"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
9781985900943
Publisert
2024
Utgiver
University Press of Kentucky
Språk
Product language
Engelsk
Format
Product format
Digital bok
Forfatter