Full Description
"Affrilachia," a term first coined in 1991 by Kentucky poet Frank X Walker, refers to the cultural contributions of African Americans who live in Appalachia, a largely mountainous region stretching over thirteen states from Mississippi to New York. Although Black Americans have greatly influenced the popular culture landscape in this region, their stories, trials, and triumphs are often undocumented because Appalachia is perceived as wholly white.
In this stunning visual history, photographer and curator Chris Aluka Berry gives voice to the broad spectrum of African Americans who have lived in the Appalachian region over the centuries. Berry, who spent six years in western North Carolina, northeast Georgia, and eastern Tennessee, immersed himself in the communities and lives of Black Appalachians to present the diversity and commonalities of the proud people in the region. His intimate and revealing photographs capture Arican Americans in various settings—churches, homes, revival services, family gatherings, and homegoing celebrations.
Completing this comprehensive collection are powerful narratives from the people who inhabit these places, and contributions from Appalachian writers Kelly Navies and Maia Surdam, whose poignant and powerful poems and essays offer historical perspective and broaden the book's archival importance.
The first book of its kind, Affrilachia: Testimonies is an inspired historical artifact that honors, represents, and celebrates the proud people of color whose history and existence has greatly contributed to the broad tapestry of Appalachia.
Contents
Testimony
Introduction
Easter Sunday in Cullowhee
Betty Lou Dorsey Jenkins
"It Was Just a Sharing Thing"
Miss Bessie & Mark
Minnie Casey
Testimony
William "Tank" Coward
Leroy Jackson
Bessie Carter
Leroy Jackson
"This is Holy Ground"
Jenkins Family
Testimony
Testimony
"He Taught Them to Work"
Christmas in Tennessee
Cecil Dorsey
Father & Son
Permissions & Acknowledgments
Acknowledgments
About the Authors
List of Illustrations
Donors
Where is Affrilachia?
Cecil Dorsey
