Volume 1 (1998)

Preface

The advent of this Black literary journal stems from the succession of a series of intellectual and social endeavors carried out by Black students at Holy Cross. These endeavors not only represent a, history of blackness, but more-so resonate the need for more discourse on the aesthetics of Black art. There is a culturally diverse group of Black students here at Holy Cross—this being so means that there is also a variety of intellectual intricacies embedded in our actions, our art and our voices.

However, due to the minimal exposure and appreciation Black literature and art have undergone, our community has suffered and continues to suffer; and most unfortunately, in some cases, not even recognizing the detriment that such an occurrence has. Given the vastness of their experiences as people of color and the richness of their ideas, Black-students may often times eschew the task of sharing their voices in settings where they feel that the stories they tell will be misunderstood, placed out of context or as usually the case, ignored.

In response to recognizing,'understanding, and believing in the resounding, often inaudible voices of my Black peers, I present this , journal — The Griot. The term, Griot, is a French term which refers to * the story-tellers, musicians, and entertainers of west Africa. The Griots in this journal tell their stories and express themselves to the Holy Cross community while presenting themes that may be central and common to their experiences on the Hill.

This journal validates and welcomes the voices of our Black students. It is through the concerned voices and the collaborative efforts of some of my Black peers, that the The Griot takes its form. I would like to thank my editorial board, my business manager, my faculty advisor, and all of our patrons for helping this story come to life. Most importantly, I commend the Griots for their art, their stories and their passion. Thank you. This journal embraces our Holy Cross mission of achieving greater interdisciplinary discourse. Judithe M. Andre