As The Old Folks Usta' Say... records the proverbs, sayings and folk-wit from the rich oral tradition of African-American history. In over 250 hilarious, wise and witty one-liners, the voices of old-school wisdom come to life on these pages. A welcome change from African proverbs, these sayings are exclusively from the American experience, Ebonics and all! You'll laugh, you may even cry, as you remember the guiding words of your parents or grandparents. You'll be touched with pride in your heritage. You'll learn some witty and concise responses to say to your children. As they remember and repeat them to their children, your words will become a cherished memory. Los Angeles, California -- Is it ever correct to use Ebonics? Will recognition of Ebonics by the educational established condemn an entire generation of African-American students to failure? Heated debate and controversy continue as a key factor is often overlooked: context. Ebonics, in proper context, is a valid and relevant form of language in the classroom and beyond. Ebonics is not just street slang with fractures of the verb To Be. Past generations of African-Americans who lacked formal education developed a unique, emphatic dialect which they used to express themselves eloquently, often in proverbs and sayings which endure to this day. In As The Old Folks Usta' Say... Black Proverbs, Sayings and Folk-wit, Ebonics occurs in a natural context. Readers will develop a new appreciation and respect for its power to communicate. Each generation in the family will enjoy the over 250 hilarious, wise and witty adages. Devoted exclusively to African-American oral literature, this book is a refreshing change from run-of-the-millethnic proverbs. Parents, teachers, preachers and other speakers will welcome this new resource for life lessons from the old school.