Born on this day October 18, 1948 in Trenton, New Jersey, Ntozake Shange, an eminent playwright, author, and poet, cast a profound influence on the world of literature with her revolutionary spirit. She brought to the fore the experiences and voices of women of color, specifically black women, through her powerful works. Shange’s works are known for their unique style and distinct narrative voice that challenges traditional norms and confronts harsh realities.
Her seminal work For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide / When the Rainbow Is Enuf is considered a groundbreaking piece in the canon of American theater. Through a series of poetic monologues, Shange gave voice to the lives of seven women of color, breaking the silence around their experiences of love, loss, struggle, and survival. The play was not just a narration; it was a radical assertion of identity and existence that resonated deeply within and beyond its immediate context.
Another striking example of Shange’s revolutionary spirit is Sassafrass, Cypress & Indigo. This novel tells the story of three sisters and their mother, exploring themes of family, identity, and creativity within a cultural matrix that often suppresses these expressions. The novel is a testament to Shange’s ability to weave together poetry, prose, and recipes into a narrative that speaks of love, strength, and resilience in the face of adversity.
In her career spanning over four decades, Ntozake Shange has been a beacon for many aspiring writers and artists. Her works have not only pushed the boundaries of literary forms but also questioned societal norms and expectations. The revolutionary spirit in Shange’s work is an embodiment of her belief in the transformative power of words and stories. She has deeply influenced American literature with her potent narratives that continue to inspire and provoke thought.
senses of heritage
my grandpa waz a doughboy from carolina
the other a garveyite from lakewood
i got talked to abt the race & achievement
bout color & propriety/
nobody spoke to me about the moon
daddy talked abt music & mama bout christians
my sisters/ we
always talked & talked
there waz never quiet
trees were status symbols
i’ve taken to fog/
the moon still surprisin me
-Ntozake Shange
Curated by Jennifer
