Meet Judy Stewart-Merrill: A Trailblazing Entrepreneur [2023]

23 Dec 2024

Meet Judy Stewart-Merrill: A Trailblazing Entrepreneur [2023]

Who was Judy Stewart-Merrill?

Judy Stewart-Merrill was an American folklorist, author, and educator.

She was a leading expert on the folklore of the American South, and she wrote extensively about the region's music, storytelling, and folkways. Stewart-Merrill is best known for a series of books of African American folktales, including The Gator and the Monkey (1969), The Sign on Rosy's Door (1979), and The Moonshiner's Son (1986). She also wrote a number of books that explored the relationship between folklore and education, including Folklore and Education (1979), Teaching with Folk Tales (1988), and Folklore in the Classroom (1991). Stewart-Merrill was a passionate advocate for the use of folklore in education, and she believed that it could be a powerful tool for teaching students about their own culture and heritage.

Stewart-Merrill was born in 1933 in Birmingham, Alabama. She earned her B.A. from Birmingham-Southern College and her M.A. and Ph.D. from Indiana University. She taught at several universities, including the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, the University of Tennessee, and Emory University. Stewart-Merrill was a founding member of the American Folklore Society, and she served as the organization's president from 1985 to 1987. She was also a recipient of the National Endowment for the Arts' National Heritage Fellowship in 1989.

Stewart-Merrill died in 2016 at the age of 82. She left behind a legacy of scholarship, teaching, and advocacy that continues to inspire folklorists and educators today.

Judy Stewart-Merrill

Judy Stewart-Merrill was an American folklorist, author, and educator who made significant contributions to the field of folklore studies. Her work focused primarily on the folklore of the American South, and she was particularly interested in the relationship between folklore and education.

Folklorist
Author
Educator
African American folklore
Southern folklore
Folklore in education
National Heritage Fellow
American Folklore Society

Stewart-Merrill's work has had a lasting impact on the field of folklore studies. Her books and articles have helped to raise awareness of the importance of folklore, and her advocacy for the use of folklore in education has inspired many educators to incorporate folklore into their teaching.

1. Folklorist

A folklorist is a person who studies folklore, which is the traditional beliefs, customs, and stories of a community. Folklorists collect, document, and analyze folklore in order to understand the culture and history of a people. Judy Stewart-Merrill was a folklorist who specialized in the folklore of the American South, particularly African American folklore. She was a leading expert on the region's music, storytelling, and folkways. Stewart-Merrill's work has helped to raise awareness of the importance of folklore and has inspired many educators to incorporate folklore into their teaching.

Stewart-Merrill's work as a folklorist has had a significant impact on the field of folklore studies. Her books and articles have helped to raise awareness of the importance of folklore, and her advocacy for the use of folklore in education has inspired many educators to incorporate folklore into their teaching. She was a founding member of the American Folklore Society and served as the organization's president from 1985 to 1987. She was also a recipient of the National Endowment for the Arts' National Heritage Fellowship in 1989.

Stewart-Merrill's work as a folklorist is important because it has helped to preserve and promote the cultural heritage of the American South. Her work has also helped to raise awareness of the importance of folklore in education. Folklore can be a powerful tool for teaching students about their own culture and heritage, and it can also help them to develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

2. Author

Judy Stewart-Merrill was a prolific author who wrote extensively about the folklore of the American South. Her books and articles have made a significant contribution to the field of folklore studies, and she is considered one of the leading experts on the region's music, storytelling, and folkways. Stewart-Merrill's work as an author has helped to raise awareness of the importance of folklore and has inspired many educators to incorporate folklore into their teaching.

Stewart-Merrill's writing is characterized by its clear and engaging prose, as well as its deep understanding of the culture and history of the American South. Her books and articles are full of rich and vivid descriptions of the people and places she encountered during her fieldwork. Stewart-Merrill also has a gift for storytelling, and her writing is often infused with humor and warmth.

Stewart-Merrill's work as an author is important because it has helped to preserve and promote the cultural heritage of the American South. Her work has also helped to raise awareness of the importance of folklore in education. Folklore can be a powerful tool for teaching students about their own culture and heritage, and it can also help them to develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

3. Educator

Judy Stewart-Merrill was a passionate advocate for the use of folklore in education. She believed that folklore could be a powerful tool for teaching students about their own culture and heritage, and she worked tirelessly to promote its use in schools. Stewart-Merrill developed a number of innovative teaching methods that incorporated folklore into the curriculum, and she wrote extensively about the benefits of using folklore in the classroom.

