Comments on: A Legacy of Black Fluency for Our Brooklyn Baby

By: The Trove: Eisa Ulen Richardson & Ralph Richardson « pendulum

The Trove: Eisa Ulen Richardson & Ralph Richardson « pendulum — Sat, 02 Jul 2011 21:25:08 +0000

[...] down with the writer and filmmaker to chat life, books and movies, the ridiculously cute Ralphie (a.k.a. Hoop) shared his artwork: mixed media on paper and a Cheerios butterfly which I awkwardly broke [...]

By: eisa

eisa — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 15:29:42 +0000

thank you, husband. habibi.

By: Ralph

Ralph — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 16:46:36 +0000

Reading this story again, almost a year later, has revealed to me how good this story really is.(since we are talking black dialogue and standard english, can I end a sentence with a verb?)

By: eisa

eisa — Thu, 28 May 2009 17:42:56 +0000

thanks so much for your comment, amanda! the thing about code-switching, as you know, is that speaking another language does create a space for the fluent to communicate effectively. others outside the group can’t employ the power of word over the dispossesed when code-switching takes place. this was essential for black survival during and after slavery. for example, black code enabled slaves to announce the strategy for freedom to others interested in running away. through song, seemingly about flight to heaven, slaves communicated the means to run (or fly) to the free states and canada. now, while less important in terms of confrontation with the dominant other, black english still empowers and enriches black life. i’m so glad you enjoy the wordplay we inevitably fall into when we meet. it is fun. and, as always, you’re just so thoughtful and great

joy!

eisa

By: Amanda Insall

Amanda Insall — Wed, 27 May 2009 16:37:00 +0000

I love to hear the code switching. We do it in our writing group. When I come in there’s a number of quick exchanges I don’t completely catch. So fast, back and forth. And then we switch and switch back again, in writing, in humor, sometimes using the both at the same time. I don’t presume to know the code, being of European descent. But I love it, and it is one beautiful part of being an American.