Dear Friends,
All too often, I sit down to write these end-of-month missives with nothing more interesting to share than a review of what happened during the just ended month and a few notes on what to expect in the upcoming month. Granted, we’ve had some pretty exciting things happen recently like this shout out from Katherine May, legendary curator of wonder and chill, which made MA a 2024 Substack Featured publication, and led to so many new friends joining our community. We also launched the AFRI Grant Initiative.
This month, I have so much exciting news to share, if we were face-to-face I’d probably be blurting things out in a spray of words. I’ll try to pace myself but that sound you hear is me jumping up and down with excitement.
First, MA has interns!
Yes! Our little platform that could actually welcomed three amazing and talented undergrad students on board to spend some time working on a variety of projects focused on making African mythology and folklore resources more accessible. We also get to work with long time MA collaborator, Laura Gibbs, who’s a veritable fount of knowledge and our resident tech geek. You’ll be hearing more from the interns over the rest of the year so stay tuned. And if you know any undergrad or high school students of African origin who might be interested in a (paid!) summer internship with MA, put them in touch!
Second, thank you!
Your support means the world and goes towards paying for the knick-knack paddy whacks that keep MA running: website hosting, security and other such subscription fees, audio and other such editing software, buying reference books, access to paywalled material, and the occasional treat for myself (books!) or the kitties.
Third… BIG NEWS!
That’s right! The Watkins Book of African Folklore is available for preorder and will be released on March 11, 2025. The official announcement from the publisher will come on August 6th but MA subscribers get advance notice and a chance to preorder!
This book is the outcome of all the amazing conversations we’ve had in the MA community since it started in December 2020. It is a collection of 50 creation myths, foundation legends, and stories of human relationships and the cultural institutions they resulted in. Also, which folktales about hedgehogs, mongooses, snakes, ants, termites, and praying mantis do you know from the African continent? You'll have to preorder the book to find out more! My favorite thing about the collection is that I excavate the historical and cultural context out of which the stories, their themes, and protagonists emerge, so more of what you know and love about MA!
If you are new to mythology and folklore from the continent, you can expect exposure to some major themes, creatures and figures. If you are familiar with mythology and folklore from the continent, you will get a better understanding of various themes and perhaps be introduced to some new creatures and figures. If you're an expert in African orature, I hope you will appreciate the storytelling and pick up a kernel or two of new information from the commentary.
I wrote this book for people like myself, Africans who wish to know more about the stories African peoples use to make sense of their lives and world. I also hope to reach people seeking to understand African mythology and folklore better because, as I've said here so many times, I believe that by connecting African stories to stories from around the world, we can remind ourselves of the fundamental truth of our interconnection.
There’s more to come on this new adventure! In the meantime, I would really appreciate your support with preordering or sharing the amazing news!
What To Expect from MA in August
As you can imagine, the rest of the year will involve promo activities for The Watkins Book of African Folklore. However, in August, you’ll also get to hear from the interns and revisit folklore in modern African literature with Ousmane Sembene’s “God’s Bits of Wood” or Sony Labou Tansi's “Life and a Half” (can’t decide which just yet). Additionally, you’ll read the third of this year’s MA Quarterly Essay series about the symbolism of neck rings in African ornamental culture.
Thank you, as always, for your time, your attention and your support.
Come celebrate with me!
Be well,
Helen