The African American Folklorist

Owned, Trademarked, Operated and Founded by Lamont & Denise Pearley, The African American Folklorist is a quarterly Cultural News Magazine that contains articles about traditions, traditional beliefs, the cultural context, geographical locations, music, and vernaculars of African Americans and the role each element plays in the lives of the people past and present. AAF, distributed through Jack Dappa Blues Heritage Preservation Foundation (a 503c Private Foundation) furthers its mission by publishing content that discusses the evolution of our traditions and presents research about blues people. We include interviews with and articles from musicians, historians, ethnographers, Community Scholars, and academics who specialize in and are enthusiastic about the Black Experience in America. AAF includes a variety of perspectives on the black experience and seeks to educate and share perspectives with people of all colors. Founder, owner, and Editor in Chief Lamont Jack Pearley say, “We aim to put the story of the blues people in the proper context told by blues people. We appreciate the works done in the past, we are only making sure our story isn’t determined by others!” We also are proud to incorporate youth and early folklorists that show interest in studying, researching, and preserving our heritage. There is an entire section dedicated to them called the "African American Folklorist 'Emerging Folklorist ' Section," which publishes articles, podcasts, and research papers from young people aged 10-24.

editor in chief

Lamont Jack Pearley

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As an NYC-based descendant of the Great Migration, Pearley’s life as a Bluesman changed dramatically in the mid-2000s when he returned to Louisiana and Mississippi to bury close relatives. Returning to these regions and their deep associations with Blues history, Pearley felt the urgency to raise cultural and ethnic awareness of African American Traditional Music as it pertains to the Black Experience in America. He began using methods of ethnography, genealogy, and archival research – in essence, the tools of the folklorist – to more thoroughly trace his family’s lineage.

Inspired by his discoveries, he began interviewing people outside of his family who had similar stories, including African American Blues musicians who played various forms of traditional blues. Over the last 12 years, his work documenting African American vernacular narratives, music, and cultures resulted in an extensive collection of field interviews with historians, documentarians, blues and folk musicians, and the children of Black music legends. This body of work earned Pearley an induction into the New York Blues Hall of Fame as Great Blues Historian and TV/Radio Producer (2017) and Great Blues Artist (2018).

Board

Denise N. Pearley

Health + Wellness Coach. Foodway Enthusiast
Kara Williams Glenn
Langston Collin Wilkins

Assistant Professor of Folklore at The University of Wisconsin–Madison
Jessica Payne

Jessica M. Payne , PhD. Founder + Lead Executive Broadsight Impact evaluation for change makers
Autumn Brown

Assistant Professor (Oklahoma Oral History Research Program, Oklahoma State University) and owner of Winona Jewel Research Consulting

CURATORS

Hess Love

Curator of Black Americana Religion, Spirituality and Belonging
Bio: Hess is a dedicated advocate for storywork, climate action, heritage preservation, and ecological literacy. With a profound familial history, they draws inspiration from her ancestor Hester, the last woman in their family subjected to chattel slavery in the U.S. This heritage drives Hess’ commitment to safeguarding places, plants, and people.
As a hoodoo-mother-poet, writer, and Delmarva woodlands steward, Hess champions Afro-Chesapeake traditions, fostering a deep sense of belonging and creativity. Through their endeavors, they empowers others to reclaim narratives and forge connections with their ancestors and the natural world.
Hess dons multiple hats, serving as the founder of the Chesapeake Conjure Society, an MFA candidate in creative writing, and an independent folklorist specializing in Hoodoo and Black Atlantic Religion in the Chesapeake Bay region. Their roles as a Maryland Governor-appointed Commissioner for a historic city, citizen scientist, and Heritage worker showcase their unwavering dedication to community and environmental stewardship.