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Finding New Ways to Honor Classic Traditions: African American Women's Literature in 2004 and Beyond

© Tinu Abayomi-Paul

I'm just getting used to the idea that we're in 2004, and then I realized- it's March! I can recall being an avid reader of Dorothy Harris' column , my esteemed predecessor, for several years, never to dream that I'd one day be honored with continuing her incredible resource myself. My mind can't comprehend that it's been years since I read her column here. And it never occurred to me to be the one to carry the tradition forward.

I was digging through old links in my browser, under my Black Culture favorites folder. It used to upset me to see how quickly a good site would be here one day, gone the next. Then I decided to open a resource of my own and saw how just how hard it is to maintain an online community that thousands flock to, and maintain quality. All the web sites I had erected before then simply did not have that communal component which makes the online experience such an integral part of many of our daily lives, and as such were easier to maintain.

Even though the 13,000 plus page bulletin board site I ran with my partner will soon be online, I felt that my consistent contribution to online African American community was still not enough. The answer to my question of how to contribute is answered by Suite 101. The idea is simple - contribute to an existing resource in an area where you're needed.

From the many available communities seeking contributors, Suite 101 was the obvious choice. They've been here for years, as a constant presence - and all I must do is pledge to bring a constant flow of fresh, relevant content.

So what do I plan to give to you and the community we belong to? What will make this a special experience for you?

First, I plan to continue in Dorothy's tradition of writing accessible articles and essays in a "business casual" voice. I will continue the tradition she began of incorporating African American women's mainstream literature, as well as the particular attention she paid to the voice of oft-marginalized Black woman poets.

The main difference between this and other web resources for African American Women's Literature will be its breadth. If you Google, you'll find millions of sites about the African American female version of "chick lit". And while this is a fun - and for me, needed - diversion, it leaves out so much.

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