Imani Perry Finds Blue in the Black American Experience

The Blue-Backed Speller, originally titled 'The First Part of the Grammatical Institution of the English Language,' was later known as 'The American Spelling Book' and 'The Elementary Spelling Book.' It was designed to be simple and systematic, starting with the alphabet and progressing through vowels, consonants, syllables, words, and sentences. Webster introduced a phonetic approach to spelling, simplifying American English by eliminating unnecessary letters and promoting distinct American pronunciations. The book included patriotic and moral content to instill national identity and virtue in American students. It became incredibly popular, selling millions of copies over its numerous editions and influencing American education and language profoundly[1][3][4].

In this book, Imani Perry travels to over a dozen cities and towns in the American South, interviewing local residents and documenting the histories of these locales. The book combines history, literary criticism, journalism, and memoir to explore the complex and troubled history of the South, including historical figures, massacres, and contemporary racially motivated crimes. Perry argues that racism is deeply ingrained in the American South and its effects continue to permeate modern American society. The book also includes personal reflections on her own family's history and her experiences growing up in the South[2][4][5].

In this book, Imani Perry explores the intricate relationship between the color blue and Blackness, delving into historical, cultural, and personal aspects. She examines the dyed indigo cloths of West Africa, the characterization of dark-skinned people as 'Blue Black,' the American art form of blues music, and her own personal experiences. The book is a poignant, spellbinding, and original examination of race and Blackness that transcends politics or ideology.