Key Terms for Understanding African American LiteratureUT Arlington Fall 2015 by KKuykendall Lyrics
The largest urban area in the United States, New York City, is extremely significant to the history of African American literature. In the 1930s, the Harlem Renaissance took place and laid the groundwork for African American literature. As a result, many of today’s authors and artist incorporate styles and themes that originated in New York during the Harlem Renaissance. Realizing the importance of geography in literature is key in understanding the references and ideas present in the work. To aid in the comprehension of themes throughout African American literature, I have created a key words list consisting of terms and text excerpts.
The City of Refuge: There were many instances where African Americans fled from the South to New York in order to escape a punishment or be wrongfully tried for a crime. New York City, then could also be referred to as “The City of Refuge.”
Text Excerpt: Rudolph Fisher’s “The City of Refuge” 1925
“Back in North Carolina Gillis had shot a white man and, with the aid of prayer and an automobile, probably escaped a lynching.”
City Crabs: “City Crabs” is a play off of the phrase “crabs in a barrel” and refers to the power struggle that African Americans faced in New York. In order to be successful and provide for their families, blacks had to be willing to do whatever it took to get to the top of the metaphorical barrel.
Text Excerpt: Helene Johnson’s “Sonnet of a Negro in Harlem” 1927
“Small wonder that you are incompetent / To imitate those whom you so despise- / Your shoulders towering high above the throng, / Your head through back in rich, barbaric song,”
The Corner Life: “The Corner Life” is an idea that African Americans had no other option but to adhere to the stereotype of their race. African Americans were forced to the street corners to make a profit due to the lack of opportunity in New York during this era.
Text Excerpt: James Baldwin’s “Sonny’s Blues” 1957
“[E]ven though he was a grown-up man, he still hung around that block, still spent hours on the street corners, was always high and raggy.”
Shack City: Poor black community’s known as projects are perceived to be run down, cramped, and dirty. “Shack City” is a phrase created to enhance the imagery of the distinguishing characteristics of projects and in New York.
Text Excerpt: Langston Hughes’s “Ballad of the Landlord” 1940,1955
“Landlord, Landlord, / These steps is broken down. / When you come up yourself / It’s a wonder you don’t fall down.”
Land of Opportunity: Blacks migrated to the North for freedom and opportunity. In most cases however, they were denied the opportunity to truly live a “free” life.
Text Excerpt: Jay Z ft. Alicia Keys “Empire State of Mind” 2009
“Concrete jungle where dreams are made of There’s nothin’ you can’t do Now you’re in New York These streets will make you feel brand new Big lights will inspire you”
City of Open Arms: Upon arrival to New York black migrants had a yearning to be accepted into the urban community. The reality of the “City of Open Arms” however is that it was a challenge to be accepted in New York as an African American.
Text Excerpt: Harriet Jacobs’s “XL. The Fugitive Slave Law9” 1861
“I had but one hesitation, and that was my feeling of insecurity in New York, now greatly increased by the passage of the Fugitive Slave Law.”
The City of Refuge: There were many instances where African Americans fled from the South to New York in order to escape a punishment or be wrongfully tried for a crime. New York City, then could also be referred to as “The City of Refuge.”
Text Excerpt: Rudolph Fisher’s “The City of Refuge” 1925
“Back in North Carolina Gillis had shot a white man and, with the aid of prayer and an automobile, probably escaped a lynching.”
City Crabs: “City Crabs” is a play off of the phrase “crabs in a barrel” and refers to the power struggle that African Americans faced in New York. In order to be successful and provide for their families, blacks had to be willing to do whatever it took to get to the top of the metaphorical barrel.
Text Excerpt: Helene Johnson’s “Sonnet of a Negro in Harlem” 1927
“Small wonder that you are incompetent / To imitate those whom you so despise- / Your shoulders towering high above the throng, / Your head through back in rich, barbaric song,”
The Corner Life: “The Corner Life” is an idea that African Americans had no other option but to adhere to the stereotype of their race. African Americans were forced to the street corners to make a profit due to the lack of opportunity in New York during this era.
Text Excerpt: James Baldwin’s “Sonny’s Blues” 1957
“[E]ven though he was a grown-up man, he still hung around that block, still spent hours on the street corners, was always high and raggy.”
Shack City: Poor black community’s known as projects are perceived to be run down, cramped, and dirty. “Shack City” is a phrase created to enhance the imagery of the distinguishing characteristics of projects and in New York.
Text Excerpt: Langston Hughes’s “Ballad of the Landlord” 1940,1955
“Landlord, Landlord, / These steps is broken down. / When you come up yourself / It’s a wonder you don’t fall down.”
Land of Opportunity: Blacks migrated to the North for freedom and opportunity. In most cases however, they were denied the opportunity to truly live a “free” life.
Text Excerpt: Jay Z ft. Alicia Keys “Empire State of Mind” 2009
“Concrete jungle where dreams are made of There’s nothin’ you can’t do Now you’re in New York These streets will make you feel brand new Big lights will inspire you”
City of Open Arms: Upon arrival to New York black migrants had a yearning to be accepted into the urban community. The reality of the “City of Open Arms” however is that it was a challenge to be accepted in New York as an African American.
Text Excerpt: Harriet Jacobs’s “XL. The Fugitive Slave Law9” 1861
“I had but one hesitation, and that was my feeling of insecurity in New York, now greatly increased by the passage of the Fugitive Slave Law.”