Toni  Morrison has uplifted and “colorfied” the canon of American literature, adding a texture and richness that is nothing less than awe-inspiring. After reading Tar Baby for the second time now in my adult life, I have a more profound understanding of the characters and of this moment in American history. In our republic, even as we confront race, class, and gender biases, we continue to chip away at the rough edges of a white-supremacist, patriarchal cinder block, destabilizing its intact order. This book for me was like getting a whiff of spirits after months of sleepwalking. Ms. Morrison has the ability to expertly pluck out searing metaphors from her imagination handbag and layer them with integrity and boldness. She takes the reader on a ride of mythic proportions and each sentence is a working muscle– every sinewy muscle dipped in song. Her infinite poetic magnitude and undaunted craftsmanship inspire me.

Aside from being one of my favorite books of the Morrison collection, I also chose this one because I’m a hopeless romantic , in love with the notion of love as a healing emollient and reckoning power, a primer for self-reflection, a necessity for personal growth, and a path to self-understanding.  I’m fascinated with romantic love’s transformative power, regardless the outcome. Toni provides insight into a young couple’s ripe, uncensored love in this romantic telling of Jadine and Son, cut from two different worlds, yet drawn to each other by an indecipherable attraction like magnetic needles moving to polar mysteries beyond themselves.  In each other, they seek the better half of themselves cloaked in vice and virtue. 

To My Fellow Melanateds:  A jook joint by the name of Night Moves is featured in this book. (Hmm…I have art on my mind.)

Discussion Question 1:

Though the central, erotic drama involves Jadine and Son, we are introduced to a number of characters in the book, set in roughly 1980. How do these characters perpetuate race, class, and gender stereotypes and exhibit racial fears?

Much like any young couple in love, Jadine and Son wrestle with their own insecurities and inner turmoil even as they fiercely love one another. Their love affair can arguably be described as unrelenting, but ultimately conditional. How does Jadine and Son’s relationship compare to contemporary African-American, heterosexual relationships in America? What are the similarities and differences

A race traitor can be defined as, “a person who dissociates from and harbors a racist perspective on his or her own race or ethnic group.” –Andrew W.A. LaVallee

A race traitor is not to be confused with race assimilation.

 How does Jadine symbolize a race traitor? Can you think of any race traitors today in popular culture, national politics, or even in personal circles? Why do you think they are considered race traitors? What creates a race traitor?

The readings will take place at Red Star Galerie at 2513 Bayou Road.

Schedule:
April 28: Sabrina Canfield & L. Kasimu Harris
May 5: Maurice Ruffin & jewel bush
May 12: Terri Shrum Stoor & Jeri Hilt
May 19: Danielle Gilyot & Tad Bartlett

Doors open at 8 p.m. with readings starting at 8:30.

Toni Morrison craftily begins Song of Solomon with a montage of the narrative. All the key characters come together as the flight of a seemingly delusional man is juxtaposed with the birth of the story’s protagonist. Let’s discuss some of the themes and story lines we are able to pick up on in this first encounter.

One of mya favorites is the story of how Not Doctor St. gained it’s moniker. It’s an interesting depiction of the conflict between the townsfolk and the powers that be and therefore the disconnect they have with people of authority like the Fosters and the Deads. While it entertains us with a folktale of how a street and hospital came to be named, it informs greatly on the characters most central to that space.

So goes the story for yours truly. So goes the story for Macon ‘Milkman’ Dead Jr. When I was first introduced to Song of Solomon I was enthralled by the depth and intricacy of the stories Toni Morrison wove. I was refreshed by characters that seemed to be alive in my head past their appearance in my reading time. But I wasn’t prepared for the path Milkman would travel which would help bring into focus a lot of my own journey. I was merely 17 at the time, still headstrong, fiercely arrogant, and determined that even if I was wrong I would argue until I was right. The story appealed to me because Morrison is such a talented writer. In fact, for me, she is the most gifted writer I’ve read. But little did I realize that the next time I picked up the book as a college Sophomore it would leave a much more profound imprint.

In my father’s African-American-literature class I was exposed to not only a well crafted story, and theory and insight I hadn’t come up with on my own as a teen, I myself felt exposed as well.  In Milkman’s character I found a great many similarities, some embarrassing. But as Milkman found himself and came to grips with his shortcomings as a child, I too found myself growing into manhood, with Solomon’s descendant as my guide.

I am optimistic and proud to be able to facilitate a discussion on what, to me, is the finest tailored story in English literature. I hope you can draw as much enjoyment and growth from this tale as I have.

In celebration of National Poetry Month, the State Library of Louisiana is holding the third annual “Just Listen to Yourself: The Louisiana Poet Laureate Presents Louisiana Poets.” Julie Kane, Louisiana’s poet laureate, will host the event from noon to 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 10, at the State Library Seminar Center, 701 N. 4th St.

Poets from throughout the state will participate with Kane in readings of their works. Included poets are Nordette Adams, Jack B. Bedell, Darrell Bourque, Gina Ferrara, Charles Garrett, Christopher Hannan, Ava Leavell Haymon, Elizabeth King, Laura Mullen, Melinda Palacio and Jennifer Reeser.

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#MorrisonChallenge

Question 1 on Sula: In Spike Lee’s debut feature length film, She’s Gotta Have It, how is the leading lady Nola Darling a contemporary iteration of Sula? What are Sula/Nola Darling’s similarities? Differences?

MWC members not in picture: DaVida Chanel, Marla Chirdon, L. Kasimu Harris, Ayanna Molina, Ambata Kazi-Nance, Neil Ranu, Nik Richard and Kysha Brown Robinson. Photo by Thomas Sayers Ellis

MelaNated Writers Collective is bringing its “Literary Jook Joint” to the Tennessee Williams Festival.

Drawing inspiration from the good ole days of the Southern jook (juke) joint, the place where Black people gathered to listen to music, dance, gamble and drink, MelaNated presents an evening of readings of original works of prose and poetry from its members interspersed with a live music set by the sultry Mykia Jovan. Purchase ticket now.

Generous support provided by Paige Royer, Coca-Cola and Whole Foods Market.

Date & Time: Friday, March 22 from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Location: M. Francis Gallery, 604 Julia St.
Included in: All-Access Pass, Individual Special Event Ticket
Price: $15
Tickets can be purchased at www.tennesseewilliams.net/festival. Use Ticket Code(s): JookJointFri8pm, AllAccessPass