"Affrilachia," a term first coined in 1991 by Kentucky poet Frank X
Walker, refers to the cultural contributions of African Americans who
live in Appalachia, a largely mountainous region stretching over
thirteen states from Mississippi to New York. Although Black Americans
have greatly influenced the popular culture landscape in this region,
their stories, trials, and triumphs are often undocumented because
Appalachia is perceived as wholly white. In this stunning visual
history, photographer and curator Chris Aluka Berry gives voice to the
broad spectrum of African Americans who have lived in the Appalachian
region over the centuries. Berry, who spent six years in western North
Carolina, northeast Georgia, and eastern Tennessee, immersed himself
in the communities and lives of Black Appalachians to present the
diversity and commonalities of the proud people in the region. His
intimate and revealing photographs capture African Americans in
various settings—churches, homes, revival services, family
gatherings, and homegoing celebrations. Completing this comprehensive
collection are powerful narratives from the people who inhabit these
places, and contributions from Appalachian writers Kelly Elaine Navies
and Maia A. Surdam, whose poignant and powerful poems and essays offer
historical perspective and broaden the book's archival importance. The
first book of its kind, Affrilachia: Testimonies is an inspired
historical artifact that honors, represents, and celebrates the proud
people of color whose history and existence has greatly contributed to
the broad tapestry of Appalachia.
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Testimonies
Produktdetaljer
ISBN
9781985900936
Publisert
2024
Utgiver
University Press of Kentucky
Språk
Product language
Engelsk
Format
Product format
Digital bok
Forfatter