ABSTRACT
The stereotypic depiction of Black female sexuality, stoked by racist erotic imaginings and given free rein during American slavery, has been at the heart of some of America’s most denigrating social practices and policies towards African American women. Talented playwrights such as Adrienne Kennedy, Shirlene Holmes, and Dominique Morisseau have created Black female characters that try to subvert the narrow controlling images of Black women in American culture. This chapter focuses on playwright Pearl Cleage, who is unparalleled in her determination and ability to create a body of dramatic work that celebrates Black female sexuality.
