This is a call for contributions to a collection of essays on southern Identity. The goal is to publish the collection with a University Press specializing in southern history. The idea, naturally born in a conference hotel bar, is to explore what historically it has meant to be a southerner. Is southern identity limited to those who are white and native-born? When and under what circumstances do Black, Jewish, Latino, Native American, and Asian southerners make a claim to southernness. When and under what circumstances do those transplanted to the South assume a southern identity? Indeed what does it mean to be southern? Who decides who is or is not southern? Why do some southerners seem especially defensive or protective of southern identity while others do not? Historians of the South study Dixie as an independent region, with different, unique, and special traits, yet we continue to find it difficult to agree on what it is to be southern. Furthermore, some have begun to suggest that there is no longer anything particular or unique about the South. Our goal with this collection will be to begin to answer some of these questions and to point to one possible direction for scholars in the twenty first century to explore.

Essays may cover any area of southern identity from any time period. To avoid preconceived notions, contributors will have a great deal of latitude in topics and themes. Interested contributors should send a brief proposal (no more than 500 words) to each of the addresses listed below by May 1, 2004. If accepted for the collection, essays will need to be between 25 and 30 pages in length and be completed by September 1, 2004.

For further information, contact: