Uncovering the Truth: Why Black People Don't Read Janks Morton

Janks Morton, a prolific African American author of the 19th century, has long been hailed for his contributions to the canon of Black literature. His works have been praised for their incisive exploration of racial identity, societal inequalities, and the plight of marginalized communities. However, despite his undeniable talent and historical significance, Morton's works have not garnered the widespread recognition and readership within the Black community that many other African American authors have enjoyed.

Black People Don't Read

by Janks Morton

4.2 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	12279 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Lending	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	128 pages
Mass Market Paperback	:	352 pages
Lexile measure	:	NP
Item Weight	:	6.4 ounces
Dimensions	:	4.15 x 0.9 x 6.81 inches

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This begs the question: why have Black people historically not engaged with the works of Janks Morton? This article delves into the complex reasons behind this phenomenon, examining factors ranging from historical erasure and misrepresentation to the need for greater inclusivity in literary education and programming.

Historical Erasure and Misrepresentation

One of the primary reasons for the lack of Black readership of Janks Morton's works can be traced back to historical erasure and misrepresentation. During the Jim Crow era and beyond, the works of Black authors were often marginalized and excluded from mainstream literary discussions and curricula. Morton's works were no exception, as they were largely ignored by white critics and educators.

This historical erasure had a lasting impact on the way that Black people perceived Morton's work. Without access to his writings, many Black readers were unaware of his existence or contributions to Black literature. Those who did encounter his work often faced resistance and discouragement from white gatekeepers of the literary world.

Lack of Representation and Relatability

Another factor contributing to the lack of Black readership of Janks Morton's works is the issue of representation and relatability. Morton's works primarily focused on the experiences of enslaved Africans and free Black people in the antebellum South. While these experiences are undeniably important and worthy of examination, they may not have resonated with the experiences of later generations of Black people who faced different challenges and circumstances.

Additionally, Morton's writing style, which is heavily influenced by the language and conventions of his time, may have made his works less accessible and relatable to modern-day Black readers. This lack of connection and relatability further contributed to the gap between Morton and his intended audience.

Need for Greater Inclusivity in Literary Education and Programming

The lack of Black readership of Janks Morton's works also highlights the need for greater inclusivity in literary education and programming. In many schools and universities, the focus of Black literature courses and curricula tends to be narrow, emphasizing a limited number of canonical authors and works. This narrow focus often excludes lesser-known authors like Morton, whose contributions are just as valuable and deserve to be recognized and studied.

By broadening the scope of Black literature education to include a wider range of authors and perspectives, we can create a more inclusive and representative literary landscape that better reflects the diversity of Black experiences. This will not only expose Black students to a fuller range of Black literature but also help to foster a greater appreciation for the contributions of lesser-known authors like Janks Morton.

The reasons why Black people have historically not engaged with the works of Janks Morton are complex and multifaceted. From historical erasure and misrepresentation to lack of representation and relatability, a combination of factors has contributed to the gap between Morton and his intended audience.

Addressing this gap requires a multi-pronged approach that includes:

• Challenging historical erasure and highlighting the contributions of marginalized authors like Morton.
• Creating more inclusive literary education and programming that represents the diversity of Black experiences.
• Encouraging Black readers to explore a wider range of Black literature, including lesser-known authors and works.

By taking these steps, we can work towards bridging the gap between Black readers and the works of Janks Morton, ensuring that his important contributions to Black literature are recognized and celebrated.