when they gained emancipation, they remained relegated, differentiated, and discounted, in a range of areas, including in the political and economic spheres. Music has been a means to promote their greater inclusion in American society, drawing together and uniting all Americans through its power. While there have been links drawn between music and the African American struggle for equality, there has not been sufficient focus on the pivotal role that specifically jazz music has played in this regard. Jazz particularly has been a vehicle for promoting Black pride, political consciousness, and social change. This article argues that jazz has had a major effect on African American culture, society, and experience. Analysing the works of legendary jazz musicians James Brown, John Coltrane, Billie Holiday, and The Temptations, this article shows that jazz is not only as a catalyst for, but a driving force in, the fight for political freedom, as well as for economic empowerment, which is arguably still ongoing today.

Reclaiming History: The Role of Memory in Afro-American Literature

This research explores the pivotal role of memory in Afro-American literature, focusing on its multifaceted functions as a tool of resistance, cultural preservation, and historical reinterpretation. Memory in Afro-American literature emerges as a dynamic force that not only documents personal and collective experiences but also challenges dominant narratives of oppression and erasure. Through a nuanced examination of literary works spanning from slave narratives such as Frederick Douglass' "Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave" (1845) to contemporary novels like Toni Morrison's "Beloved" (1987), this study illuminates how memory serves as a means of reclaiming agency and identity amidst historical trauma.The research discusses critiques of relying on memory in literature, acknowledging concerns about subjectivity and historical accuracy. It argues that memory in Afro-American literature transcends mere recollection, offering profound insights into the complexities of African American experiences and histories. By exploring examples such as Zora Neale Hurston's "Their Eyes Were Watching God" (1937) and James Baldwin's "The Fire Next Time" (1963), the study demonstrates how Afro-American authors use memory to confront systemic injustices, preserve cultural heritage, and inspire social activism.Ultimately, Afro-American literature's enduring legacy lies in its ability to reshape historical narratives through the transformative power of memory. By interrogating memory's intersections with literature and activism, this research invites readers to engage critically with the past and envision a future grounded in truth, empathy, and reconciliation. Through its exploration of memory's role in shaping identity, justice, and cultural resilience, Afro-American literature continues to provoke thought and inspire meaningful dialogue on the enduring legacies of slavery, segregation, and the ongoing quest for equality.

African American Female Veterans Experiences with Perceived Racism Within the Veteran's Healthcare Administration.

There is a lack of understanding of how perceived racism in Veterans Healthcare Administration (VHA) healthcare providers affects the delivery of healthcare services to African American (AA) Veterans thus leading to health disparities in this population. Specifically, there is a lack of understanding of this phenomenon from the view of AA female Veterans who sought mental health care from providers within the VHA. The aim of this study was to determine if AA female Veterans have experiences of racism in their interactions with VHA mental health providers contributing to disparities. Using a phenomenological qualitative analysis approach with five AA female Veterans, the researcher was able to identify four qualitative themes: mental health service delivery, provider belief system about AA female Veterans, and the impact of microaggressions on AA female Veterans. Based on the results of this study, the following were determined: (1) there is an existence of perceived racism from VHA mental health providers to AA female Veterans, (2) we better understand AA female Veterans' perceptions of their VHA mental health providers based on their interactions, (3) there is a shared lived experience of the phenomenon racism from VHA mental health providers, and (4) there is a failure of VHA to address the needs of AA female Veterans despite VHA policies for support.

Africa's Portrayal in African-American Writing

The depiction of Africa in African-American literature constitutes a nuanced and dynamic exploration, unveiling the intricate rapport between African-American writers and the African continent. Over centuries, Africa's portrayal has assumed myriad forms, serving as a symbolic homeland, a locus of struggle, and a wellspring of cultural inspiration. Imbued within these representations is a profound quest for identity and a yearning for belonging. Prestigious African-American authors, including Langston Hughes, Zora Neale Hurston, and Maya Angelou, adeptly interlace African culture, folklore, and history into the tapestry of their works. In so doing, they delve into themes of heritage, resilience, and cultural pride, presenting Africa not merely as a nostalgic ideal but as a vibrant tapestry of traditions intricately shaping the African-American experience. This representation transcends sentimentality, offering a palpable connection to ancestral roots and cultural heritage. Yet, the portrayal of Africa in African-American literature transcends idyllic visions of a distant homeland. Renowned authors such as Toni Morrison, Chinua Achebe, and Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie confront the harsh realities of colonization, slavery, and oppression in their narratives. In their hands, Africa becomes a complex terrain of struggle and resistance, where characters grapple with the enduring legacies of colonialism and the intricate dynamics of post-colonial identity. The representation of Africa in African-American literature reflects broader historical and political dynamics. During the Harlem Renaissance, there was a surge of interest in Pan-Africanism, as African-American writers actively sought connections with counterparts on the continent in the fight against racism and imperialism. This period witnessed an embrace of African art, literature, and culture, as writers sought to reclaim and celebrate their African heritage.

