When one considers the depth of the word nocturne, visions of meditative, pensive musical patterns are envisioned. This brilliant author creates such a mystical atmosphere as she uncovers the amazing lives of three extraordinary women: dancer and choreographer, Pearl Primus; gifted pianist and composer, Mary Lou Williams; and renowned novelist and journalist, Ann Petry. Why did Ms. Griffin select these women? What were their accomplishments? Simply stated, they made definitive, powerful attempts to bring attention to the need for equality and freedom for all Americans at a time when it was very dangerous for people of color to stand tall. In a splendid, clever fashion, they illuminated these issues through their gifts of creative artistry. This book is an amazing exposé, indeed!
Harlem has been perceived as an intriguing, beguiling and, yes, dangerous city that never sleeps. That is true today as it was in the 1940’s. During that period, the political atmosphere was imbued with war efforts abroad and the concept of Double V (Double Victory) here at home. The latter became the courageous hue and cry of many African Americans who fueled the movement to fight for freedom overseas and equality in their homeland. In the midst of this appeared three powerful women. Pearl Primus was an extremely intelligent, determined woman who interpreted her causes through dance. She studied, researched and probed the nuances of body movements and positions so that when she transmitted the torment of the conditions surrounding the plight of black Americans, her audience could immediately absorb and internalize the message. Ann Petry became an outspoken proponent by utilizing her literary skills. She wrote articles about the paradox of American democracy and became the first black woman to author a book on the subject which sold more than a million copies. The Street, a novel that conveyed the struggles of working-class black women, eventually became required reading for many college students. Mary Lou Williams made her mark as a gifted pianist, stressing the concept of characterizing music not black or white, male or female, classical or jazz, but rather a truly democratic ensemble that would resound in the hearts of all people. Her compositions, such as The Zodiac Suite, and other collaborations with the likes of Dizzy Gillespie, Thelonious Monk and Bud Powell are acclaimed today.
The truly incredible part of this chronicle is that the fight for social change, the movement to grow as one, was performed with incomparable intellectual, artistic beauty beyond description. Challenge your spirit, look inward, and allow these women to penetrate your soul with their gifts of purpose. Prepare to be amazed!