including Dr. TinaMonique James and family members who gave their time in
Kenya to make the field experience positive. The Emerald Initiative Association
also provided ongoing valuable support in my Kenya-United States endeavors.
And my research was greatly enriched by informants, performers, and
participants who shared their perspectives and interpretations. We are just
beginning to uncover their varied accounts of Kenyan history.
I would like to thank other invaluable supporters. I extend a special thank
you to Dr. Gregory Conerly for various levels of advice, encouragement, and help
keeping the bigger picture in mind and to Dr. Tabitha Kanogo for posing
important research questions and for her willingness to assist with the project.
Thank you to Dr. Shasta Jones for all of her editorial efforts and support. I also
appreciate the encouragement of so many others like Ms. Sherri Nash, Ms.
Laura Robertson, Ms. Kelly Kouyate, Dr. Bayyinah Jeffries, Ms. Juone Cox, Ms.
Eci Diouf, Ms. Mary Fleming-Bey, Ms. Barbara Boykins, Ms. Casey Hilliard, Ms.
Debra Jones, Ms. Faith Howard, Dr. Velvet Weems, and Dr. Kairn Klieman. My
research was greatly enhanced as the result of Kiswahili training in 2006 and
2008 through the Summer Cooperative African Language Institute. I give many
thanks to the sponsors, instructors, and staff of the Institute for their support and
assistance.
And finally, I am indebted to my family for their understanding and support
of this effort. Everyone played an important role in making this project possible. I
especially appreciate the encouragement of my mother who always centered me
as the object of analysis. In doing so, she helped me stay focused. I also want
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