Aunt Lute just released the second edition of Cherry Muhanji’s novel “Her”, but Cherry didn’t spend much time talking about the reissue—she came to talk about the blues.
As I reflect on Cherry’s introduction of her research on pioneering Black blues women and the setting of her forthcoming book which takes place in a brothel, James Baldwin’s words resonate in me: “There have been, and are times, and places, when to speak a certain language could be dangerous, even fatal.”
Cherry began her talk by commenting on the physical danger and economic risk independent, daring Black women took in the pursuit of their livelihood and sexual autonomy. The fatality that comes to my mind are the little deaths that occur over time and deep in my consciousness when I discover the type of stories that Cherry is uncovering. Outmoded ideas and distorted notions of Black womanhood–specifically the lives of Afriles–are assassinated by the telling of these new stories.
Cherry told the audience that she is interested in the Black blues women of the 1920’s-30’s particularly jazz instrumentalists. She is writing about the women who worked in the brothels providing entertainment for the workers and the clientele. She suspects that more than a few of these women became proficient musicians and contributors in the evolution of the blues.
She also pointed out that it wasn’t until the creation of Alice 
Walker’s character Shug Avery in the Color Purple did a depiction of a strong powerful Black female blues singer emerge in contemporary popular culture. An extension of that observation for me is Queen Latifah’s character Matron Mama Thornton in the film Chicago.
A highlight of the evening was listening to and watching performance footage of Bessie Smith and Alberta Hunter. The Alberta Hunter footage was spot on in demonstrating how early Black blues women used metaphor and innuendo to great affect. Alberta Hunter sure could sang and was truly an inspiration on the music scene well into her 80’s.
Dey say the blacker the berry the sweeter the juice.
Yeah, the blacker the berry the sweeter the juice,
that’s why I got a long black one for my personal use!
[Alberta Hunter]
When I listen to and read the words of writers like Jewelle Gomez and Cherry Muhanji, new configurations of language emerge on my tongue stretching my imagination. Thought forms and ideas that no longer serve me or tell our collective truth die a quiet death.
The gathering of Aunt Lute’s writers felt more like a circle of conjuring women stirring our pots. By the evening’s end, I heard a few attendees say they were going immediately home to write because they had been inspired by Cherry and Jewelle’s contribution in creating such a fruitful and worthwhile evening. I absolutely love when that kind of alchemy happens at a cultural event.
Got about a million tingles
Sneakin’ on up my spine.
I wash her body and it feel like i’m prayin.
Try not to look, but my eyes ain’t obeyin’.
Guess i found out what all of the fuss is about.
[Song: Dear God – Shug Lyrics]