The Thirties

With the slowing of African American writing during the Great Depression, African Americans confronted many new challenges and obstacles. During the 1930s, the United States voted for a new president and the government made promises to the African American community that they could not keep. Blacks were fighting for equal pay, educational facilities and equal protection under the law. Black authors voiced their rage and frustrations in their work. They still possessed the same intensities as they did during the Harlem Renaissance but the motivation and themes addressed changed. African American authors tackled themes such as racism, poverty,self-assertion,and race relations.

Attaway, William. "Let Me Breathe Thunder." Doubleday, 1939.

This book is about two hoboes roaming around the country who are somewhat impeded by the adoption of a little Mexican boy who weaves himself into their lives and affections and brings something gentle to their attention. This book should be read because it takes a look at the true beauty of love, beyond the color line.

Bontemps, Arna. "Black Thunder." MacMillian, 1936.

This book gives the theme of self-assertion. The black men in the novel are put to the test when their endurance is pushed to the breaking point. This book tells the story of a slave on a Virginia plantation who planned to seize the arsenal and capture Richmond but who was thwarted by an unprecedented rainstorm and betrayal. Black Thunder should be read because the author paints a realistic picture of what it meant to be a slave in Virginia. The author also stresses the fact the African-Americans during slavery did not just stand back and take abuse but that they were constantly fighting for their freedom.

Coleman, Richard. "Don't You Weep, Don't You Moan." Seabury, 1935.

This book is about a young girl who wants to be an actress. The book shows the hurdles and put-downs she had to overcome in order to be successful. This book should be read because it shows what many African-American actresses had to endure in order to try to be successful during the thirties. This is a story of heartache and triumph.

Henderson, George W. "Ollie Miss." Watts,1935.

This is the story of a young black woman's battle with her own identity. She faces problems with her own people, as well as, with people outside her race. This book should be read because it gives a stronger picture of what life was like for many black women during that time.

Hughes, Langston. "The Ways of White Folks." Knopf, 1934.

These short stories describe relations between white and black people from the black point of view. This series of short stories are entertaining and shows the family life of several African-American families.

Hurston, Zora Neale. "Their Eyes Were Watching God." Lippincott, 1937.

This book is about a African-American woman living in Florida. The novel highlights the ups and downs of the heroine's life during her three marriages. This book should be read because it is perfectly written, entertaining and full of emotion. The author paints such a vivid picture of what is was like to live during that time that you feel as though you lived it too.

Johnson, James Weldon. "Along This Way."Viking, 1933.

This autobiography narrates the social, political, and cultural adventures of James Weldon Johnson, a lawyer, poet, musical comedy composer, diplomatic official, author, editor, orator, and educator. This book should be read because it highlights one of the greatest African-American figures during that time.

McKay, Claude. "Banana Bottom." Harper, 1933.

This novel is about a Jamaican girl who is adopted by missionaries and sent to England to be educated. When she returns, she is in conflict between English life-styles and her black ancestry. This book should be read because it is a familiar story and many educated blacks were torn between their past and their educational backgrounds.

Schuyler, George S. "Slaves Today: A Story of Liberia."HBJ, 1931.

This novel is based on the condition of slavery in the form of forced labor which the author found existing in Liberia. This book should be read because it reads like an expose' that recalls the horrors of the Belgian Congo. It also shows how modern-day Blacks are affected by slavery.

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