AFRO-INDIGENOUS FOLKLORE

Myths, Legends, and the Wisdom of Ancestors

The African American Folklorist for the Month of June: Dr. Elisha Oliver
Lamont Pearley Lamont Pearley

The African American Folklorist for the Month of June: Dr. Elisha Oliver

Each month, The African American Folklorist honors a Black scholar whose life’s work is immersed in the deep study and preservation of African American folkways, knowledge systems, and community truth-telling. For June, we recognize Dr. Elisha Oliver, a biocultural anthropologist, visual ethnographer, and Executive Director of Texas Folklife, as our African American Folklorist of the Month.

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Blues Plus Column - Introduction
Lamont Pearley Lamont Pearley

Blues Plus Column - Introduction

The blues is a living, vibrant, and contemporary art form, even if you couldn't tell from the limited coverage blues artists usually get in mainstream newspapers and magazines. Yes, there's a solid specialty press devoted to the music.

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Honoring the Matriarchs: Black Spirituals, Field Hollers, and Slave Seculars on Mother's Day
Lamont Pearley Lamont Pearley

Honoring the Matriarchs: Black Spirituals, Field Hollers, and Slave Seculars on Mother's Day

Today, on Mother’s Day, we take a moment to honor the legacies of Black mothers, grandmothers, and aunties whose voices and influence continue to resonate through the traditions of spirituals, field hollers, and slave seculars. These women were not just caregivers—they were cultural bearers, spiritual leaders, and community builders who shaped musical traditions that echo through generations.

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