Afrekete: An Anthology of Black Lesbian Writing

By Catherine E. McKinley

Book Overview

Destined to become a classic in the tradition of the best-selling Black-Eyed Susans/Midnight Birds and Erotique Noire/ Black Erotica. Afrekete gives collective voice to the tradition of black lesbian writing. In the vast and proliferating area of both African-American and lesbian and gay writing, the work of black lesbians is most often excluded or relegated to the margins. Afrekete meshes these seemingly disparate traditions and celebrates black lesbian experiences in all their variety and depth. Elegant, timely, provocative, and inspiring, the fiction, poetry, and nonfiction in Afrekete -- written in a range of styles -- engage a variety of highly topical themes, placing them at the center of literary and social discourse. Beginning with "Tar Beach," an excerpt from Audre Lorde's celebrated memoir Zami- A New Spelling of My Name, which introduces the character Afrekete, the collection also includes such prominent writers as Michelle Cliff, Carolivia Herron, Jewelle Gomez, and Alexis De Veaux. Other pieces are by Jacqueline Woodson, Sapphire, Essence editor Linda Villarosa, and filmmaker Michelle Parkerson, with other contributions by exciting new writers Cynthia Bond, Jocelyn Taylor, Jamika Ajalon, and Sharee Nash. Afrekete is a collection whose time has come. It is an extraordinary work, one of lasting value for all lovers of literature. A fresh, engaging journey, Afrekete will both inform and delight.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0385473559
• ISBN13: 9780385473552
• Release Date: April 1995
• Publisher: Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group
• Length: 336 Pages
• Weight: 0.97 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 6.2" x 9.0"

Customer Reviews

You Know How An Anthology Goes....

Most of the stories here are heartfelt,moving, inspiring. A couple I just couldn't get into..could be just not my type of read, but they left a lot to be desired. The others which is probably about 80 or 90% of the book left you wanting more. Well worth the money.

Thoughtprovoking, Insightful

avjaah@aol.com Sacramento, Ca As a sister who has read feminist writing, lesbian writing and African American authors, I find this anthrology a timely and long overdue dessert. Although I had already read the pieces by A. Lorde, this anthology puts them within a historical framework and literature genre. This anthology is the first light of a newly created literary constellation. A constellation that has only been whispered about and reviewed in dark corners. The writing is fresh, personal, insightful and witty as it explores the oftentimes harsh, lonely, and perplexing paradoxes of not only being Black and female but also lesbian. We all have stories in us and these writers have searched their souls to bring to the sunlight their many pains on their journey to self healing and growth. Write on Sisterfriends! Thank you for your truth!