The sidewalk-song of children's folklore performs a particularly important role in African American culture. When Black youth perform these sidewalk songs, they practice and learn to contribute to their rich African American verbal culture. The dueling dozens and rapping have been incorrectly attributed only to Black male culture. Girls also participate in these early raps and frequently with boys. Boys participate with girls to varying degrees depending on their exposure to sisters, girl cousins, and neighbors.
Black children perform the songs and rhymes in a family and extended-family environment.
This does not mean that all is love and kindness. Many families retain that g eographical closeness and do not speak because of old grudges. Yet, for the sake of the children, a nurturing and extensive children's society continues. The existence of children's sidewalk culture depends on adults who believe that children should socialize separately. Even though they consider their children to be blessings from God, they believe that children should not be a part of adult talk and that children should play with children.