This remarkable guidenbook details more than 150 sites and institutions that have shaped black history and traditions, both in this particular community and throughout the country. A book to slip into a backpack, keep handy in a glove compartment, or linger over at home, The Guide to Black Washington weaves together historical overviews, lively anecdotes, and plenty of practical information. From Library Journal A different kind of guidebook from two local authors, this describes the homes and haunts of African-Americans. Where did Marian Anderson sing when refused admittance to a Washington, D.C. church? (The Lincoln Memorial.) The authors divide Washington into 15 sections, with brief chapters of one to two pages each. Slavery, segregation, education, and gentrification are discussed in short paragraphs. The book provides offbeat information and would probably be a good source for school assignments. There is an excellent bibliography. Recommended for general readers and high school libraries, though not an essential item. - Fern Sikkema, Schnader, Harrison, Segal & Lewis, Washington, Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
“Passionate, personal, insightful, testy, and unique.” —Kirkus (starred review)
"Verdelle offers us testimony in praise and consideration of life as a literary citizen and Black woman alongside the guiding light of Toni Morrison. This is a holy testimony, indeed, one that deserves to be amen'd forever.” —Jason Reynolds, #1 New York Times Bestselling Author
"Verdelle gives us the greatest gift—our beloved ancestor returned to us—generous and alive, remembered and revered. So grateful for this book in the world.” —Jacqueline Woodson, author of Another Brooklyn
"If you let a black girl loose in a library, you may not recognize the woman who emerges."
—from Miss Chloe
Toni Morrison, born Chloe A Wofford, was a towering figure in the world of literature when she entered A.J. Verdelle’s life. Their literary friendship was a young writer’s dream—simultaneously exhilarating, intimidating, fulfilling, and challenging. The relationship crossed generations, spanned several cycles in life, exhibited high and low notes, reached and dipped and found its way. Like many women friends, these two writers imagined and built a relationship that was responsive, inventive, and engaged.
Miss Chloe powerfully situates the risks writers face and the freedom they find when they put Black women’s lives into words. Verdelle chronicles her grief at Morrison’s passing, and finds comfort in Morrison’s astute advice—wisdom Verdelle didn’t always recognize at the time. In this pensive and intricately lyrical book, Verdelle honors Morrison among the cultural greats, while illuminating and celebrating the power of language, legacy, and genius.
A. J. Verdelle is the award-winning author of the novel, The Good Negress. She teaches Creative Writing at Morgan State University and at the MFA program at Lesley University.