The Black Intellectual Tradition: African American Thought in the Twentieth Century

This book explores the Black intellectual tradition from 1900 to the present, featuring essays from African American artists, intellectuals, performers, protest activists, institutions, organizations, and educators. It examines the diverse thought behind the fight for racial justice and includes perspectives from the U.S. and the Diaspora, engaging with important ideas such as gender, intellectual products, and the relationship between thought and concrete effort in the quest for liberation.

Format: Hardback
Length: 344 pages
Publication date: 03 August 2021
Publisher: University of Illinois Press

From 1900 to the present, people of African descent residing in the United States have tapped into their homegrown and diasporic minds to forge a rich and multifaceted Black intellectual tradition. This tradition has been deeply engaged with ideas surrounding race, racial oppression, and the broader world. This comprehensive volume presents a collection of essays that explore the diverse thought behind the fight for racial justice as developed by African American artists, intellectuals, performers, protest activists, institutions, organizations, and educators, as well as religious leaders. By incorporating perspectives from both the United States and the Diaspora, the essays provide a comprehensive exploration of the Black intellectual tradition. Throughout, contributors engage with a range of important themes, including the consideration of gender within the tradition, the intellectual products generated outside the intelligentsia, and the ongoing interplay between thought and concrete efforts in the pursuit of liberation.

The Black Intellectual Tradition is an expansive and interdisciplinary work that delves into the ideas that fueled the aspirations of a people seeking full participation in American life. The contributors to this volume are a diverse group of scholars and thinkers who bring their unique perspectives to the table. Derrick P. Alridge, Keisha N. Blain, Cornelius L. Bynum, Jeffrey Lamar Coleman, Pero Gaglo Dagbovie, Stephanie Y. Evans, Aaron David Gresson III, Claudrena N. Harold, Leonard Harris, Maurice J. Hobson, La TaSha B. Levy, Layli Maparyan, Zebulon V. Miletsky, R. Baxter Miller, Edward Onaci, Venetria K. Patton, James B. Stewart, and Nikki M. Taylor are among the notable contributors.

The essays in this volume cover a wide range of topics, including the historical development of Black thought, the impact of slavery and colonialism on African American culture, the struggle for civil rights and social justice, the role of Black women in the tradition, and the intersection of Black thought with other intellectual movements such as feminism, socialism, and postcolonialism. Each essay offers a deep and thoughtful analysis of the issues at hand, drawing on a wealth of primary sources and scholarly research.

One of the key themes that emerges from the essays is the importance of recognizing the diversity within the Black intellectual tradition. Contributors highlight the contributions of African American artists, intellectuals, and activists who have worked to challenge dominant narratives and promote alternative visions of society. They also emphasize the importance of engaging with the broader African diaspora, recognizing the shared experiences and struggles of people of African descent across different regions and cultures.

Another theme that is explored in the essays is the relationship between thought and concrete effort in the quest for liberation. Contributors argue that Black intellectual tradition has been shaped by a commitment to social justice and activism, and that the pursuit of knowledge and understanding is only meaningful when it is put into practice to bring about positive change in the world. They highlight the role of Black thinkers and activists in shaping political movements, advocating for civil rights, and challenging systemic oppression and discrimination.

The Black Intellectual Tradition also sheds light on the challenges and complexities that have shaped the tradition over the years. Contributors discuss the historical marginalization of Black thinkers and the struggles they have faced to be recognized and respected in academic and intellectual circles. They also address the ongoing challenges of racism, sexism, and other forms of discrimination that continue to impact the lives of African Americans and other marginalized communities.

In conclusion, The Black Intellectual Tradition is a vital and indispensable work that provides a comprehensive exploration of the diverse thought behind the fight for racial justice as developed by African American artists, intellectuals, performers, protest activists, institutions, organizations, and educators, as well as religious leaders. By incorporating perspectives from both the United States and the Diaspora, the essays offer a rich and nuanced understanding of the Black intellectual tradition and its enduring significance in shaping American society. This volume is a must-read for anyone interested in the history, politics, and culture of African Americans and the broader world.

Dimension: 235 x 156 x 30 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780252043857