The Black Arts Movement (1965-1975) is considered to be one of the most essential moments in African American literature. It encouraged and motivated African Americans to form their very own publishing companies and magazines as well as numerous institutions of the arts. The movement was also believed to have inspired the formation of African American Studies classes at universities and colleges throughout the United States (Rojas 2147). The Black Arts Movement was also thought to have been initiated by Malcolm X’s assassination (Salaam). In literature, some of the movement’s distinguished writers are Hoyt William Fuller, Nikki Giovanni, Maya Angelou, Ishmael Reed, Rosa Guy, and Toni Morrison. The following report discusses race and realism
…show more content…
The artists during this movement were struggling and fighting for their God given rights in a land that was not too welcoming. Prior to the explosion of the movement, literature was lacking diversity because it failed to address the thoughts and ideas of other ethnicities that were not Caucasian. Consequently, the Black Arts Movement is considered to have helped prompt the multiculturalism movement (Streeby 116), setting the example that other ethnic groups do not have to assimilate in white America and that they should be able to embrace their own history and culture.
One of the most extraordinary literary works in the Black Arts Movement was Hoyt William Fuller’s autobiographical masterpiece Journey to Africa which was published in 1971. In his work, Fuller illustrates the hardship he experienced in finding work, expressing his annoyance and anger toward the “racially oppressive culture of America” (Fuller & Dudley 15). In a 1969 New York Times’ book review, Fuller …show more content…
Therefore, two scholars from my major would probably say that the Black Arts Movement and the works of Hoyt William Fuller and Nikki Giovanni can be seen in various artworks because they continue to have an impact on art. For instance, Lisa Gail Collins, associate professor of art history and African studies states that “the Black Arts Movement—has remained largely neglected by subsequent generations of critics …” therefore, there is a need for “an invigorating look at a movement that has long begged for reexamination” (Collins & Crawford). Moreover, professors Heather Hathaway, Josef Jarab, and Jeffrey Melnick state that “The 1960s and 1970s brought black power and black nationalism, with their concomitant cultural programs, the Black Arts Movement and black aestheticism” (213).
The Black Arts Movement was a monumental time in African American literature. It exhilarated and influenced African Americans to express themselves without loatheness. And writers like Hoyt William Fuller and Nikki Giovanni were at the forefront of the movement, provoking African Americans to speak out and express their true selves. For the writers of this movement, the pen was indeed mightier than the sword. In the words of Fuller, “The black revolt is as palpable in letters as it is in the streets” (Fuller
The artists during this movement were struggling and fighting for their God given rights in a land that was not too welcoming. Prior to the explosion of the movement, literature was lacking diversity because it failed to address the thoughts and ideas of other ethnicities that were not Caucasian. Consequently, the Black Arts Movement is considered to have helped prompt the multiculturalism movement (Streeby 116), setting the example that other ethnic groups do not have to assimilate in white America and that they should be able to embrace their own history and culture.
One of the most extraordinary literary works in the Black Arts Movement was Hoyt William Fuller’s autobiographical masterpiece Journey to Africa which was published in 1971. In his work, Fuller illustrates the hardship he experienced in finding work, expressing his annoyance and anger toward the “racially oppressive culture of America” (Fuller & Dudley 15). In a 1969 New York Times’ book review, Fuller …show more content…
Therefore, two scholars from my major would probably say that the Black Arts Movement and the works of Hoyt William Fuller and Nikki Giovanni can be seen in various artworks because they continue to have an impact on art. For instance, Lisa Gail Collins, associate professor of art history and African studies states that “the Black Arts Movement—has remained largely neglected by subsequent generations of critics …” therefore, there is a need for “an invigorating look at a movement that has long begged for reexamination” (Collins & Crawford). Moreover, professors Heather Hathaway, Josef Jarab, and Jeffrey Melnick state that “The 1960s and 1970s brought black power and black nationalism, with their concomitant cultural programs, the Black Arts Movement and black aestheticism” (213).
The Black Arts Movement was a monumental time in African American literature. It exhilarated and influenced African Americans to express themselves without loatheness. And writers like Hoyt William Fuller and Nikki Giovanni were at the forefront of the movement, provoking African Americans to speak out and express their true selves. For the writers of this movement, the pen was indeed mightier than the sword. In the words of Fuller, “The black revolt is as palpable in letters as it is in the streets” (Fuller