BlackExpressionMW

She’Nya King Dr. Harris African American Exp in Lit MW 11:00-12:15 Major Project Rationale For my project, I chose to interview someone about humor in Black culture because I feel like it is not talked about enough. Humor is an important part of Black culture, and I wanted to speak on how people use it to deal with stress and express themselves. By doing this interview, I was able to hear a personal experience and opinion that helped me better understand. I also connected my interview to the book Mules and Men by Zora Neale Hurston. In this book, Zora Neale Hurston shows how storytelling and humor are used in Black communities. The stories are not just for entertainment; they also reflect real life and culture. The stories show that humor is not just for laughs and giggles but also a way people cope with life and share their experiences. To better understand the humor of black culture, I decided to interview someone about how humor plays a role in their everyday life. My intervie...

Kenijah Ross Dr. Harris English 2017 April 22 2026 In this episode of Spirits, Stories, and Survival I dissect the layers of the misinterpretations and stereotypes surrounding hoodoo and voodoo, two practices widely vilified by the media and uses fear mongering tactics. The episode centers on the incredible work of Zora Neale Hurston, a black american writer that went to New Orleans for four months and was initiated into the practice of hoodoo. She is a big reason why this oral history has some truth circulating it. There are differences between the closed patterns of voodoo and the open system of hoodoo. Hoodoo is often characterized as being scary but it’s actually a very sophisticated and emotional practice that requires true connection to understand. I adore the dedication that Zora Neale Hurston gave to the cause. She is a true trailblazer of this in my opinion. She aimed to protect the people who practice this religion by giving the public real people and real sce...

The primary text that sparked my interest in this conversation is "If Black English Isn't a Language, Then Tell Me, What Is?” by James Baldwin. My perspective on this issue comes from my learned experience and what I've heard from those in the community around me. Telling students that they aren’t using “real words,” instead of explaining and being aware of the cultural aspect related to the student’s language, can be seen as belittling. This can further damage their educational self-esteem. Implying that students sound less intelligent solely by using words that aren't traditional English can feel like an attack on their character. If a teacher were to explain and recognize the differences in the languages the student is using and the one they are trying to teach, that student may have a better understanding and view on code switching and the role it can play in their life. Code switching isn't a need for survival. A Black student's first experience with c...

Jerriona Leonard Professor Harris ENGL 2017 22 April 2026 From Negro Expression to Black Performance: The Evolution of Black American Culture In the text, “From 'Negro Expression' to 'Black Performance,'” DeFrantz and Gonzalez explore how “Negro Expression” evolved into “Black Performance” as a broader and more self-defined creative space. From pre-enslavement to now, Black expression has grown and changed: the way Black people identify, our music and dance, our spiritual identity, and our fashion. I created 4 colleges to demonstrate this concept: one for culture and spirituality, two for music and dance, and one to highlight Black fashion. The music and dance collages highlight how music and dance function as foundational forms of Black performance. From early pre-enslavement rhythmic traditions and instruments to contemporary styles like hip hop and social dance, music and choreography are an expression of identity, resistance, and joy. DeFrantz and Gonzalez’s idea...

Claire Connor Dr. Harris African American Literature 2017 14 April 2026 Major Project In my project, I am exploring how Black Performance Theory contributes to art forms not rooted in African American Vernacular Traditions. During class, we read “From ‘Negro Expression’ To ‘Black Performance’” by Thomas F. DeFrantz and Anita Gonzalez, where we were introduced to the concept of Black Performance Theory. Black Performance Theory is a field that analyzes how blackness is embodied through Performance, both on and off stage (DeFrantz and Gonzalez). Black expression is a form of resilience, social empowerment, and enjoyment. Black Performance Theory has been called “the black aesthetic.” In my project, I wanted to focus on how Black Performance theory affects dance. Dance is a unique art form that tells stories through body movement. In recent history, Black dancers and choreographers have profoundly transformed ballet by breaking racial barriers, redefining traditional aesthetics, and promo...

How Black Music Impacts Guthrie P. Ramsey says that music is not only fun, but it is also a strong record of culture, survival, and history. This mixtape shows what African American music is all about. Ramsey says that African American music shows how people have dealt with problems, stayed true to themselves, and shared their memories. In this way, both old and new songs are cultural documents that show faith, resistance, and pride. This playlist is about these things and how they don't change over time. The religious song "Swing Low, Sweet Chariot" shows how deeply religious African Americans were when they were slaves. It also has secret messages about getting away and being free. This kind of spiritual music shows how music can be a source of hope and a way to fight back without being obvious. They show what life was like for slaves and how they wanted to be free in body and spirit. "Nobody Knows You When You're Down and Out" by Bessie Smith is a blues s...