In “Maroons: Blackgirlhood in Plain Sight,” LeConté J. Dill uses several definitions pertaining to formerly enslaved black people and their descendants for the word “maroon.” Dill defines marronage as three different things: “1. to leave; 2. to resist bondage; 3. to survive.” Throughout the article Dill explores the concept of “blackgirls” and “blackgirlhood” which she understands to be one word rather than a phrase. The final definition she lists (which I take to define what she views blackgirls to function as) is: “a physical expression of self-determination for Black Diasporic people; 2. a creation of safe(r) spaces.” For Dill, blackgirls are complex and whole beings that reject compartmentalization. Blackgirls are examples of maroons, and their existence is the action of marronage because of “the ways that they/we clap back to state-sanctioned violence, school pushout, neighborhood violence, and sexual assault.”
In the performance “Black Girl Linguistic Play,” Camille A. Brown explores themes of language being both a connection and a barrier for blackgirls. In the choreography, the two blackgirls are able to celebrate their individuality because of the Afrikanist influences that enable juxtapositions within the rhythm. The dancers are examples of maroons and marronage as the performance takes place on a Tedx stage with a predominately white audience. In standing out, their physicality makes a safe space on the stage for them to express themselves. This can be seen as their resistance to bondage—they are refusing to conform themselves to what is typical of a Ted Ed guest. Their dance moves, blackness, and clothes are all inherently against the norm. Conversation also occurs during the dance, they are encouraging one another and jeering in what is reminiscent of childhood call-and-response games. The language in accompaniment with their facial expressions present another example of resistance—their use of language is what would be considered as an incorrect way of speaking or improper. In a proud display of their blackgirlhood, they exemplify marronage by “enacting self-determination and sovereignty,” they are commanding the room and thereby demonstrating control over how they present their identity.
Works Cited
Dill, L.J. “Maroons: Blackgirlhood in Plain Sight.” Feminist Anthropology, vol. 3, no. 3, 2022, pp. 263–273, doi:10.1002/fea2.12089.
“Black Girl Linguistic Play | Camille A. Brown | TEDxBeaconStreetSalon.” YouTube, uploaded by Tedx Talks, 29 March 2016, https://youtu.be/jBwBscuc08g?si=H7dJ8CPLiwadamXf.