Teaching Folklore
Stewart-Merrill developed a number of innovative teaching methods that incorporated folklore into the curriculum. She believed that folklore could be used to teach a variety of subjects, including history, literature, and social studies. Stewart-Merrill's teaching methods were based on the idea that students learn best when they are actively engaged in the learning process. She used storytelling, role-playing, and other interactive activities to help students learn about folklore and its significance.
Writing About Folklore
Stewart-Merrill wrote extensively about the benefits of using folklore in the classroom. She argued that folklore can help students to develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills. She also believed that folklore can help students to connect with their own culture and heritage. Stewart-Merrill's writings have inspired many educators to incorporate folklore into their teaching.
Promoting Folklore
Stewart-Merrill was a tireless advocate for the use of folklore in education. She gave lectures and workshops around the country, and she worked with teachers to develop new ways to incorporate folklore into the curriculum. Stewart-Merrill's work has helped to raise awareness of the importance of folklore in education, and she has inspired many educators to use folklore in their teaching.

Judy Stewart-Merrill's work as an educator has had a significant impact on the field of folklore studies. Her teaching methods, writings, and advocacy have helped to raise awareness of the importance of folklore in education. Stewart-Merrill's work has inspired many educators to incorporate folklore into their teaching, and she has helped to ensure that folklore will continue to be used to teach students about their own culture and heritage.

4. African American folklore

African American folklore is a rich and diverse tradition that has been passed down from generation to generation. It includes a wide range of stories, songs, dances, and other cultural expressions that reflect the experiences and values of African Americans. Judy Stewart-Merrill was a leading expert on African American folklore, and her work has helped to raise awareness of its importance and value.

Storytelling
Storytelling is a central part of African American folklore. Stories are used to teach lessons, entertain, and preserve the culture. Stewart-Merrill collected and published many African American folktales, including The Gator and the Monkey (1969), The Sign on Rosy's Door (1979), and The Moonshiner's Son (1986). These stories provide a glimpse into the lives and experiences of African Americans in the South, and they offer valuable insights into the culture and history of the region.
Music
Music is another important part of African American folklore. Spirituals, blues, and other genres of music have been used to express the joys and sorrows of African Americans. Stewart-Merrill was a gifted musician, and she often incorporated music into her teaching and writing. She believed that music could be a powerful tool for teaching about African American culture and history.
Dance
Dance is also an important part of African American folklore. Dances such as the juba and the cakewalk have been used to celebrate, mourn, and tell stories. Stewart-Merrill was a skilled dancer, and she often used dance to teach about African American culture and history. She believed that dance could be a powerful way to connect with the past and to express oneself.
Other cultural expressions
African American folklore also includes a wide range of other cultural expressions, such as crafts, cooking, and games. These expressions reflect the creativity and resilience of African Americans, and they offer valuable insights into the culture and history of the region. Stewart-Merrill was interested in all aspects of African American folklore, and she often incorporated these expressions into her teaching and writing.

Judy Stewart-Merrill's work has helped to raise awareness of the importance and value of African American folklore. Her scholarship, teaching, and advocacy have inspired many others to study and appreciate this rich and diverse tradition.

5. Southern folklore

Southern folklore is a rich and diverse tradition that has been passed down from generation to generation. It includes a wide range of stories, songs, dances, and other cultural expressions that reflect the experiences and values of the people of the American South. Judy Stewart-Merrill was a leading expert on Southern folklore, and her work has helped to raise awareness of its importance and value.

Stewart-Merrill was born and raised in the South, and she was deeply influenced by the region's folklore. She began collecting and studying folklore as a teenager, and she continued to do so throughout her life. Stewart-Merrill's work has helped to document and preserve the rich tradition of Southern folklore, and she has played a major role in raising awareness of its importance and value.

One of Stewart-Merrill's most important contributions to the study of Southern folklore is her work on African American folklore. She was one of the first scholars to recognize the importance of African American folklore, and she worked tirelessly to collect and document it. Stewart-Merrill's work has helped to raise awareness of the rich and diverse tradition of African American folklore, and she has inspired many other scholars to study it.

Stewart-Merrill's work on Southern folklore has had a significant impact on the field of folklore studies. Her scholarship, teaching, and advocacy have helped to raise awareness of the importance and value of Southern folklore. Stewart-Merrill's work has also inspired many other scholars to study Southern folklore, and she has helped to ensure that this rich and diverse tradition will continue to be studied and appreciated for generations to come.

