Within the African American culture, storytelling is an important component in comprehending African American history. It can be used to discuss the traditions and history of our people. Writers of collected stories are needed to inform African American students and researchers about African American legacy. Storytelling helped descendants of Africa who were dispersed throughout the world to sustain hope and continue a legacy of literacy throughout their families. It aids African American communities in understanding the struggle of enslaved peoples and learning about various traditions. Storytelling is a form of oral history that continues to be vital in the present.
Tales of Struggle
The various tales of African ancestor struggles have provided us with a deeper connection with our own past because we learn through the experiences of others. The story of our struggle as Black people affects our religion. The bible helped our ancestors believe and have faith as they were mistreated and tortured because of their skin. We receive knowledge by our ancestors’ storytelling that may not be in the textbook. Much of our history is known from oral storytelling. Therefore, it is important to now realize the struggle of our ancestors and how it has affected our future.
Stories of and by Black Women
Throughout history, storytelling has had more male characters than female. Storytelling has been consistent with the African American tradition of showing male dominance. The role of women is one that has been connected with maintaining the household. Black women writers do not write many slave narratives, nor do they write stories of pity. Stories written by black women show failure turned into triumph and show them fighting and show them fighting for social changes. Black women authors would rather show women as independent and strong-willed.
Works Cited
Franklin, Wanda, and Joanne Dowdy. Storytelling. Cresskill, NJ: Hampton Press, 2005. 119-138. Print.
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