found: Donovan, P. Jackson's classic collection of black "toasts" is resurrected, in UB reporter, May 20, 2004, viewed online Aug. 9, 2012("Get Your Ass in the Water and Swim Like Me: Narrative Poetry From Black Oral Tradition," a book collected and compiled by SUNY Distinguished Professor Bruce Jackson, is back for a second go 'round. The book collects a popular form of African-American literature and folk poetry known as "toasts." "Toasts are just one aspect of a rich tradition of verbal arts in black culture," Jackson says. "Public performance of rhyming verse has ancient African roots. And we see it now in rap and hip-hop, which are a mix of African American, Caribbean and several other traditions.)
found: LCSH, Oct. 21, 2014(Toasts (African American folk poetry). BT American poetry--African American authors; Folk poetry, American; Narrative poetry, American. Scope note: Here are entered narrative poems from the African American oral tradition that are usually rhymed, rhythmic, epical representations of extended conflicts between protagonists, expressed in nonstandard Black English, created for and during male recitative performances.)
found: Saloy, M.L. The African American toast tradition, via Louisiana's living traditions website, Aug. 9, 2012("Toasts" are performed narratives of often urban but always heroic events. For many Blacks, both performers and audience, hearing about or performing the winning ways of the central character becomes as creative a release as Black music. Toasting is today's continuance of an oral tradition, but many contemporary toasters read their complicated and elaborate versions from a text. As with any oral tradition, many versions of the same toast exist. The toast is a dynamic performance within the Black community of recognizable and popular central characters. They are performed in bars, libraries, community centers, and even college campuses. However, less explicit toasts are performed by anyone at any time for entertainment.)
