Speech And Power Volume 2

by Gerald Early

The second volume of an anthology of African-American essays features works by Alice Walker, Langston Hughes, and W. E. B. Du Bois, among others, offering a definitive collection that sheds light into a culture often left out of the literary canon.

2 pages, Paperback

First published December 21, 1992

Reviews

[Ja'maal Mosely · Rating 5 out of 5]

Speech and Power 2 by Gerald Early delves into the historical and cultural significance of African American speech, highlighting its role in shaping identity and power dynamics.

Early’s exploration is highly relevant today, as debates around Critical Race Theory (CRT) and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives mirror these same struggles for voice and representation. The book underscores how African American speech traditions have long been a form of resistance and empowerment, much like the contemporary rhetoric surrounding CRT and DEI.

Early shows that speech not only reflects cultural identity but also serves as a battleground for power—a dynamic still at play in today’s polarized political landscape where these concepts face both fierce advocacy and sensationalized criticism.

[Joanna Eleftheriou · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic resource to discover new authors who should be more widely known. Offers helpful context and is overall a well curated edition.