Richardson, Elaine B. 2002. African American Literacies. New York: Routledge.

Author abstract: African American Literacies is a study of literacy, rhetoric and composition from the perspective of African American experiences. Richardson argues for an expanded conception of African American Vernacular English, which recognizes not only respect for surface elements but also its Standards, its ideologies and rhetorical practices that all contribute to the universe of Black discourse, and its role in the enrichment of American rhetorics, discourses and literacies.

Richardson argues that implementing this view of literacy education will not only improve the literacy achievement of African American students, but rhetorical education for all. The text explores literacy education from the points of view of students from the African American Vernacular English (AAVE) culture. It provides an account of the language and literacy practices of African American students, offering new ways of thinking about and incorporating linguistic diversity.

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