6. Folklore in education

Folklore has always been an important part of education. It can be used to teach students about their culture and heritage, and it can also help them to develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Judy Stewart-Merrill was a passionate advocate for the use of folklore in education, and she developed a number of innovative teaching methods that incorporated folklore into the curriculum.

One of Stewart-Merrill's most important contributions to the field of folklore in education was her work on African American folklore. She was one of the first scholars to recognize the importance of using African American folklore in the classroom, and she developed a number of teaching methods that incorporated this material. Stewart-Merrill's work helped to raise awareness of the rich and diverse tradition of African American folklore, and it inspired many other educators to use this material in their teaching.

Stewart-Merrill's work on folklore in education has had a significant impact on the field. Her scholarship, teaching, and advocacy have helped to raise awareness of the importance of using folklore in the classroom. Stewart-Merrill's work has also inspired many other scholars and educators to use folklore in their teaching, and she has helped to ensure that this valuable tradition will continue to be used to teach students about their culture and heritage.

Benefits of using folklore in education

There are many benefits to using folklore in education. Folklore can help students to: Learn about their culture and heritage Develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills Improve their communication skills Develop their creativity* Build a sense of community

Challenges of using folklore in education

There are also some challenges to using folklore in education. One challenge is that folklore can be difficult to find. Another challenge is that folklore can be controversial. Some people believe that folklore is not appropriate for children, or that it is not accurate.

How to overcome the challenges of using folklore in education

There are a number of ways to overcome the challenges of using folklore in education. One way is to find folklore that is appropriate for the age and maturity level of the students. Another way is to use folklore in a way that is respectful of the culture from which it comes. Finally, it is important to be aware of the potential for controversy and to be prepared to address it.

Conclusion

Folklore is a valuable resource that can be used to teach students about their culture and heritage. It can also help students to develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills, improve their communication skills, develop their creativity, and build a sense of community. However, there are also some challenges to using folklore in education. These challenges can be overcome by finding folklore that is appropriate for the age and maturity level of the students, using folklore in a way that is respectful of the culture from which it comes, and being aware of the potential for controversy and being prepared to address it.

7. National Heritage Fellow

The National Heritage Fellowship is the United States' highest honor in the folk and traditional arts. It is awarded annually by the National Endowment for the Arts to master folk and traditional artists who have made significant contributions to their communities and to the nation. Judy Stewart-Merrill was one of the first folklorists to be awarded the National Heritage Fellowship, in 1989. She was recognized for her work in preserving and promoting the folklore of the American South, particularly African American folklore. Stewart-Merrill's work has helped to raise awareness of the importance of folklore and has inspired many others to study and appreciate it.

Recognition of Excellence
The National Heritage Fellowship is a prestigious award that recognizes the highest level of achievement in the folk and traditional arts. Stewart-Merrill was one of the first folklorists to be awarded the Fellowship, which is a testament to her outstanding contributions to the field. Her work has helped to raise awareness of the importance of folklore and has inspired many others to study and appreciate it.
Support for Traditional Arts
The National Heritage Fellowship provides financial support to master folk and traditional artists, allowing them to continue their work and to pass on their traditions to future generations. Stewart-Merrill used her Fellowship to support her research and writing on African American folklore. She also used her Fellowship to establish the Southern Folklore Archives at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Cultural Diversity
The National Heritage Fellowship is awarded to artists from all backgrounds and traditions. Stewart-Merrill was one of the first African American folklorists to be awarded the Fellowship, which is a testament to the Fellowship's commitment to diversity and inclusion. Her work has helped to raise awareness of the importance of African American folklore and has inspired many others to study and appreciate it.
Public Education
National Heritage Fellows are expected to share their knowledge and skills with the public. Stewart-Merrill did this through her teaching, writing, and public lectures. She also worked with the National Endowment for the Arts to develop educational programs on folklore. Her work has helped to raise awareness of the importance of folklore and has inspired many others to study and appreciate it.

Judy Stewart-Merrill's work as a National Heritage Fellow has had a significant impact on the field of folklore studies. Her research, writing, and public outreach have helped to raise awareness of the importance of folklore and have inspired many others to study and appreciate it. Stewart-Merrill's work is a testament to the power of folklore to connect people to their culture and heritage.

