preserving the blues people, one voice at a time
Story sharing is an act of community preservation. The African American Folklorist network is a creative incubator dedicated to nurturing emerging African American folklorists who are passionate about engaging in the vital work of culture-keeping.
We offer a platform where creativity and scholarship intersect, allowing individuals to explore, preserve, and amplify African American heritage through the lens of community.
Our mission is to cultivate a new generation of folklorists who can engage with the archival process, conduct reparative scholarly study, and celebrate the richness of African American traditions and narratives. Through the voices of African Americans, we aim to honor the past, rectify historical omissions, and ensure that cultural stories are preserved for future generations.
Folklorist of the month Dr. Shari L. Williams
Dr. Shari L. Williams is a public historian, independent scholar, and cultural preservationist whose work centers the rural historic landscapes and cultural traditions of Alabama’s Black Belt. Through The Ridge Macon County Archaeology Project and the Alabama Old Federal Road Museum, she documents and interprets the layered histories of Macon County, including Black community memory, cemetery traditions, genealogy, archaeology, and the social histories of race, gender, and class. Her work reminds us that roads, burial grounds, land, and rural communities are powerful archives of Black life, survival, and cultural continuity.
the african american folklorist magazine
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The African American Folklorist is a quarterly cultural news magazine dedicated to exploring and preserving the rich tapestry of African American traditions, beliefs, and cultural expressions. Each issue delves into the historical and contemporary significance of music, vernaculars, geographical contexts, and community practices that shape the Black experience in America.
The magazine features a diverse array of content, including:
In-Depth Articles: Thought-provoking pieces that examine the evolution of traditions and the cultural context of African American life.
Interviews: Conversations with musicians, historians, ethnographers, community scholars, and academics who specialize in African American culture and folklore.
Spotlights: Features on individuals making significant contributions to the preservation and promotion of Black cultural heritage.
Emerging Folklorists: A dedicated section highlighting the work of young scholars aged 10–24, showcasing their research, articles, and creative expressions related to African American folklore.
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The African American Folklorist invites writers, researchers, and cultural enthusiasts to contribute to our quarterly magazine, dedicated to exploring the traditions, beliefs, and cultural expressions of African Americans.
We welcome submissions that delve into the rich tapestry of Black experiences, including:
Personal Narratives: Share your family's traditions, celebrations, and cultural practices.
Research Articles: Present scholarly work on African American folklore, music, language, and history.
Creative Works: Submit poetry, essays, and other creative expressions that reflect the Black experience.
Our publication aims to amplify voices within the African American community, providing a platform for storytelling, research, and cultural preservation.
To submit your work, please download this form for detailed guidelines and instructions.
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Purchasing The African American Folklorist is straightforward:
Individual Copies: Visit our Shop page to purchase single issues of the magazine.
Bulk Orders: For bulk purchases—ideal for educational institutions, libraries, or community organizations—please contact us directly.
We offer special pricing and shipping options for bulk orders to accommodate your needs - learn more.
Feature PODCAST
you have a Home !
the AAF library
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The sight (magazine)
African American Folklorist Magazine celebrates the rich tapestry of African American heritage by sharing community-curated stories that honor traditions, arts, and culture. Through this magazine, we uplift the voices of those whose stories have shaped our community and to preserve the wisdom passed down over generations.
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The sound (podcast)
Our mission is to keep the roots of blues music alive, ensuring that the voices of past & present artists continue to resonate for generations to come. Through Jack Dappa Blues Heritage Preservation Radio, we honor the rich and soulful legacy of the blues, preserving the stories, sounds, and culture of Blues People & the iconic genre.
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the word (Living Archive)
The Living Archive is a growing celebration of the stories passed down through generations—from ancient folktales to contemporary narratives, woven to fuel future emerging African American folklorists. Archive Categories include Afro-Indigenous Folklore, Arts & Media, Land & Food, Society, and Colonialism & Institutions.
calling all emerging folklorists!
Are you passionate about preserving the cultural treasures of your community? Do you want to help safeguard the creative works of today for future generations? Join the Emerging Folklorist Program, an exciting archival training course designed to equip youth with the tools, skills, and knowledge to preserve and document creative works, traditions, and stories that define our culture.
This program is open to passionate youth (ages 14-24) interested in cultural preservation, creative works, and community engagement. Whether you’re an aspiring artist, writer, musician, or simply someone who wants to make a difference, this program will provide you with the skills to play a key role in preserving the richness of our culture.
engage with the work
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Culture Keepers are the musicians, poets, writers, builders, organizers and community members who contribute to the preservation of African American folklore through sharing and creating within the work. Through our digital archive and podcast, we affirm that preservation is a powerful act of revolution—keeping culture alive for future generations.
Join us in real-time preservation by submitting your creative works, and tap into a vibrant network of artists, creators, and culture enthusiasts through an AAF membership subscription.
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Unsure about how preservation works or how it can be applied? Emerging Folklorists helps you understand the power of culture-led preservation through our digital archive and podcast. Learn how to protect and share creative works that define our communities, while committing to the AAF mission with a magazine subscription.
Engage with the Emerging Folklorist Program for 1:1 mentorship, gaining the skills to make a real impact in cultural preservation.
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Our Scholastic Anthropologists are professionals help us build out our living library. Each deeply values honoring the process and manner in which archival work is shared and taught. We provide a platform to re-teach the importance of context and clarity when engaging with African American archives.
Join us in listening to the stories captured in our digital archive and podcast, while reaffirming the value of community-centered knowledge. Commit to the AAF mission through a magazine subscription or sponsorship, and help bridge the divide between academic theory and real-world experience.
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As an institution, large donor, or sponsor, your partnership will directly contribute to the ongoing efforts to document, protect, and amplify the voices of creators, artists, and community leaders through our digital archive and initiatives.
Your support helps ensure that cultural preservation, education, and mentorship remain accessible to the next generation of archivists, artists, and scholars. By partnering with AAF, you help bridge the gap between academic knowledge and community-rooted truths.
