Routledge African Americans and the Mississippi River - Routledge

This historical study traces African American connections to the Mississippi River from the 1600s through Hurricane Katrina, examining how the river shaped and was shaped by Black communities across centuries. The book explores the Mississippi River's cultural significance beyond its iconic status in American literature and imagination, moving beyond pastoral and turbulent imagery to reveal the lived experiences and environmental relationships of African Americans. Through analysis of cultural production by artists, writers, and others, the work contextualises the river within broader narratives of race, history, and the environment, culminating in examination of the post-Katrina Delta landscape and its contested present. Published by Routledge as part of the Environmental Humanities series, this volume contributes essential perspectives on how African American communities have navigated, resisted, and transformed their relationship with one of America's most significant geographical and cultural symbols.