The ensemble of African-American writers challenge simple notions of an all white Appalachian region and culture while drawing on traditions such as the Harlem Renaissance, the Black Arts Movement, and experiences of the African Diaspora. The poetry of the Affrilachian Poets celebrates their African heritage and rural roots while encompassing themes of racism and Black identity. In this documentary they give voice to the pleasures of family, land, good food, artistic community, music and transformation.

It features poets Nikky Finney, Frank X Walker, Crystal Wilkinson, Kelly Norman Ellis, Ricardo Nazario-Colón, Paul C. Mitchell, Bernard Clay, Mitchell L. H. Douglas, Daundra Scisney-Givens
Shanna Smith. It also features commentary by writer Gurney Norman and African Diaspora scholar C. Daniel Dawson. 

See the free Classroom Curricula

Produced and Directed by Jean Donohue and Fred Johnson

Consulting Producer Frank X Walker

DVD or VHS 54:30 min.

2001