In the Hollow of Your Hand

In the Hollow of Your Hand is a collection of African American family folklore compiled by Alice McGill. The book captures the rich oral tradition passed down through generations, featuring stories, songs, and prayers that reflect the experiences and wisdom of African American ancestors. McGill, an accomplished storyteller, brings these tales to life with her narrative flair, preserving the cultural heritage and providing a resource for young readers to connect with their past. The stories range from humorous to poignant, offering insights into the values, struggles, and triumphs of the African American community. This book serves as a celebration of cultural identity and a reminder of the power of storytelling in keeping history alive. Slave lullabies, created from the African-American experience, were sung to give hope for a better time to come. Although these lullabies were born of hardship and overwhelming sadness, they can be thought of as musical stories for children and adults. By turns soothing, playful, empowering, and bittersweet, the songs convey the love of parents for children. Since childhood, Alice McGill has been collecting and singing these lullabies. Here they are preserved along with vibrant quilt collages and a CD recording of each song, introduced and sung by McGill. Her voice is rich and resonant, adding yet another dimension to these moving pieces of oral history. This beautiful package of lullabies, artwork, and personal history invites readers of all ages to sing along and remember the powerful words and melodies of a people struggling to survive.