I. Welcome Back!
II. Reminders
III. Ruba Presents! Next presenter: Alexi |
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Presentation Line-Up:
Christina (week 11), Chris (week 12)
Christina (week 11), Chris (week 12)
IV. Ruba Presents . . .
V. Ida B. Wells and "Rhetorical impatience"
DIRECTIONS: Click any image below to make it larger. On the image, you will see a URL for the image's source. For now, you do NOT need to read about this image or go to the source. Remember that Ida B. Wells would not have trusted white newspapers and court documents that justified these lynchings. Some of these images also come from postcards that families sent one another as a form of celebration and bonding. So you are not "investigating" right now. You just need to react to what you are seeing. Look at your image. If you are unable to look at this, there is a video you can watch instead above with an alternative writing prompt.
Really be with this image and then do the writing at the bottom of the page.
Really be with this image and then do the writing at the bottom of the page.
YOUR WRITING ACTIVITY: Now that you have really looked at the image, you need to UNDERSTAND some things before you start writing. This person is the parent of your godchild. You have known this person as a colleague and good friend for most of your adult life. You also know that this person did none of the things of which they are being accused. It is a devastating and soul-crushing loss for you. But you are going to WRITE THROUGH IT anyway.
In your writing, do/decide all of the following:
In your writing, do/decide all of the following:
- Describe what you see in this image and say-- without any doubt--- why you think this white lynch mob is committing such crimes.
- Describe what you think needs to happen at both local and national levels.
- Decide on your tone and style. You need to craft not just WHAT to say, but HOW to say it.
- Know that what you write will bring serious repercussions. If you are Brown or Black, this same mob WILL come for you and with IMPUNITY. If you are non-Black/non-Brown, you will certainly face alienation, ridicule, and blocking (mortgages, services, etc) from your neighborhood and community for the rest of your life.
- You have some obvious choices: you could write anonymously, under a pseudonym, or as YOURSELF. What will you do and why?
Fill out the form below... or go to this link: https://forms.gle/5VeLZpVS4Q2vKY5S7
VI. Open Sharing & Discussion
How would you describe the "rhetorical impatience" of Ida B. Wells?
VII. Meet Two of the Most Influential Heirs of Ma Rainey and Bessie Smith
Part A: Moms Mabley
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"If it wasn't for bad luck, I wouldn't have no luck at all."
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Part B: Sister Rosetta Tharpe
play in full
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start at 9:48
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Contemporary Blueswoman:
Big Mama Thornton |
We will return to Sister Rosetta Tharpe's sound and legacy next week. In the meantime, you should also hear some Big Mama Thornton. These two songs below ("Hound Dog" and "Ball and Chain") were made "famous" by Elvis Presley and Janis Joplin (who also reaped the money), but the sound, soul, and lyrics were SOLELY Big Mama Thornton.
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VIII. Closing discussion
How would you describe Black Feminist Rhetorical Impatience in the 20th century? 21st century?