Toni Morrison is a literary icon who has reshaped the landscape of not only African-American literature but the literature of the entire world. From her early works to her revolutionary ideas on writing, Morrison constantly challenged the status quo and slowly became a symbol of empowerment that hasn’t changed ever since. Through her powerful words, she sought to eliminate the dominance of the “white gaze” in literature and elevate the voices of Black people she “wanted to speak to, and to be among.”
Morrison’s early works faced criticism for being “limiting” by focusing solely on Black experiences. However, she vehemently rejected the notion that White people should define the narrative. She believed that Black experiences did not need validation through the presence of White characters nor were her books written for the White characters, challenging the conventional literary norms (till this day).
Morrison’s words possessed an undeniable power, something she learned about as a child. It became even more evident to her when her book was banned from a Texas prison. The authorities feared that her work could incite a riot within as her novels became the vessels of freedom. She wrote with “depth, meaning, knowledge, and information,” allowing readers to explore new perspectives and contemplate the complexities of the human experiences, especially the experiences of Black people (mainly Black women and girls).
She started her writing career late, and before that she was a teacher and an editor. Through her versatile career, Morrison showcased the rich history of Black people and transformed it into literary art. Her time as a writer aligned with the Black Power Movement, that was inspiring to Morrison as she understood the importance of preserving and amplifying the voices of the people contributing to a drastic societal change. And thus, she became the editor of Angela Davis’s and Muhammad Ali’s books.
Overall, Toni Morrison’s contributions to literature were nothing short of groundbreaking. With a determination to challenge conventions, she unleashed the power of words and changed the literature forever. Her legacy continues to inspire and empower generations, reminding us of the transformative potential of storytelling and the importance of diverse voices in shaping our world.
Toni Morrison died in August 2019. We will always remember this powerful and remarkable “Black woman.”
“Black Mother Lost Daughter,” written by Fedna Jacquet and directed by Stevie Walker-Webb, is a powerful and thought-provoking play that delves into the depths of human emotions and societal issues. The story revolves around the tragic loss of Princess’s sister, Queen, at the hands of the police: “two officers were sent to help” but “what they did was murder.”
Stevie Walker-Webb
Fedna Jacquet
This devastating event shatters a family bond of 3 women (2 sisters and a mother), leaving Princess to simultaneously fighting for justice in court and on the streets, while shouldering the responsibility of caring for her mother, who is engulfed in her grief and even confusion, accompanied by drinking, as she witnessed the “life [of her child] being taken away” yet “couldn’t move” to save her.
One of the play’s greatest strengths is its exploration of a wide range of themes. At its core, “Black Mother Lost Daughter” tackles the profound pain caused by a broken family bond. The audience is confronted with the harsh realities of injustice and the urgent need for reparations in a society plagued by systemic issues. The weight of grief is palpable throughout the performance, as each character grapples with their own personal demons triggered by the life event.
The play also sensitively explores the concept of parentification as Princess assumes the role of a caregiver for her mother, becoming invisible as a child and not having room nor space to grief for her own loss. It becomes evident that her mother is stuck in the past, desperately clinging to memories of Queen while struggling to acknowledge the present, especially her living daughter, who, in her turn, embarks on a profound journey of self-discovery and resilience.
With that, the production delves into the complex realm of mental health, highlighting the toll that trauma takes on individuals and families. It emphasizes the importance of acknowledging and addressing one’s emotional well-being, while also shedding light on the challenges faced by those who are struggling, evoking compassion and empathy for one another.
And lastly, “Black Mother Lost Daughter” fearlessly addresses the pervasive issue of police brutality, shedding light on the disproportionate violence faced by marginalized communities. By interweaving this topic into the narrative, this play prompts crucial conversations about the pressing need for social change and accountability.
FUN FACT:
When the production was casting actors for the roles in “Black Mother Lost Daughter”, this is how the ad described each character. I also liked their synopsis: A play about a mother who lost a daughter and is in the process of losing another one. Clickhereto see the full ad.
In conclusion, the work of Fedna Jacquet skillfully weaves together the various themes of injustice, grief, and survival, creating a narrative tapestry that is both heart-wrenching and enlightening. The performances are captivating, with each actor embodying their character’s pain, resilience, and determination with utmost authenticity. The writing is poignant and evocative, drawing the audience into the raw emotions of the story, inviting the audience to reflect on the pressing social issues while inspiring hope for a more compassionate and just future.
In American history, the Antebellum period refers to the aftermath of the War of 1812 to the onset of the Civil War (1861-1865), which was marked by the institution of slavery, an oppressive racist system that impacted every aspect of life for enslaved individuals, specifically of African descent. Within this dark chapter, childhood – a time that is often associated with innocence, wonder, curiosity, and carefree living – was filled with hardship, uncertainty, broken family bonds, loss of agency and innocence for those who were born into slavery. Such inescapable destiny was forced by law (partus sequitur ventrem) onto children who were doomed to “follow the condition of the mother” (Chapter 7 “The Lover”, Jacobs) if she was a slave. Even if the father was a free black man, even if the father was white, “the offspring are unblushingly reared for the market (Chapter 9 “Sketches Of Neighboring Slaveholders”, Jacobs) which allowed the maintenance of the cycle of free human surplus in the system.
