Journal Articles by Damariyé L . Smith
Journal of Black Studies, 2020
The purpose of this essay is to promote the utilization of Kemetic principles in approaching Afri... more The purpose of this essay is to promote the utilization of Kemetic principles in approaching African American public address. Although there have been recent studies on African American public address, the employment of the Kemetic philosophy is limited. Using the four overarching ethical principles of Kemetic rhetorical tradition as outlined by Karenga, this essay interrogates Joseph C. Price's 1890 speech at the National Education Association national convention. A Kemetic analysis of Price's speech reveals that African American public address endorses the dignity and rights of the human person, the well-being of family and community, the integrity and value of the environment, and the reciprocal solidarity and cooperation for the mutual benefit of humanity. This suggests that a Kemetic understanding of African American public address can (a) civically benefit the broader community because of its ethical foundation, (b) facilitate the recognition of contemporary ethical appeals in any given
Howard Journal of Communications, 2021
Through a rhetorical analysis of Malcolm X’s speech at the founding rally of the Organization of ... more Through a rhetorical analysis of Malcolm X’s speech at the founding rally of the Organization of Afro-American Unity, this essay attempts to illustrate how Ujamaa (Kiswahili for “familyhood” or “extended family”), an Africana communication theory, is rhetorically constructed in African American public address. This essay contends that
attention to the rhetorical construction of Ujamaa is critical because it may foster appreciation of African discourses, help comprehend the ways in which African unity is rhetorically built, and shed light on the communicative realities and sensibilities of African people across the diaspora. Furthermore, Ujamaa, particularly as rhetorical theory, is vital for scholars to theorize human communication beyond the West’s philosophical orientation. Finally, this paper presents a comparative analysis between Malcolm X’s rhetorical articulation of Ujamaa and Mwalimu Julius Kambarage Nyerere’s original political philosophy of Ujamaa to highlight the difference in both leaders’ vision toward the creation of an African democracy.
Journal of Black Studies, 2023
This essay examines the rhetorical strategies of the late Nipsey Hussle regarding the intersectio... more This essay examines the rhetorical strategies of the late Nipsey Hussle regarding the intersection of cultural rhetoric, identity, economic success, and financial literacy. Using what I call Afrocentric constitutive rhetoric as a methodological lens, I argue that Nipsey empowers his listeners toward an identity of economic success, specifically for marginalized communities, underscoring the ontological capacity of Hip-Hop rhetoric. To support this claim, I analyze select lyrics from Nipsey's Grammy-nominated album, Victory Lap, released in 2018. Further, I illuminate the culturally distinct qualities of Nipsey's rhetoric by coupling theorizations of Afrocentricity and constitutive rhetoric and its impact on identity formation for his listeners. Finally, I maintain that a cultural approach to constitutive rhetoric positions scholars to better understand the nuance of culturally specific rhetorical productions related to identity and economic empowerment.
Critical Studies in Media Communication, 2023
Recently, there has been a resurgence of academic interest in the lived experiences of Black male... more Recently, there has been a resurgence of academic interest in the lived experiences of Black males. One way that scholars have approached the field of Black male studies is by examining the susceptibility of Black men and boys in various contexts, commonly referred to as Black male vulnerability. In this essay, Iutilize the song “Not You Too” by the Hip-Hop/R&B artist Drake as a case study to explore the ways Black men, through music, may communicate their vulnerability in the context of romantic relationships. Through a rhetorical analysis, I argue that Drake (re)articulates the notion of Black masculinity by communicating his vulnerability through recognition of his struggles of trust, willingness to forgive, and critical reflection of the power dynamics within his romantic relationship. I conclude by asserting that it is vital to study the communicative realities and sensibilities of Black men by engaging in both interpretative and empirical analysis to liberate Black males.
Communication Teacher, 2023
This unit teaches students how to perform racial rhetorical criticism and positions them to engag... more This unit teaches students how to perform racial rhetorical criticism and positions them to engage in discussions of race through experiential learning, namely through exploring the links between rhetoric, public memory, and campus history projects. Courses: Rhetorical Criticism, Rhetorical Theory, Communication Theory. Objective: Students will gain a better appreciation of racial rhetorical criticism as a research method through an analysis of campus architecture.
Howard Journal of Communications, 2023
Hip-Hop continues to be one of the most influential music genres in
the modern era. Such impact n... more Hip-Hop continues to be one of the most influential music genres in
the modern era. Such impact necessitates scholars to engage in
Hip-Hop discourses to comprehend its power in shaping and understanding various individuals’ experiences, attitudes, values, and beliefs.
To that end, this essay explores the rhetoric of Black male vulnerability as it is expressed in Hip-Hop by Black male artists. We contend
that studying the rhetoric of Black male vulnerability articulated by
Hip-Hop artists assists in better understanding the realities and sensibilities of Black men and boys, one of the most vulnerable populations. To accomplish this task, we analyze Kendrick Lamar’s “the Heart
Part 5” to explore how he constructs a rhetorical definition of Black
male vulnerability. Our analysis asserts that Lamar recognizes the vulnerabilities of Black males through lyrically conveying their relationship to emotional suffering and death, oxymoronic peer networks,
and illuminating Black males’ varied reactions to trauma. We conclude
that attending to the vulnerabilities of Black males as articulated in
Hip-Hop propels scholars to move beyond understanding Black males
as deviant, toxic, and the racialized counterparts of white males. Such
a nuanced understanding of Black male culture may improve their life
chances in a white supremacist society.
