Founded in
1994 by Sandra M. Grayson, Network 2000: In the Spirit of the Harlem
Renaissance (Network 2000) is an international, refereed journal that
focuses on Africa and the African Diaspora and explores the global experiences
of people of African descent. The “spirit” of the Harlem Renaissance was one of
networking within black communities and in that spirit Network 2000
continues.
Langston Hughes Colloquy (LHC) is an international, refereed newsletter named in honor of a dynamic national and international social force and multifaceted artist, scholar, activist. Langston Hughes (1 February 1902 – 22 May 1967) was the first African American to become a professional writer, earning his living solely from writing. In The Big Sea, he observed, “Poetry became bread; prose, shelter and raiment. Words turned into songs, plays, scenarios, articles, and stories. Literature is a big sea full of many fish. I let down my nets and pulled” (335). Hughes published in nearly every genre, won numerous awards, served as a mentor to other Black writers, and fought against racism and discrimination. This poet-prophet used his work to protest the ways people of African descent were treated in the United States and was actively involved in bringing about positive changes in American society. Langston Hughes Colloquy was founded in 2000 by Sandra M. Grayson. The primary goals of LHC are to foster a creative forum for intellectual exchanges, promote positive social activism and professional mentoring, and highlight events and publications relevant to the legacy of Langston Hughes.
The current volumes of Network 2000 and LHC can be accessed through the tabs on this page. A printed edition of LHC follows electronic publication and can be requested via e-mail (editor@lhcolloquy.com). Reviews of both publications are included below.
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Reviews of Network 2000 and LHC
A Meeting Place for African Voices from Around the World by Patric Tariq Mellet
In his farewell speech to the South African Parliament in 1999, President Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela, our dear father Madiba, wove into his speech a number of points as to what he owed his own achievements. Amongst other contributions he identified the vital role of the intelligentsia. I walked away from Madiba’s speech recognizing that Africa’s intelligentsia, at home and in the African Diaspora, have a sacred mission to give society knowledge of itself and to fashion our peoples aspirations into a reality. Nelson Mandela, Oliver Tambo, Martin Luther King, Maria W. Stewart, and Mary Church Terrell were people who defied the world where dreams would always be deferred and laid the foundations for our dreams to be fulfilled. These men and women were products of others who had delivered on the sacred mission and this responsibility has been passed on to us even as we one day will pass it to the next generation. Herein lies the value of Langston Hughes Colloquy and Network 2000: In the Spirit of the Harlem Renaissance edited by Sandra M. Grayson. These publications provide a meeting place of African minds from around the world. Reflection, dialogue, debate, cultural expression and sharing are all pre-requisites for the kind of creativity and innovation that leaves the legacy that allows future generations to look back and recognize that renaissance took place.
In the millennium year, South African President Thabo Mbeki launched a push for the 21st century to be heralded as the century of the African Renaissance. A dream has been articulated that in this century Africa and people of Africa descent throughout the world will stand up and make ourselves heard and felt in such a profound manner that the course of history will be altered. In the context of this dream we recognize and celebrate the Harlem Renaissance as the great curtain raiser to the century of African Renaissance, with Langston Hughes as a pioneering voice who encouraged us to reach for our hopes and dreams. The publications Langston Hughes Colloquy and Network 2000: In the Spirit of the Harlem Renaissance use this rich era of Black heritage and the pioneering voices of Black artists as a pivotal foundation for building our dream. A re kopaneng! Through these publications we are able to come together to share perspectives, discuss African philosophies and sciences, celebrate past experiences, challenge received histories, imagine and explore our futures and pay tribute to our dream-makers. People from all walks of life are free to contribute to these pages--academics, writers and cultural artists, scientists, political activists, workers and business people. All of these elements give these publications a unique role in a world where narrow and rightist perspectives have in recent times gained ascendancy. We salute Sandra M. Grayson, her advisory panel, and all who contribute.
Patric Tariq Mellet served in the South African liberation movement from teenage years in the early 1970s and then spent 15 years in exile working for the African National Congress Department of Publicity and Information. A former Director of Public Relations and Protocol for the first democratic Parliament of South Africa, he went on to become co-founder and Managing Director of Inyathelo - The South African Institute for Advancement. His special area of interest is the history of Cape slavery and African Creole culture.
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LHC and Network 2000: A Review by Lemuel Berry, Jr.
The American populace is continually assessing issues related to quality of life, education, social economics and aspects of governance. These issues and many others appear as focal points for African Americans in the United States and abroad. In addition to the issues and challenges that are part of the African American way of life is the ongoing need to bring attention to the history and achievements of people of African descent in Africa and the African Diaspora. Two publications which serve to bridge the gap between America and the African American are Langston Hughes Colloquy and Network 2000: In the Spirit of the Harlem Renaissance edited by Sandra M. Grayson. Both publications, of the highest literary quality, are quite significant in that they analyze past, current, and potentially new challenges in the history of black people. The Langston Hughes Colloquy is unique in its own right for its discussions among scholars. Network 2000: In the Spirit of the Harlem Renaissance is also a unique academic publication that is informative and thought provoking. The content of each publication addresses contemporary and historical issues, includes outstanding prose and verse, and features quality articles by outstanding scholars from the U.S. and abroad. Indeed, these two international publications are a “must read” for people who seek knowledge about and an understanding of people of African descent.
Langston Hughes Colloquy and Network 2000: In the Spirit of the Harlem Renaissance continue to be recognized for the impact they have in the academic disciplines of African American Studies and African Studies. More specifically, scholars and students turn to these two publications as sources to build curriculum materials, to establish interactive seminars, and to serve as a base for comparative studies, which explore aspects of African and African American history, literature, and culture.
Langston Hughes Colloquy and Network 2000: In the Spirit of the Harlem Renaissance have established another significant milestone in recent years. Scholars in many fields of study cite the publications in their research. This recognition also speaks to the quality of both Langston Hughes Colloquy and Network 2000: In the Spirit of the Harlem Renaissance. The profession is blessed to have these international publications, which contribute to the process of teaching, learning, and scholarship.
Dr. Lemuel Berry, Jr. is the Executive Director of the National Association of African American Studies and the former Vice President for Academic Affairs at the University of New England.
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"Sandra M. Grayson is a serious scholar who has made significant contributions to African and African American Studies through her academic books and through her leadership position as Editor of Network 2000: In the Spirit of the Harlem Renaissance and Langston Hughes Colloquy. Her work covers African aesthetic and trans-Atlantic cross influences in African and African American arts, especially literature. Her approach is different and refreshing. While other scholars have spent time on obvious remnants in African symbols and references in African American literature, Grayson has in an intellectually engaging and highly competent manner, examined the impact and significance of specific African worldviews in African American literature, film, and oral traditions. Her scholarly books Visions of the Third Millennium: Black Science Fiction Novelists Write the Future (2003) and Symbolizing the Past: Reading Sankofa, Daughters of the Dust, and Eve’s Bayou as Histories (2000) suggest new paths in literary criticism in African American Studies. Sandra M. Grayson is well grounded in her field, and also interested in, and conversant with, larger critical issues of society and the world. Through Grayson’s efforts African American Studies matters are subjects of discourse as far afield as South Africa, Zimbabwe, Lesotho, and Namibia."