Understanding African American Rhetoric: Classical Origins to Contemporary Innovations

This comprehensive collection of essays offers a richly detailed and well-researched exploration of African American Rhetoric, providing a critical counterpoint to the hegemonic influence of Greek and Roman rhetoric as the origin of rhetorical theory and practice.

Written in the spirit of a critical rhetoric, this volume eschews traditional focus on public address and instead offers a rich array of texts, in musical and other forms, that address publics.

With contributions from leading intellectuals, this book is essential reading for both scholars and practitioners, offering a more nuanced understanding of the cultural expression of African American rhetoric and its significance in contemporary discourse.