Journal of Contemporary Rhetoric, Jul 11, 2022
This article introduces a special issue of the Journal of Contemporary Rhetoric addressing the rh... more This article introduces a special issue of the Journal of Contemporary Rhetoric addressing the rhetoric of Hip Hop. The essays that follow address a wide range of salient issues, showcasing both how scholars of rhetoric contribute to a richer understanding of Hip Hop and rhetoric and how Hip Hop helps to shape our understanding of rhetoric.
Special Issues by Damariyé L . Smith
Journal of Contemporary Rhetoric, 2022
This article introduces a special issue of the Journal of Contemporary Rhetoric addressing the rh... more This article introduces a special issue of the Journal of Contemporary Rhetoric addressing the rhetoric of Hip Hop. The essays that follow address a wide range of salient issues, showcasing both how scholars of rhetoric contribute to a richer understanding of Hip Hop and rhetoric and how Hip Hop helps to shape our understanding of rhetoric.
Papers by Damariyé L . Smith
Howard Journal of Communications, Oct 15, 2023
Hip-Hop continues to be one of the most influential music genres in the modern era. Such impact n... more Hip-Hop continues to be one of the most influential music genres in the modern era. Such impact necessitates scholars to engage in Hip-Hop discourses to comprehend its power in shaping and understanding various individuals’ experiences, attitudes, values, and beliefs. To that end, this essay explores the rhetoric of Black male vulnerability as it is expressed in Hip-Hop by Black male artists. We contend that studying the rhetoric of Black male vulnerability articulated by Hip-Hop artists assists in better understanding the realities and sensibilities of Black men and boys, one of the most vulnerable populations. To accomplish this task, we analyze Kendrick Lamar’s “the Heart Part 5” to explore how he constructs a rhetorical definition of Black male vulnerability. Our analysis asserts that Lamar recognizes the vulnerabilities of Black males through lyrically conveying their relationship to emotional suffering and death, oxymoronic peer networks, and illuminating Black males’ varied reactions to trauma. We conclude that attending to the vulnerabilities of Black males as articulated in Hip-Hop propels scholars to move beyond understanding Black males as deviant, toxic, and the racialized counterparts of white males. Such a nuanced understanding of Black male culture may improve their life chances in a white supremacist society.
Critical Studies in Media Communication
Recently, there has been a resurgence of academic interest in the lived experiences of Black male... more Recently, there has been a resurgence of academic interest in the lived experiences of Black males. One way that scholars have approached the field of Black male studies is by examining the susceptibility of Black men and boys in various contexts, commonly referred to as Black male vulnerability. In this essay, I utilize the song "Not You Too" by the Hip-Hop/R&B artist Drake as a case study to explore the ways Black men, through music, may communicate their vulnerability in the context of romantic relationships. Through a rhetorical analysis, I argue that Drake (re)articulates the notion of Black masculinity by communicating his vulnerability through recognition of his struggles of trust, willingness to forgive, and critical reflection of the power dynamics within his romantic relationship. I conclude by asserting that it is vital to study the communicative realities and sensibilities of Black men by engaging in both interpretative and empirical analysis to liberate Black males.
Journal of Black Studies
This essay examines the rhetorical strategies of the late Nipsey Hussle regarding the intersectio... more This essay examines the rhetorical strategies of the late Nipsey Hussle regarding the intersection of cultural rhetoric, identity, economic success, and financial literacy. Using what I call Afrocentric constitutive rhetoric as a methodological lens, I argue that Nipsey empowers his listeners toward an identity of economic success, specifically for marginalized communities, underscoring the ontological capacity of Hip-Hop rhetoric. To support this claim, I analyze select lyrics from Nipsey’s Grammy-nominated album, Victory Lap, released in 2018. Further, I illuminate the culturally distinct qualities of Nipsey’s rhetoric by coupling theorizations of Afrocentricity and constitutive rhetoric and its impact on identity formation for his listeners. Finally, I maintain that a cultural approach to constitutive rhetoric positions scholars to better understand the nuance of culturally specific rhetorical productions related to identity and economic empowerment.
Howard Journal of Communications, 2021
Through a rhetorical analysis of Malcolm X's speech at the founding rally of the Organization of ... more Through a rhetorical analysis of Malcolm X's speech at the founding rally of the Organization of Afro-American Unity, this essay attempts to illustrate how Ujamaa (Kiswahili for "familyhood" or "extended family"), an Africana communication theory, is rhetorically constructed in African American public address. This essay contends that attention to the rhetorical construction of Ujamaa is critical because it may foster appreciation of African discourses, help comprehend the ways in which African unity is rhetorically built, and shed light on the communicative realities and sensibilities of African people across the diaspora. Furthermore, Ujamaa, particularly as rhetorical theory, is vital for scholars to theorize human communication beyond the West's philosophical orientation. Finally, this paper presents a comparative analysis between Malcolm X's rhetorical articulation of Ujamaa and Mwalimu Julius Kambarage Nyerere's original political philosophy of Ujamaa to highlight the difference in both leaders' vision toward the creation of an African democracy.
