A landmark critical approach to the study of African American poetry, this seminal work sanctions the view that the voices of the Black Arts Movement are valid areas of scholarly inquiry.

Examining early African American literature from the perspective of a Black Nationalist literary critic, this analysis explores important novels from the 19th and 20th centuries. The discussion demonstrates that Black Nationalist themes were present in many early novels, prefiguring the themes that would become the centerpiece of the Black Power Movement. One of the few books that examines early African American novels, this definitive exploration of them adds to the discussion of black literature and literary criticism.

Representing conversations from the Eighth National Black Writers Conference in 2006, this collection provides in-depth meditations and analyses of literature by black writers. Reflections on the black experience, the American experience, and a more global experience and worldview are all widely discussed, as well as future trends and ascensions for black literature. Students, teachers, journalists, and other writers will welcome the chance to view parts of the writing process and see inside the heads of prominent black writers. Participants include Marita Golden, Walter Mosley, Ishmael Reed, Herb Boyd, Valerie Boyd, Haki R. Madhubuti, Elizabeth Nunez, Tananarive Due, Valerie Wilson Wesley, Camille Yarbrough, Susan McHenry, and many others.

This comprehensive analysis of the life and work of Haki R. Madhubuti demonstrates why he is such a pivotal figure in black literature. Both his life experiences and literary contributions are explored, highlighting his roles as political activist, writer, educator, and husband. A concise yet thorough examination of an oft-overlooked period of black literary history is also included. This discussion argues that Madhubuti more than most of his contemporaries successfully transformed from poet-activist to modern-day visionary and continues to challenge the status quo in pursuit of justice and peace.

These essays give the reader clear insight into the thinking of a Black educator and intellectual. The book offers a trenchant analysis of the writings and philosophy of some of the prominent writers and thinkers of African descent with particular emphasis upon those who conform to the Black nationalist thinking.