Double Consciousness: A Subject Formation in Toni Morrison’s Tar Baby

This paper based on Toni Morrison's "Tar Baby" delves into the intricacies of race, identity, and belonging. It explores the expressions of double consciousness in Morrison's work and its significance in understanding the characters' motivations and relationships. It employs W.E.B. Du Bois’s concept of double consciousness as a literary tool to describe the internal conflict experienced by African Americans. Double consciousness refers to the psychological experience of African Americans who perceive themselves both as individuals and as members of a racially marginalized group. This duality arises from the social construction of race and the historical context of oppression, leading to a fragmented identity. The female protagonist, Jadine Childs, embodies the struggle of double consciousness as a young, educated black woman. She gets divided between her African heritage and the allure of white culture. Her relationship with Son, a male protagonist, serves as a catalyst for her exploration of self-awareness and cultural identity. This study examines how Morrison portrays the internal conflicts faced by her characters. Additionally, it navigates the reasons behind the formation of split personality of the characters. It also discovers the role of history and memory in shaping the characters' perceptions. Over all, this research contributes the readers to comprehend how double consciousness acts in order to formulate fragmented personality of the black characters.

Erased But Not Forgotten

The Harlem Renaissance is a decade known for its fluidity and non-conformity that allowed for a thriving underground culture where Black queer Americans could organize and interact, as long as they remained hidden. While the queer community and the Black community flourished independently, the Black queer community was left behind in the wake of great progress for Black Americans, erased from the historical narrative despite its major contributions to Black and queer advancement. This presentation will examine how the Harlem Renaissance (1920s-1930s) fostered an underground network that allowed for the expression of the natural fluidity of sexuality and gender, unavailable to the heteronormative White Western society that existed above ground. Secondly, despite the Black queer community being credited for Black and queer progress, it was simultaneously victimized by a Black society so desperate for progress that it conformed to the colonial way, developing internalized racism and constructing an elite, heteronormative hierarchy through discursive distancing. This presentation will argue that the Black queer American experience of the Harlem Renaissance was erased from the historical narrative by White, Black, queer and straight masculinities, and that the repression of this community further subordinated both the Black and Queer communities.

Alvin Ailey and Korean Dance: Writing Afro-Asian Relations into Korean Dance History

A close examination of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater’s 1962 Seoul performance, as well as Ailey’s influence on Korean dancers’ training and choreography, reveals that Ailey’s impact on Korean contemporary dance is significant. Ailey’s exploration of African American experiences piqued local dancers’ and critics’ interest, and suggested commonalities between Koreans’ and African Americans’ histories of oppression. This article examines performances, interviews, and criticism across a span of four decades, and brings special consideration to similarities between Yuk Wan-sun's Heuginyeongga and Ailey's Revelations in order to reframe Korean contemporary dance’s connections to Ailey and to illuminate Afro-Asian affinity.

In Pursuit of Freedom and Citizenship: Teaching about the Unsung Experiences of Black Americans during World War II

Secondary learners are often exposed to the triumphs and tragedies of World War II. Unfortunately, however, students receive less awareness of the experiences and contributions of Black Americans to the war effort. Thus, this article provides secondary teachers with a brief history of WWII from the perspective of African Americans and pedagogical strategies as a means of elevating hidden histories and engaging students in social studies concepts.

