African American Journalists: Autobiography as Memoir and Manifesto

Book info: African American Journalists: Autobiography as Memoir and Manifesto (Paperback, 146 pages) – The Scarecrow Press, Inc., 2009. Language: English.

In this book Calvin L. Hall examines select autobiographies written by African American journalists_Jill Nelson's Volunteer Slavery, Nathan McCall's Makes Me Wanna Holler, Jake Lamar's Bourgeois Blues, and Patricia Raybon's My First White Friend_in order to explore the relationship between race, class, gender, and journalism practice. Editorial Reviews Review

“African American Journalists is highly recommended for upper level undergraduates, graduate students, and those who are contemplating a career in journalism or communication studies.” ―College & Research Libraries

“Calvin L. Hall argues that autobiography may be even more important for African Americans because 'the genre has been recognized and celebrated as a powerful means of speaking publicly about . . . what it means to be black in America'. . . . It builds on the idea that Ida B. Wells-Barnett, Frederick Douglass, W.E.B. Du Bois, and other journalists used autobiography as another forum for advocacy.” ―Journalism History

“Although the form, organization and vocabulary reveal this work as a lightly edited dissertation, its point is strong. These autobiographical narratives with their intense personal feelings, do speak truth to power and can change the culture in newsrooms, offices and classrooms. They also should change what it viewed as newsworthy and what is missing from coverage.” ―American Journalism: A Media History Journal

About the Author Calvin L. Hall is assistant professor and faculty fellow in the Department of Communication at Appalachian State University.