Final: Choose a Black Performance with dance elements to analyze. Since we are unable to attend a live dance concert, you all get to choose the performance. This can be a music video, a recorded live performance, a site-specific or gallery work, a second-line or festival performance. (No less than a page and no more than 5-pages, times new roman, 12 pt. font, double-spaced) The idea is to imagine you’re a writer for a magazine, blog, or newspaper, and critically examine a Black performance. We will discuss this more on Tuesday and look at reviews in our zoom class. Historically, Black performances have been written and critiqued in ways that enhance and perpetuate Black stereotypes. Your job is to analyze and write based on content, context, historical connection, aesthetics, and opinion. This does not mean you have to glorify the performance you choose, you can critique.

In a five-paragraph essay, make a clear argument supporting the philosophies of either Booker T. Washington OR Ida B. Wells based on the articles assigned to our reader. Paragraph one should be the introduction wherein you state your argument. (Thesis)
Paragraph Two should discuss the ideas of Washington based on the Atlanta Exposition Speech, and Paragraph Three should discuss/explain your understanding of Wells’ point of view in terms of racial uplift. Paragraph Four should discuss the pros and cons of their respective positions, keeping in mind the time and historical context in which they lived and worked. Based on your understanding of WEB DuBois, state how you feel he would have weighed in on their differences.
In the last paragraph, state your position again clearly and explain why you have taken that position. End with a strong sentence that reinforces your thesis. Use three additional sources (scholarly articles, films, etc.) to support your argument, in addition to the two assigned readings. Do Not use Wikipedia! Cite your sources in the body of the essay. Again, avoid long quotes—paraphrase.

African history