A Critical Race Analysis of Resilience and Resistance in Domingo’s Breaking The Maafa Chain

This study examines the experiences of black African Americans within a white-dominated society while focusing on double consciousness, racial micro-aggressions, the historical implications of the slave trade, and systemic suppression. The primary aim of this study is to highlight the harsh realities of enslavement and the enduring struggle to preserve African heritage. Racism, a socially constructed phenomenon, subjects black individuals to frequent racial discrimination. This research aims to raise awareness and challenge the facade of superiority maintained by the white-dominated society. The selected novel explores the various forms of racial discrimination against African Americans, shedding light on the subtle attacks they face while striving to preserve their identity. Additionally, the study investigates the issues of identity and freedom by analyzing the relationship between the two sisters in the novel under disquisition. Through the lens of Critical Race Theory, this research analyzes the portrayal of black lives and their resilience against white supremacy through Domingo’s novel Breaking The Maafa Chain, a piercing and sensitive representation of suppressed or marginalized Afro-Americans. Critical Race Theory serves as a framework to address the issues of racial discrimination. The research methodology employed in this study is purely qualitative, analytical, and descriptive, and it involves a close textual analysis of the novel within the domain of critical race theory.

The Impact of COVID-19 on Justice-Involved African Americans: A Follow-Up Study

Background:The COVID-19 pandemic introduced unprecedented challenges to individuals involved in the justice system, particularly African Americans, who have borne a significant burden of its consequences. To better understand the circumstance, this article presents follow-up data 2 years after the pandemic’s onset from Skinner-Osei’s 2023 study, “The Impact of COVID-19 on Justice-Involved African Americans.”Methods:The study employed a phenomenological approach to examine the experiences of justice-involved African Americans in navigating challenges related to recidivism, probation/parole, housing, employment, and family during and after the pandemic. The data were analyzed using the reflexive thematic analysis process.Findings:The original study had 25 participants, and 12 were in the follow-up. The data obtained from both studies underscore the necessity of further research into the enduring impacts of COVID-19 on African Americans involved in the justice system.Conclusion:Given the disproportionate impact of the pandemic on this population, it is critical to explore the long-term ramifications of the virus and its aftermath so that we can better understand the multifaceted challenges facing African Americans in the justice system and develop evidence-based solutions that mitigate the impact of COVID-19 on this vulnerable group.

The African American Dementia and Aging Project (AADAPt): An Oregon-based Longitudinal Study.

The vast majority of studies on aging, cognition, and dementia focus on non-Hispanic white subjects. This paper adds to the extant literature by providing insight into the African American aging experience. Here we describe the study design and baseline characteristics of the African American Dementia and Aging Project (AADAPt) study, which is exploring aging and cognition in African American older adults in Oregon. African American older adults (n=177) participated in AADAPt, a longitudinal study that collected data on cognitive, physical, and social functioning in annual visits since 2000. AADAPt participants had risk factors for developing dementia in future, such as hypertension and hyperlipidemia, but also reported protective factors such as high social engagement. The AADAPt project offers new insights into aging in older African Americans that includes data on cognition, social engagement, and physical health, which are crucial for understanding the experience of under-represented groups and making future studies more inclusive. These findings reflect a window of time for a geographically-focused cohort, and the lessons learned from this study likely have broader implications for shaping the health of these older African American adults. Keywords: African American, Dementia, Observational Study.

Exploring the Lived Experiences of African American and Latinx STEM Faculty and Students in the U.S.

Exploring the Lived Experiences of African American and Latinx STEM Faculty and Students in the U.S.

Life Goes on: Tupac Shakur’s Influence on Angie Thomas’ The Hate U Give and African American Sneaker Culture

When analyzing African American sneaker culture’s ascension into American popular and global culture, one must consider its place in literature. How did sneaker culture go from the basketball courts and the bustling streets of urban America to the pages of books? In brief, the material circumstances of a society that subscribes to African American sneaker culture reflects in the literature the same society produces. For example, writers documenting the African American experience within urban environments, wittingly and unwittingly documented sneaker culture’s existence and manifestation. This is evident in Angie Thomas’ The Hate U Give (2017). Is Angie Thomas the next Tupac Shakur? Heavily influenced by his work, her work too has entered academic settings. Will sneaker culture overcome the taboos surrounding it? The topics addressed in The Hate U Give (2017) are as controversial in today’s political climate as topics addressed by Shakur in the past. Furthermore, wrapping a tale of police brutality inside a text that glorifies sneaker culture is not tailored to the majority. Like “All Eyez On Me” Thomas’s text speaks to the plight of the African American.