I Ll Make Me A World Des Moines

Encyclopedia of American Folklife

American folklife is steeped in world cultures, or invented as new culture, always evolving, yet often practiced as it was created many years or even centuries ago. This fascinating encyclopedia explores the rich and varied cultural traditions of folklife in America - from barn raisings to the Internet, tattoos, and Zydeco - through expressions that include ritual, custom, crafts, architecture, food, clothing, and art. Featuring more than 350 A-Z entries, "Encyclopedia of American Folklife" is wide-ranging and inclusive. Entries cover major cities and urban centers; new and established immigrant groups as well as native Americans; American territories, such as Guam and Samoa; major issues, such as education and intellectual property; and expressions of material culture, such as homes, dress, food, and crafts. This encyclopedia covers notable folklife areas as well as general regional categories. It addresses religious groups (reflecting diversity within groups such as the Amish and the Jews), age groups (both old age and youth gangs), and contemporary folk groups (skateboarders and psychobillies) - placing all of them in the vivid tapestry of folklife in America. In addition, this resource offers useful insights on folklife concepts through entries such as "community and group" and "tradition and culture." The set also features complete indexes in each volume, as well as a bibliography for further research.

American Educator, Activist, and Advocate

Framed by Black feminist thought, Critical Race Theory, and historical context, American Educator, Activist, and Advocate: Eleanor Rebecca Powell Archer by Kay Ann Taylor examines Eleanor’s rich life through her career as a teacher at Sumner High School in Kansas City and as one of the first Black public school teachers in Des Moines, Iowa. After studying for a textiles profession and attending her first Delta Sigma Theta convention in 1938, Eleanor realized she needed to pursue teaching due to constraints of race and gender. The obstacles Eleanor faced inform her story through her self-determination, resilience, and activism. This in-depth research into Eleanor’s life provides insight for academics to acknowledge the lives and ideas of women facing segregation, racism, and sexism over time, thereby clarifying Black women’s standpoint. This book answers the call for more biographies to be written about Black women and illustrates that ordinary people can be extraordinary.

Iowa Historian