Theses and Dissertations

Date of Award

5-2023

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

M.A.

Department

English

Committee Chair

Charlotte Pence, Ph.D.

Abstract

The Black Testament: A Portrait of Genealogy in the African Diaspora is a hybrid work of creative nonfiction and poetry. These pieces are based on my genealogical research into my family history. The collection traces from my discoveries in the present time back through my lived experiences, the lives of my relatives, and the lives of my ancestors. The subject of the work focuses on the women in my family and the various influences they have had in my life. The collection grapples with themes such as black womanhood, diasporic existence, and complex heritage. The traveling back of genealogical research is mirrored in the collection’s reverse chronological structure.

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