Literary Detectives
What do we gain when we rediscover forgotten Black writers?
What happens when a writer’s words are read for the last time? If they’re lucky, curious readers make sure that never happens. And if they’re blessed and highly favored, their readers spread the gospel far and wide. Today, Katie and Yves discuss Alice Walker’s search for Zora Neale Hurston and speak with Michael A. Gonzales, a writer who rediscovered Diane Oliver’s writing in a little-known anthology. And the rest, as they say, is literary history.
GUESTS
Michael A. Gonzales
Cultural Critic
“It seems like there’s tradition of Black writers making sure that other Black writers do not fall into obscurity.”
“I shudder to think what would’ve happened to Zora’s story and writing if Alice Walker hadn’t taken it upon herself to go looking. ”
“White writers are constantly in print. People are constantly writing about their work. There’s no shortage of essays or, you know, books about these writers. And a part of me was just like, ‘How come we don’t have that?’”
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Neighbors And Other Stories - Diane Oliver
The Short Stories and Too-Short Life of Diane Oliver - Michael A. Gonzales
In Search of Zora Neale Hurston - Alice Walker
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