Journal of Black Studies, 2020
The purpose of this essay is to promote the utilization of Kemetic principles in approaching Afri... more The purpose of this essay is to promote the utilization of Kemetic principles in approaching African American public address. Although there have been recent studies on African American public address, the employment of the Kemetic philosophy is limited. Using the four overarching ethical principles of Kemetic rhetorical tradition as outlined by Karenga, this essay interrogates Joseph C. Price’s 1890 speech at the National Education Association national convention. A Kemetic analysis of Price’s speech reveals that African American public address endorses the dignity and rights of the human person, the well-being of family and community, the integrity and value of the environment, and the reciprocal solidarity and cooperation for the mutual benefit of humanity. This suggests that a Kemetic understanding of African American public address can (a) civically benefit the broader community because of its ethical foundation, (b) facilitate the recognition of contemporary ethical appeals in...
Communication Teacher
This unit teaches students how to perform racial rhetorical criticism and positions them to engag... more This unit teaches students how to perform racial rhetorical criticism and positions them to engage in discussions of race through experiential learning, namely through exploring the links between rhetoric, public memory, and campus history projects. Courses: Rhetorical Criticism, Rhetorical Theory, Communication Theory. Objective: Students will gain a better appreciation of racial rhetorical criticism as a research method through an analysis of campus architecture.
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Journal Articles by Damariyé L . Smith
attention to the rhetorical construction of Ujamaa is critical because it may foster appreciation of African discourses, help comprehend the ways in which African unity is rhetorically built, and shed light on the communicative realities and sensibilities of African people across the diaspora. Furthermore, Ujamaa, particularly as rhetorical theory, is vital for scholars to theorize human communication beyond the West’s philosophical orientation. Finally, this paper presents a comparative analysis between Malcolm X’s rhetorical articulation of Ujamaa and Mwalimu Julius Kambarage Nyerere’s original political philosophy of Ujamaa to highlight the difference in both leaders’ vision toward the creation of an African democracy.
the modern era. Such impact necessitates scholars to engage in
Hip-Hop discourses to comprehend its power in shaping and understanding various individuals’ experiences, attitudes, values, and beliefs.
To that end, this essay explores the rhetoric of Black male vulnerability as it is expressed in Hip-Hop by Black male artists. We contend
that studying the rhetoric of Black male vulnerability articulated by
Hip-Hop artists assists in better understanding the realities and sensibilities of Black men and boys, one of the most vulnerable populations. To accomplish this task, we analyze Kendrick Lamar’s “the Heart
Part 5” to explore how he constructs a rhetorical definition of Black
male vulnerability. Our analysis asserts that Lamar recognizes the vulnerabilities of Black males through lyrically conveying their relationship to emotional suffering and death, oxymoronic peer networks,
and illuminating Black males’ varied reactions to trauma. We conclude
that attending to the vulnerabilities of Black males as articulated in
Hip-Hop propels scholars to move beyond understanding Black males
as deviant, toxic, and the racialized counterparts of white males. Such
a nuanced understanding of Black male culture may improve their life
chances in a white supremacist society.
Special Issues by Damariyé L . Smith
Papers by Damariyé L . Smith
attention to the rhetorical construction of Ujamaa is critical because it may foster appreciation of African discourses, help comprehend the ways in which African unity is rhetorically built, and shed light on the communicative realities and sensibilities of African people across the diaspora. Furthermore, Ujamaa, particularly as rhetorical theory, is vital for scholars to theorize human communication beyond the West’s philosophical orientation. Finally, this paper presents a comparative analysis between Malcolm X’s rhetorical articulation of Ujamaa and Mwalimu Julius Kambarage Nyerere’s original political philosophy of Ujamaa to highlight the difference in both leaders’ vision toward the creation of an African democracy.
the modern era. Such impact necessitates scholars to engage in
Hip-Hop discourses to comprehend its power in shaping and understanding various individuals’ experiences, attitudes, values, and beliefs.
To that end, this essay explores the rhetoric of Black male vulnerability as it is expressed in Hip-Hop by Black male artists. We contend
that studying the rhetoric of Black male vulnerability articulated by
Hip-Hop artists assists in better understanding the realities and sensibilities of Black men and boys, one of the most vulnerable populations. To accomplish this task, we analyze Kendrick Lamar’s “the Heart
Part 5” to explore how he constructs a rhetorical definition of Black
male vulnerability. Our analysis asserts that Lamar recognizes the vulnerabilities of Black males through lyrically conveying their relationship to emotional suffering and death, oxymoronic peer networks,
and illuminating Black males’ varied reactions to trauma. We conclude
that attending to the vulnerabilities of Black males as articulated in
Hip-Hop propels scholars to move beyond understanding Black males
as deviant, toxic, and the racialized counterparts of white males. Such
a nuanced understanding of Black male culture may improve their life
chances in a white supremacist society.