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The Sweet Breath of Life
A Poetic Narrative of The African-American Family
By Frank Stewart
Poems by Ntozake Shange
Collaborations between writers and photographers have provided African-Americans with an important focus for issues of identity and representation (or lack thereof), ever since the first publication of The Sweet Flypaper of Life by Langston Hughes and Roy DeCarava in 1967 Titled
and designed in that tradition, THE SWEET BREATH OF LIFE is a literary
and visual narrative, showing how African-Americans—particularly Ntozake
Shange and the photographers of The Kamoinge Workshop—view themselves now, in
the first decade of the new millennium. Renowned
photographer Roy DeCarava, who became the first president of the Kamoinge
Workshop in 1963, set the aesthetic and philosophical tone of the group—a
response to the biased representation of African-Americans in the media.
As image-makers, the Kamoinge members have sought to shed positive light
on their subjects, and to demystify black life in With 140 black-and-white stunning photographs from such
acclaimed photographers in Anthony Barboza, Adger W. Cowans, and Ming Smith
Murray, and poems by Ntozake Shange, whose choreopoem For Colored Girls Who
Have Considered Suicide/When the Rainbow is Ennuf has become a classic, THE
SWEET BREATH OF LIFE is a rich, timeless, and thought-provoking book.
Like Crowns: Portraits of
Black Woman in Church Hats, it is both a treasure to keep, and a perfect
gift for any and all holidays and celebrations.
New from Gwynne Forster "If You Walked In My Shoes" If You Walked In My Shoes is the story of a successful career woman, wife and mother of two stepsons, Coreen Holmes Treadwell that has done well for herself-in spite of the heart-wrenching secret that haunts her. At seventeen, Coreen was the victim of date rape-and an unwanted pregnancy that ended in adoption. Neither the passage of time, nor her silence, has dulled her pain. Even now, years later, Coreen is torn between guilt toward the child she never knew and the family she has never been completely honest with. Unable to help herself, Coreen has focused her energy on helping others, becoming the renowned head of a social welfare agency. But success is a double edged sword, for the more of a public figure she becomes, the more terrified she is that someday, somewhere a child who looks like her will recognize her and shatter her world. And in fact, it is only a matter of time.
From the author of Divas, Inc. and In My Bedroom comes Donna Hill's latest romantic novel about fate and second chances. A crisis turns into a second chance at love for a SoHo artist when she runs into her ex-fiancé on a much-needed vacation.
Bernice McFadden's latest release Camilla's Roses is the " The poignant tale of a woman who discovers the fragility of life and strength of a family's love, from an author praised by Toni Morrison for "searing expertly imagined scenes." Review Excerpt
Stephanie
Stokes-Oliver's new book Song For My
Father reveals a poignant look at the life of her father, Charles M.
Stokes, a true die hard Black Republican. SONG FOR MY FATHER is a
tribute to a larger-than-life father, but it is also the inspiring story of an
American family who worked, struggled, dreamed, and succeeded.
From the #1
Nationally Bestselling Author of Waiting
in Vain and Satisfy My Soul PASSING
THROUGH Stories
by Colin
Channer ▪A Selection of The Black Expressions Book Club
Spanning the early 1900s up to modern times, the stories trace the intersecting lives of travelers, expatriates, and local folks in ways that shock, illuminate, and reveal. From the American photographer who finds her world disturbed by new forms of love and lust, to the cocky poet who is drawn into a comic plot involving rats and sweet revenge, to a charismatic, but troubled, priest confronted by the earthly perks of fame and stardom, the diverse mix of characters is united by the universal search for love and understanding—a challenge on an island simmering with issues of politics, power, and race. Written with
poetic grace and titillating candor, each story shines against its own
tableau—World War II, the rise of Fidel Castro, Mt. Pelee devastating
Martinique, import-export trading, Bob Marley in the days before his music
echoed all around the world. As men and women fall in love, marry and remarry,
face moral conflicts and new identities, the volcano sees it all. From
plantation days to the roots of revolution, it is a silent witness to the
turbulent century that engulfs this tiny island of eternal humor, passion, and
allure. PASSING THROUGH solidifies
Colin Channer’s place as one of the preeminent writers working today. Be
sure to visit the author at www.colinchanner.com .
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