Call for Proposals
Topic: Black and African-Oriented Media: Content, Audience Reception, and Global influence
Black media outlets have been a significant pillar of community and identity for African Americans in the United States.
Currently production, distribution, and representation have seemingly increased with the success of programs like Empire,Black-Ish,
Shonda Rhimes’ programs and a host of films starring Black leads. However, according to a recent New York Times article (Embers
and Sandos, 2016) Black ownership has also been decreasing in recent times. This same trend can be said of some African produced media (Karikari,
2010); while ownership of print outlets is decreasing, there is also a growth in broadcast, film and music production as well as its global
reach. Previous seminal work and collections including those of Beretta E. Smith-Shomade,
Robin Means Coleman, Venise T. Berry, and Catherine Squires have led the way in giving voice to Black American oriented media. An aim of this project, however, is to provide a space for which both African and Black American
media are explored. The purpose of this edited volume is to gather literature which explores media created by members of the African diaspora, examines its relationship with diasporic
audiences as well as its impact on mainstream culture in general. In addition, this volume will catalogue interdisciplinary research on the topic of Black and African diasporic media, as well as establish media produced
by African and African Americans as a significant site to explore questions of identity, culture,
audiences and cultural influence. Case studies, essays, and research (accessible to a broad audience) from a diverse range of methodologies and disciplines
are welcome. Possible topics include, but are not limited to, analysis of Black/African-oriented media content (e.g. film, television, print, music), critiques of
industries that impact Black/African-oriented media, globalization of Black/African oriented products, transnational audiences, audience reception, psychological effects, and its relation
to Black and African’s identity and socio-cultural experience. For more possible examples see tentative outline below. Adjustments may be made depending on submissions.
African Diasporic-Oriented Media and Consumers (working
title)
Foreword: Catherine Squires
Introduction: Omotayo Banjo Adesagba
News and Print Media
● Traditional
print media (e.g. magazines, newspapers), its relationship to Black/African diasporic communities, framing, storytelling and/or effects
● Cultural
impact of broadcast or online news or social media (e.g. Black Twitter) that relate to Black/African diasporic communities
● Influence
of Black or African disaporic literary work on diasporic communities and mainstream culture (e.g. Beyonce and Warsan Shire)
Film/Television
● Success
and/or audience reception to “Black Films” in the United States
● Success
and/or audience reception to television shows created by African/African Americans or other members of the diaspora
● Representation
of Blacks and Africans in film and television in Black/African-oriented media.
Radio and Music
● Black
radio stations and community relations (especially during Black Lives Matter and/or political movements)
● Influence
of African music or on popular culture
● Responses
and/or effects of Hip Hop and R&B music in U.S. and/or abroad
Black-African Relations
● Portrayals
of Blacks or Africans in Black/African media content
● Music
collaborations between Black /African diasporic music artists (e.g. Akon, Damian Marley, Wizkid, Don Jazzy)
● Identification
or cultural connection to Black/African diasporic-produced media
SUBMISSION GUIDELINES:
1. Deadline
for chapter proposals (approx. 500 words excluding citations): September 1, 2016.
2. Submissions
should adhere to APA Style created in MSWord or RTF.
3. Include a
cover page with all of the author's' contact information, key terms, and a abridged c.v. for each author.
5. If selected,
your chapter submissions must be original works of 3000-6000 (estimate) words, references included. Chapter deadline: January 15, 2017.