Charts Cyprian Ekwensi's development of the force of the city in three of the major novels. (Author/AM)

Argues that the black aesthetic can be affirmed while also insisting that its affirmation cannot be achieved or denied by mere a priori assumptions, polemics, personalisms, and vague generalities--its affirmation must be based in and validated by the tradition--historical, cultural, and socio-political--of Afro American expression, it is stated.…

Analyzes the literature of combat and its relationship to the aspirations and goals of the Afrikan Liberation movements. (Author/AM)

Negritude begins with a recognition, a consciousness of blackness, then proceeds to an acceptance in which blackness is praised; the qualities of blacks are elaborated; a heritage is created; the plight of blacks is described and white values and civilization are belittled. (Author/JM)

Reviews issues surrounding African-American cultural identity in cultural discourse about the arts, especially literature. Identifies positions in the current debate, critiques some positions being argued, and focuses on the work of Henry Louis Gates, Jr., in his book, "The Signifying Monkey: A Theory of Afro-American Literacy…

In 1933 in Paris, a new literary movement was born: negritude, a black French-language movement. Its principal figures were Leopold Sedar Senghor, Aime Cesaire, and Leon Damas. The chief features of the movement included: (1) awareness of African cultural history; (2) acceptance of and pride in the black racial identity; (3) a style which combined…