Member-only story

Hoyt Fuller and the Cultural Politics of the 1960s New Black Studies: A Reexamination

Steven Hayes

·2.5k Followers· Follow

Published in Building The Black Arts Movement: Hoyt Fuller And The Cultural Politics Of The 1960s (New Black Studies)

5 min read

176 View Claps

20 Respond

Save

Listen

:

The 1960s witnessed a transformative era in American history, marked by the confluence of the Civil Rights Movement, Black Power activism, and the rise of New Black Studies as an academic discipline. Hoyt Fuller, a pioneering scholar and cultural critic, played a pivotal role in shaping the contours of the latter, leaving an enduring legacy on the exploration of Black culture, politics, and identity. This article aims to provide a comprehensive reexamination of Hoyt Fuller's contributions to the cultural politics of the 1960s New Black Studies movement, highlighting his groundbreaking ideas, multifaceted activism, and lasting impact on the academic study of Black literature and culture.

Fuller's Early Life and Intellectual Influences:

Hoyt Fuller was born on October 23, 1929, in New Orleans, Louisiana. His formative experiences growing up in the Jim Crow South instilled within him a deep understanding of racial inequality and the importance of social justice. After graduating from Xavier University of Louisiana, Fuller pursued graduate studies in English at the University of Chicago. There, he was influenced by the works of literary giants such as Richard Wright, James Baldwin, and Amiri Baraka. These writers ignited in Fuller a passion for exploring the literary expressions of Black life and history.

Building the Black Arts Movement: Hoyt Fuller and the Cultural Politics of the 1960s (New Black Studies)

by Martin Turner

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3749 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	373 pages

The Genesis of New Black Studies:

In the 1960s, the Civil Rights Movement gained momentum, challenging the systemic racism prevalent in American society. Inspired by these social upheavals, Black students and scholars demanded the creation of academic programs that focused on the study of Black history, culture, and literature. Hoyt Fuller was among the pioneers who played a key role in the establishment of New Black Studies at San Francisco State College (now University) in 1968. This pioneering program became a model for similar initiatives across the nation, fostering a new generation of Black scholars and intellectuals.

Fuller's Critical and Scholarly Contributions:

Hoyt Fuller made significant theoretical and critical contributions to the emerging field of New Black Studies. His doctoral dissertation, "The Image of the Black in American Literature," explored the complex ways in which Black writers and artists had grappled with racial representation. Fuller argued that the dominant literary tradition had often marginalized and stereotyped Black experiences, and he called for a reexamination of the canon to include works by Black authors. His scholarship paved the way for a more nuanced understanding of the diverse perspectives and literary achievements of Black people.

A group of Black Power activists holding signs and chanting during a protest.

Activism and Cultural Politics:

Beyond his academic pursuits, Hoyt Fuller was an active participant in the cultural politics of the Black Power movement. He helped found the Black Arts Repertory Theatre/School in Harlem, New York, and served as its artistic director from 1964 to 1967. The theater provided a platform for Black artists and performers to explore their experiences and challenge the dominant cultural norms. Fuller also played a key role in the National Black Arts Festival, which showcased the talents of Black artists from across the country.

Later Career and Legacy:

In later years, Hoyt Fuller continued his academic career at Cornell University, where he served as the director of the Africana Studies and Research Center from 1980 to 1987. He also taught at Emory University and Howard University. Fuller's intellectual contributions extended beyond Black literature and culture, as he also wrote extensively on Third World literature, post-colonial studies, and the politics of knowledge production. His prolific writing and scholarship left a lasting impact on the field of Black Studies and the broader discipline of cultural studies.

:

Hoyt Fuller was a towering figure in the cultural politics of the 1960s New Black Studies movement. His groundbreaking scholarship, multifaceted activism, and unwavering commitment to social justice helped shape the contours of the field. Fuller's ideas continue to inspire scholars and activists today, reminding us of the importance of interrogating power structures, challenging stereotypes, and amplifying marginalized voices. His legacy as an intellectual pioneer and cultural critic endures, ensuring that the struggles and triumphs of Black people are never forgotten or erased from the historical narrative.

Building the Black Arts Movement: Hoyt Fuller and the Cultural Politics of the 1960s (New Black Studies)

by Martin Turner

5 out of 5