MAPACA

Mid-Atlantic Popular &
American Culture Association

This paper will address masculinity, femininity, work, the influences of the jazz and blues, and elements of nonsense in African-American children’s poetry. From Gwendolyn Brooks to Harryette Mullen, the history of African-American children’s and young adult’s poetry has traced slavery, segregation, the Great Migration and attempts to celebrate the accomplishments and potential of African-Americans. The poetics employed demonstrate unique contributions to both literature and culture and form the basis of ever-changing poetic expressions of history, culture, and artistic endeavors.