Weeks is absolutely correct. However, my concern is that many of the current and emerging street lit authors think that is all there is to writing a good book. There is a difference between a good book and a successful novel. This is what is diminishing from the world of contemporary Black literature: true artists. Where are the authors who will see the power of the written word as more than a paycheck or a cheap ticket to fame? Where are the authors will not only show the world fictional portrayals of the (many different) Black experience? Where are the authors who will include plot and character development, metaphors and imagery, and all the other literary techniques? Where are the authors who will have SOMETHING to say. I apologize but I’m a reader from way back. I remember when we didn’t have an “African-American” section in franchise bookstores. I remember when there were a handful of contemporary Black authors telling our story. I remember when our authors carried a sense of reverence and respect for their craft. They wouldn’t tell any story any kind of way. By the way, no I’m not an old man either (I’m 27).

I don’t have anything against the genre and I cannot say that I have read all the authors who call themselves street lit writers, but I have tried to give a number of them a chance and I find them lacking. They read like a television sitcom (there are few good writers in that arena, too). I love that they are reaching the types of people who may not, normally, enjoy reading. But it seems now that the Black facet of the industry is suffering from a lack of balance. Some of my favorite authors are now finding it difficult to keep telling their stories (because of money/ publishing issues I’m sure)…and I mis them. I know this is no fault to the street lit authors as individuals. I’m just venting as a discouraged reader of Black literature.

I will continue to support Black literature as a whole because I don’t want it to go back to where it was 5 or 10 years ago. I will continue to be an honest and critical reader and whenever I find a skillful author of any genre, I will give them their due accolades. Just wonder where this is all headed and a little fearful that it smells like the same spoil I witnessed in HipHop music. I guess we’ll see.