Strength Within Creativity
Despite oppression, African-American women of the past were able to overcome obstacles by taking on the role of artists. They relied on their creative spirits to carry them through their wretched existence. In Alice Walker’s essay “In Search of Our Mothers’ Gardens,” she explains how the mothers and grandmothers of her generation held on to their dignity and strength through their expression of creativity. The boldness represented by this creativity shows the dynamic depth of their souls and the courage they found within it. Walker gives examples of some of these women in her essay and uses this method to effectively express her point. Women such as Mahalia Jackson, Elizabeth Catlett, and Frances Harper were able to rise above negative circumstances from their past by allowing their natural creativity to shine. Alice Walker wrote, “Our mothers and grandmothers, some of them: moving to music not yet written. And they waited. They waited for a day when the unknown thing that was in them would be made known . . . “ (Walker 695). Although they were unable to openly express their creativity, they were able to pass it on to th
This interest is exactly what she passed on through her creative talent as an artist. She wanted her art to be realistic. “I have always wanted my art to service Black people--to reflect us, to relate to us, to stimulate us, to make us aware of our potential . . . “ (Lewis 125). Elizabeth Catlett showed strength in her art just as her grandmother showed strength despite oppression which hindered her creativity. They were not able to use their valuable gifts because society would not allow it. Although this left them feeling empty, they rose above the situation with inner strength and because of this, artists like Frances Harper are able to bring culture and deep insight to society. Of a brighter coming day. (Harper 282)
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Approximate Word count = 792
Approximate Pages = 3 (250 words per page double spaced)
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