Breaking the Silence: How Black Literature Confronts Taboo Topics

Sistah Girls, I have a question! Do you all remember that scene in ATL where Ant, Rashad, and Uncle George are watching Good Times after Ant got bailed out? Rashad shares that watching the show was how his family overcame their disputes versus talking them out.

Y’all, I remember seeing that scene for the first time and thinking, “If that ain’t some Black folk behavior”.

From Mama’s vow to slap you into next week, all the way to the first guardian who denied looking like Boo Boo the Fool, behaviors similar to the Swan family’s have served as cultural bindings for Black people since the beginning of time.

So much so, in this age of computerized connections Black folks worldwide have found nostalgic camaraderie over the shared experiences of our childhoods, extending from one social media platform to the next.

Sistah Girls, I cannot tell you how many times a post on socials has called to mind a memory of Takeah as a young busybody. Causing me to get on the phone with whomever and cackle about once upon a time.

As a lover of Black literature, one of my favorite things about this sector of the literary world is the connection I feel to the characters I read about.

From the way they speak to their music tastes, how they interact with their loved ones, etc. Anytime I crack open something from my TBR (to be read) the pages never fail to give skin-folk kinfolk!

Such sentiments hold and are further reaffirmed as I witness the stretch of Black authors, relating to how they use their God-given talents to shed light on more than just the good times (no pun intended) of living this Black life.

Sistah Girls, you know how we get down… grab your fermented grapes, settle those little readers, and let’s talk about Black literature being the source to begin conversations within our community that are considered taboo or swept under the rug.

I Remember Way Back When

“What happens in this house stays in this house…” “I ain’t one of your little friends…” “Go depress them dishes…” “Boys will be boys…” “Just pray about it…” “Children should be seen & not heard.”

Growing up in a Black household, 10 times outta 10 you have heard some variation of at least one of these statements during your upbringing.

Way back when I was on the receiving end of such sentiments, I never really took stock of the detrimental impact. Like most young people being fed similar narratives, I knew the expectation for me from the adults in the world was to stay in a child’s place. A mission I never quite understood if you let Mama Latimore tell it (LOL).

Thankfully, time has rolled on! With it, bringing a vastly different approach and outlook to the cultural ‘norms’ that have served as key ingredients for how a majority of Black children across generations were raised. 

Following in the paths of literary greats such as Alice Walker, Lorraine Hansberry, James Baldwin, Ralph Ellison, and so many others, the Black authors of today are using their scribing prowess to illustrate the experiences of Black people across all sectors of our existence.

Through tales of romance, mythical creatures, mysteries, and even straight-up ruff ryding (RIP DMX), Black authors have set the stage for the stories they tell to bring awareness and healing to our community. 

“A Writer’s Life and Work are Not a Gift to Mankind; They are its Necessity” -Toni Morrison

While I will not attest to knowing the mind and heart of anyone other than myself, I will say that each time a Black author publishes a story that evokes thought challenges harmful cultural norms in the Black community, or introduces another way of existing as a Black person.

That author is breathing life into the very words of Mrs. Morrison. They are creating a safe space for people within the Black community to be seen, heard, and welcomed. 

Conversation Starters

Sistah Girls, because a thug loves a good reference point, here are some books that have been conversation starters for me and my book-loving besties. (Note: The books below are not listed in any preferential order)

She From the Gutta by BriAnn Danae – An enthralling two-book series covering topics such as domestic violence and mental health issues. 

For The Love of Money: Tales of the Get Money Gang by Victoria Lizette and Love Unsolicited by Alexandra Warren. Two attention-grabbing novels about women whose nine to five is in sex work.

To The Moon by Evelyn Latrice – A coming-of-age tale touching on familial loss, systemic racism, and resilience.

The Air Between Us: An Erotic Romance (Coming Home: The Elements Series) by Shameka S. Erby – An erotic tale featuring a polyamorous relationship.

One Good Reason by Unique and The Things Unseen series by K. Lashaun – Two heart-wrenching romance tales that cover child abuse and neglect, grooming, and intergenerational trauma

12:01: A Delusional Enemies to Lovers Romance by Bella Jay – A tickling romance that gives readers a look into the world of BDSM.

Heaven Sent by Shon – A heartfelt story centering on a neurodivergent female lead character.

Thank You, Black Authors,

I want to close this piece by saying THANK YOU to the bold and brilliant beings behind the laptops. Those Black authors who wear their literary hearts on their sleeves, and are unafraid to shake the table in the name of teaching, healing, and all things Black and proud!

Well Sistah Girls, that is all that I have for you this go round.

Let me know if you have read any of the ‘conversation starters’ I listed above. Or you can always suggest some of yours as well. 

Until next time. Remember: “Change will not come if we wait for some other person or some other time. We are the ones we’ve been waiting for. We are the change that we seek”—Our Forever President Barack Obama.

Peace! 

Comments

comments