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Jeremy Weiss/State Press Dr. Neal A. Lester, Professor of African American Studies, is surrounded by his doll collection, representing various ways African Americans have been portrayed throughout the years. |
Shattering black stereotypes English professor's mission
By Ally Asher
State Press
Dozens of dark-colored, decorative dolls line the shelves of Professor Neal Lester's office.
Designed to represent stereotypical black characters such as "mammies" and "picaninnies," the dolls serve as grotesque reminders of the negative images used to portray African American culture years ago.
"I collect the dolls and take them with me when I teach," said Lester, an ASU English Professor. "They make me look at how prevalent negative images are of black people. The images confront you in a way that a book cannot, which makes it more real."
Lester, 38, has dedicated the majority of his career to researching the African American experience, primarily focusing on literature. He said he would like black awareness to be extended during the whole year, not just during Black History Month.
"When we talk about African American history, we are talking about America," Lester said. "This is one aspect of our American history, to talk about people who contributed and who are part of the fabrics that make up this country."
Lester's interpretation of societies' black images helped lead his own spiritual journey. His long, black dreadlocks help re-assure his African American identity, he said.
"I couldn't control many things around me, but at least I could make some decisions about my hair," Lester said. "Part of the spirituality was not having to follow someone else's standards, allowing my hair to do whatever on its own."
Lester said he studies different African American symbols to help provide identity for himself and his students. He often refers to hair when comparing different cultures and their perceptions.
"I think hair is a big issue for black people," Lester said. "It seems simple, but hair is central in terms of identity issues. There are ideals of having straight and long hair, pretty hair that bounces, whereas black hair does not do that. It sends a message that black people should change the way they look."
A husband and father of two, Lester was born and raised in Georgia and obtained his degree in English from West Georgia College in Carrolton, Ga. He obtained his masters degree and Ph. D. in English while studying at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tenn.
Before joining ASU's English Department in the fall, Lester taught African American literature for eight years at the University of Alabama. His research specializes in African American literature and African American cultural studies, emphasizing drama, 19th century American literature and the works of black playwright and poet Ntozake Shange.
Lester said it was Shange's exploration and documentation in African American culture that brought his "awakening" and allowed him to become more involved in his cultural field of study. He studied Shange's Broadway play For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When the Rainbow is Enuf, which "celebrates the realities and experiences of black women," he said.
"I remember being in school and not having enough time to study Shange," Lester said. "So I researched For Colored Girls on my own. It was the toughest, most non-traditional play. It stumped me."
Lester said his interest in Shange's work expanded while attending Vanderbilt. Among his vast collection of published articles and essays, Lester wrote the first comprehensive examination of Shange and her theatrical work.
"I was always interested with the African American experience, but I made an emotional connection with Shange," he said. "Nothing really focused on the complexity and rhythm of poetry like her. She opened me up to the world of black folks and language and the black definition of self."
Aside from using Shange's inspirational works, Lester said he tries to incorporate as many "real life" examples in his classes as possible. He uses everything from graphic rap music tapes to cultural video clips as teaching tools, hoping to provoke reactions from his students.
"I'm always looking for things to bring into the classroom," Lester said. "I love energy. I love challenging discussions that make me go back and re-research."
Lester gives several talks and lectures in the community and is currently in the process of publishing a book on talking rituals, which is scheduled to come out next fall.
"We celebrate our own creation through talking," Lester said. "Words and rhythms that black people say establish the community. That's what I'm talking about. Who I am and what I've experienced."
Lester said his overall goal is to develop a great following of students who are genuinely interested in exploring African American literature and cultural studies.
"I want people to look back and say 'You know what, I really learned something from his class,'" Lester said. "It's important for me to make an impact on someone's life beyond a book. I think we need to open ourselves up to the possibilities that difference can bring us positive things."
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