African American Authors on Racism

Institution

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Professor

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 African American Authors on Racism

African American literature has boldly confronted institutional racism throughout history.

Dr. Cornel West, Maya Angelou, and James Baldwin have written about this injustice and

advocated for justice. Themes of perseverance, individuality, and equality run across their works.

Scholar and activist Dr. Cornel West has advanced race and justice dialogue. In "Race

Matters," he discusses racism's long-term effects on Black Americans. West advocates for a

cross-racial love ethic since institutional racism fosters inequity. He says, "Justice is what love

looks like in public," fighting prejudice with love and justice. According to West (2022),

COVID-19 is simpler to combat than decades of rising racism due to its tremendous disruption,

loss, and recovery.

Maya Angelou, a famous poet and novelist, wrote powerfully about African American

issues. In her book "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings," Angelou clearly describes her life with

racism and prejudice. Her struggle to find self-acceptance and self-discovery shows Black

people's perseverance in the battle for justice. She says, "We all should know that diversity

makes a rich tapestry, and we must understand that all the threads are equal in value no matter

their color."

Baldwin, a literary great, wrote about race and identity. He expresses his fury and despair

from centuries of racial injustice in "The Fire Next Time," his essay collection. Baldwin pushes

Black and white Americans to face America's racist past. His quote: "Not everything that is faced

can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced." Baldwin stresses the significance

of addressing society's deep-seated racism to achieve justice.

 In conclusion, African American writers like Dr. Cornel West, Maya Angelou, and James

Baldwin have eloquently described their fights against institutional racism for justice. In their

works, they have stressed love, perseverance, and facing America's unpleasant racial past. Their

work continues to inspire and enlighten the US fight for racial justice.
 References

West, C. (2022). Urban Voices, Racial Justice, and Community Leadership: African American

CEOs of Urban Community Colleges Speak Out. Rowman & Littlefield.