Change is Gonna Come/Change is Here: Scholarly Perspectives and Everyday Politics in the Communication of Black Masculinity

Session Submission Type: Panel Discussion

Abstract

A change is gonna come. Sam Cooke's (1964) timeless anthem continues to exemplify internal and external transformation for people of the African Diaspora, and Black men in particular. Presumably, the inauguration of President Barack Obama suggests that change is already here. Indeed, a new day demands a new exploration of the ways Black men live, think, and perform race and gender in the 21st century.

This panel works to engage the social, cultural and political landscape of black masculinity in the Obama era. Our objective is met primarily through three theoretical approaches. First, we foreground changing interpretations of black manhood, black love and black family. Second, we emphasize ways in which Black men's voices constitute change within Black communities and U.S. society. Third, we illustrate change in the body politics of Black manhood. Concurrently, the panel presents original arguments concerning why, when, where and how the communication of Black masculinity remains relevant, within our discipline and beyond.

Sub Unit

• Black Caucus

Chair

• Jeffrey Tyus, Youngstown State Univ

Presenters

• Timothy Brown, West Chester Univ

• Jeffrey Tyus, Youngstown State Univ

• Katrina Bell-Jordan, Northeastern Illinois University

Respondent

• Rex Crawley, Robert Morris University

Session Organizer

• Jeffrey Tyus, Youngstown State Univ