Five former slave children in 1860. Since slave children were not fully functional workers, they were given smaller rations than adults and sometimes not even given clothes. It appears not to have been an unusual sight to see naked children on plantation and even when clothing was provided, it was rarely replaced as they got older. From News Dog Media
Through the narrative of Harriet Jacobs “Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl,” we are introduced to the first-hand experience and heart-wrenching story that explores the tragic realities faced by enslaved children, whose mothers were “considered of no value, unless they continually increase[d] their owner’s stock. [Women were] put on a par with animals” (Chapter 9 “Sketches Of Neighboring Slaveholders”, Jacobs) as a breeding tool, and their newborn child would simply be an addition to [their master’s] stock of slaves” (Chapter 11 “The New Tie To Life”, Jacobs).
The Modern Medea (1867), an illustration of Margaret Garner, an escaped enslaved African American who in 1856 killed her daughter to ensure she was not returned to slavery
In the third chapter “The Slaves’ New Year’s Day,” Jacobs refers to the New Year’s period, a time when a free woman is “happy” as there is nothing that can take her apart from her children but death. However, “the slave woman instead wishes to be dead, knowing that she can be parted from her children”. Jacobs mentions a woman whose “wild, haggard face” she could not forget, whose seven children were cruelly sold far away, leaving the mother in a state of perpetual anguish, helplessness, and uncertainty. This separation of families, a common practice during slavery, represents a profound rupture of the natural bonds that tie parents and children together. The pain inflicted by such acts of separation cuts deeper than any physical wound, leaving lasting emotional scars and robbing enslaved individuals of the joys and comforts that should be inherent in the parent-child relationship.
To Remake the World: Slavery, Racial Capitalism, and Justice — By Walter Johnson » slave-auction-husbands-wives-families-sold-separated-910×512
The loss of innocence lays in the dehumanizing nature of slavery. If an enslaved individual wanted to be free, they had to “purchase [their] freedom” (Chapter 2 “The New Master”, Jacobs), which is nonsensical as it denies individuals their inherent rights and freedoms. People were considered commodities, bought and sold as property, with no control over their own lives or the lives of their loved ones.
As Jacobs recounts her experiences, she portrays the forced transition from childhood to a harsh and unforgiving adulthood. At 15, like many other enslaved girls, she is thrusted into a world where her body and autonomy are violated. Jacob’s master told her that she “must be subject to his will in all things”, […] and [s]oon she will learn to tremble when she hears her master’s footfall. She will be compelled to realize that she is no longer a child. If God has bestowed beauty upon her, it will prove her greatest curse” (Chapter 5 “The Trials Of Girlhood”, Jacobs).
This 1952 painting by Robert Thom is the only known representation of Lucy, Anarcha and Betsey. Pearson Museum, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine
The relentless and coercive attempts to violate Harriet Jacobs’ body, coupled with the conflicting emotions of shame and resistance, vividly illustrate the profound loss of innocence imposed upon her against her will. Her master’s pressure to submit and her grandmother’s disappointment in losing Jacobs’ purity compound the anguish she endures. Jacobs powerfully expresses her sense of despair, stating that “nothing seemed more dreadful than [her] present life.“ (Chapter7 “The Lover”, Jacobs). In Chapter 9, “Sketches Of Neighboring Slaveholders,” Jacobs writes:
“No pen can give an adequate description of the all-pervading corruption produced by slavery. The slave girl is reared in an atmosphere of licentiousness and fear. The lash and the foul talk of her master and his sons are her teachers. When she is fourteen or fifteen, her owner, or his sons, or the overseer, or perhaps all of them, begin to bribe her with presents. If these fail to accomplish their purpose, she is whipped or starved into submission to their will.“
This further sheds light on the atmosphere of licentiousness and fear in which enslaved girls are raised. Their masters and overseers exploit their vulnerability through bribery, punishment, and coercion, further eroding their innocence and subjecting them to a life of degradation and submission.
African American children posed for Porch Portrait in Georgia in 1899. Daniel Murray Collection (Library of Congress)
In conclusion, Harriet Jacobs narrative “Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl” highlights the profound loss of innocence endured by enslaved children during the Antebellum era. Her story is a stark testament to the urgent need for justice and the dismantling of systems built on racism and oppression. Through understanding and acknowledging this painful history, we can strive to create a more just and equitable world, where the wellbeing of all children is protected and cherished.
To learn more about the unique experiences of Black women during slavery, please watch the video below.
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