African American Language (AAL), like all languages, is a tool for ordering the chaos of human experience. AAL gives shape, coherence, and explanation to the condition of U.S. slave descendants and functions as a mechanism for teaching and learning about life and the world. Our language practices reflect a generational continuity that has stood the test of time and they continue to demonstrate the uniqueness of Black folks’ journey in this land. These styles and ways of talkin Black have persevered in African America because they allow for the fullest expression of the mind and the heart. Journalist Omowale Diop Ankobia, who done been baptized in the Black Linguistic Fire, echoes this view. In his “Calling It Like It Is: Mel Farr’s Running Game” (1999), he jams the former National Football League (NFL) superstar for his exploitative business practices against poor Black folk. Ankobia explains his choice of language:

Before I begin I’d like to apologize to all who will be offended by me using my native language, Ebonics. Usually, and with great pain, I attempt to use my second language, English, when writing. Not this time. Ebonics is appropriate because those for whom this piece is written speak Ebonics. And I want them to feel me as well as hear me. So I bring it to them in the only language I know that is capable of doing both.