By Clarice Robinson
NDG Contributing Writer
Editor’s note: This story originally ran in the April 7, 2011, edition of The Lasso, the student newspaper of Texas Woman’s University in Denton.
“…& this is for colored girls who have considered suicide…”
A Conversation With For Colored Girls author and playwright Ntozake Shange was held March 31 on the TWU Denton campus.
The program began with a song by TWU’s Gospel Choir Anointed Voices Christ and a praise dance by TWU students Francesca ‘Frankie’ Edwards and Ramona Dollison.
The event featured a dialogue between AnaLouise Keating, professor of Women’s Studies, and Shange. Following the conversation, students were able to participate by asking Shange questions. A book signing followed immediately after the program.
Shange was born Paulette Williams on Oct. 18, 1948, in Trenton, N.J. In 1971, she changed her name to Ntozake Shange, which in Zulu, means “She who comes with her own things and she who walks like a lion.” She had no qualms about changing her name some 40 years ago.
“As a feminist, I found it hard to accept my name Paulette which means little pretty,” Shange noted. “I was told to stay put, and I couldn‘t do that.”
For Colored Girls who have considered suicide when the rainbow is enuf was written in 1974. Recently inspiring a motion picture directed by Tyler Perry, the book touches on controversial topics such as date rape, abortion and domestic violence. During a time when no one talked about it these kinds of problems, particularly individuals within the African American community, Shange was criticized and viewed as daring and contentious.
She vividly recalls how the world reacted when her book was released.
“It was rough for awhile,” she related. “My lawyer wanted me to have a bodyguard.”
The book, which was groundbreaking then, still touches on issues that are relevant today.
“All I did was mind my own business, and write what I wanted to write,” stated Shange.
With a quiet voice, yet down to earth, humorous personality, Shange spoke about relationships, her work as a living art and self-worth.
“At some point, you have to figure out what you are worth,” she explained. “I remember starting my career and at one time in my life being happy making $2.58 (an hour).”
Shange earned a B.A. degree from Barnard College, an all-women’s liberal arts college, and her M.A. from UCLA in American Studies. For Colored Girls… has won Obie and Tony awards. She has written numerous essays, plays, prose, and books, including some of the following: From Okra to Greens, Daddy Says, A Photograph: Lovers-in-Motion, Mother Courage and Her Children, and If I Can Cook. You Know God Can.
The event was held in honor of Women’s History and was hosted by the Office of Intercultural Services, the Center for Student Development, Campus Activities Board, the Cultural Connections Leadership Conference, and the Women’s Studies Department.
“…& this is for colored girls who have considered suicide/but are movin’ to the ends of their rainbows.”
