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CROSSTIMBERSA Multicultural and Interdisciplinary Publication of the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma Foundation In the cross timbers region the hardwood forest merges with the Great Plains. In this band running down the middle of the United States, flora and fauna of both areas can be found in surprising proximity. Only a few feet from tall bluestem grass are members of the orchid family. Dark oak trees with mossy bark flourish over prickly pear. Unlike that abrupt change where the last of the trees disappear as the mountains rise beyond where things will grow, the cross timbers is often mile upon mile of alternating woodland and grassland terrain. But the region is not limited to these natural phenomena. Throughout history the cultural development of any such area will reflect both environments. In Oklahoma the mixture is peculiarly rich in that Native Americans from the wetlands of Florida were forcibly relocated to the eastern parts of the state while native tribes of the northern plains were forced southward by the destruction of the buffalo herds which had sustained them. Black slaves, now freed, found their way westward in hopes of finding freedom to build for themselves a place in the sun. Then, at the opening of the twentieth century, a European- based culture with its newly created upheavals of steel age technology came thundering down the plains. In the last third of the century, people from Asia began to form substantial communities in the urban areas, and Mexicans and Mexican-Americans became an increasing factor in the work force. Both groups have brought new cultural challenges to enhance the already complex society. This publication focuses, not on each group, but on the relatedness of these groups, one to the other. A full range of academic disciplines explores the complex formation of the separate yet interrelated units in the region. At times there is the hostility of competitive forces, whether in nature where the protective shelter of the smaller creatures is destroyed by wanton herds, where exotic plants crowd out the native species, or in human culture where the remains of traditions struggle against the overwhelming odds of modern life. At times there is pain, suffering, and the loss of that which is good; at other times there is a harmonious balance that causes rejoicing even among the most cynical.
Writers interested in having their poems, articles, or fiction published in CROSSTIMBERS should contact the appropriate editor.
Call for Submissions: Volume 11.2 (Fall/Winter 2011) CROSSTIMBERS, a Multicultural and Interdisciplinary Journal, invites scholarly CROSSTIMBERS, a Multicultural and Interdisciplinary Journal, invites scholarly and creative submissions for Volume 11.2, to be published in December 2011. The editors of CROSSTIMBERS encourage submission of manuscripts from a broad spectrum of disciplinary perspectives (such as anthropology, economics, ecology, folklore, geography, geology, history, literature, music, and political science), as well as interdisciplinary approaches. While our primary focus is regional we also accept essays and articles with international and global themes. In addition, we are interested in high-quality short stories, poems, plays, and works of creative nonfiction, along with visual art. Electronic submissions are preferred and may be sent as Word attachments to the appropriate editor or Editor in Chief Ingrid Shafer, ihs@ionet.net. Queries may also be sent to this address. Hard copy manuscripts will be recycled rather than returned. If you have no e-mail address, please include a stamped, selfaddressed envelope for reply. Guidelines for Submissions --------------------- PRODUCTION MANAGER: Layne Thrift, lthrift@usao.edu USAO complies fully with Section 3-1114 of Title 65 of the Oklahoma Statutes. This publication, printed by the Mercury Press, Oklahoma City, is issued by the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma Foundation, Inc. as authorized by the Foundation Board of Directors. A total of 2400 copies of each issue is prepared through financial support from private donors. Copies have been deposited with the Publication Clearinghouse of the Oklahoma department of Libraries and the Congressional Library. Rights to all materials appearing in CROSSTIMBERS remain with the author, artist, or source. The USAO Foundation may be contacted online at usaofoundation.org. The editors may be contacted at 1727 W. Alabama, Chickasha, Oklahoma 73018-5322. Phone 405 224-3988 (home), Fax 405 574-1220, or at ihs@ionet.net. Issue Price—$3.00. Subscription, 3 years (6 issues) $15.00. Last revised 23 May 2011 by ihs. |