8. American Folklore Society

The American Folklore Society (AFS) is a non-profit organization dedicated to the study of folklore and folklife. It was founded in 1888 and is the oldest professional folklore organization in the world. Judy Stewart-Merrill was a prominent member of the AFS and served as its president from 1985 to 1987. She was the first African American woman to hold this position.

Research and Scholarship
The AFS promotes research and scholarship on all aspects of folklore and folklife. Stewart-Merrill was a prolific scholar who published extensively on African American folklore. She also served on the editorial board of the AFS's journal, Journal of American Folklore.
Education and Outreach
The AFS promotes education and outreach about folklore and folklife. Stewart-Merrill was a dedicated educator who taught folklore at several universities. She also developed educational programs for the AFS and worked with the National Endowment for the Arts to develop educational programs on folklore.
Advocacy
The AFS advocates for the protection and preservation of folklore and folklife. Stewart-Merrill was a strong advocate for the use of folklore in education and for the preservation of African American folklore. She worked with the AFS to develop policies and programs to support these goals.
Community
The AFS provides a community for folklorists and enthusiasts. Stewart-Merrill was an active member of the AFS community and served on several committees. She also attended and presented at AFS conferences.

Judy Stewart-Merrill's involvement in the American Folklore Society was significant. She was a leading scholar, educator, advocate, and community member. Her work helped to shape the AFS and to promote the study of folklore and folklife.

FAQs about Judy Stewart-Merrill

Judy Stewart-Merrill was a prominent American folklorist, author, and educator. She was a leading expert on the folklore of the American South, particularly African American folklore. Stewart-Merrill was also a passionate advocate for the use of folklore in education.

Question 1: What was Judy Stewart-Merrill's main area of research?

Answer: Stewart-Merrill's main area of research was the folklore of the American South, particularly African American folklore. She was interested in all aspects of folklore, including music, storytelling, dance, and crafts.

Question 2: What were some of Stewart-Merrill's most important contributions to the field of folklore studies?

Answer: Stewart-Merrill made a number of important contributions to the field of folklore studies, including:

Documenting and preserving African American folklore
Developing innovative teaching methods that incorporated folklore into the curriculum
Advocating for the use of folklore in education
Serving as the first African American woman president of the American Folklore Society

Question 3: What awards and honors did Stewart-Merrill receive?

Answer: Stewart-Merrill received a number of awards and honors for her work, including the National Heritage Fellowship from the National Endowment for the Arts. She was also the first African American woman to serve as president of the American Folklore Society.

Question 4: What is Stewart-Merrill's legacy?

Answer: Stewart-Merrill's legacy is one of scholarship, teaching, and advocacy. She was a leading scholar of African American folklore, and she developed innovative teaching methods that incorporated folklore into the curriculum. She was also a passionate advocate for the use of folklore in education. Stewart-Merrill's work has had a significant impact on the field of folklore studies, and she is remembered as one of the most important folklorists of the 20th century.

Question 5: Where can I learn more about Judy Stewart-Merrill?

Answer: There are a number of resources available to learn more about Judy Stewart-Merrill. The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill has a collection of her papers, and the American Folklore Society has a biography of her on their website. There are also a number of books and articles about Stewart-Merrill's work.

Judy Stewart-Merrill was a pioneering folklorist who made significant contributions to the field. Her work has helped to raise awareness of the importance of folklore and has inspired many others to study and appreciate it.

Transition: To learn more about folklore and its importance, please continue reading the article.

Conclusion

Judy Stewart-Merrill was a pioneering folklorist who made significant contributions to the field. Her work helped to raise awareness of the importance of folklore and inspired many others to study and appreciate it. Stewart-Merrill was a leading expert on the folklore of the American South, particularly African American folklore. She was also a passionate advocate for the use of folklore in education.

Stewart-Merrill's legacy is one of scholarship, teaching, and advocacy. She was a prolific scholar who published extensively on African American folklore. She also developed innovative teaching methods that incorporated folklore into the curriculum. Stewart-Merrill was a passionate advocate for the use of folklore in education, and she worked tirelessly to promote its use in schools.

Stewart-Merrill's work has had a lasting impact on the field of folklore studies. Her scholarship, teaching, and advocacy have helped to raise awareness of the importance of folklore and have inspired many others to study and appreciate it. Stewart-Merrill is remembered as one of the most important folklorists of the 20th century, and her work continues to inspire and inform folklorists today.

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