Black Elk Praying on Black Elk Peak, Known Then as Harney Peak.
Photo by John Neihardt
Black Elk Spoke
To appreciate the farsightedness of Black Elk's message, we need to begin by taking a close look at some of the extraordinary events and visions of his life. These not only informed his message but led him to trust a white man—and a total stranger—to convey that message to the English-speaking world.
We Need to Listen Now
Teachers may freely reproduce "Black Elk Spoke: We Need to Listen Now" for classroom use with appropriate citation, including this website as the source. In all other instances, readers may quote or paraphrase the article, with appropriate citation, in accordance with Fair Use guidelines.
Black Elk with Second Wife Anna Brings White and Daughter Lucy. Source: Digital Denver Library
Black Elk and Elk as Performers in Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show. Source: National Anthropological Archives, Smithsonian Institution.
Denver Public Library Special Collections.