African Americans

Abstract

The André LeRoy Davis Hip Hop Collection features eight fine art prints featuring illustrations from the artist. Six of the illustrations were published in the Source between 1994 and 2003 in Davis’ editorial column “The Last Word.” The illustrations address issues of politics, culture, and justice through the lens of hip hop and show why Davis is considered the father of hip hop comics.

Abstract The Carl Van Vechten Photographic Portrait Collection (1933-1955) consists of 33 black and white photographs of notable African American musicians and performers of the day. The subjects of the portraits cut across genres of opera, musical theatre, jazz, folk, and popular song. The collection includes Marian Anderson (sontralto), (Pearl Bailey (jazz and popular singer), Harry Belafonte (popular singer and actor), Margaret Bonds (classical composer), Carol Brice (contralto), Cab Calloway...

Abstract

The Charles Stewart Jazz Portraits Collection consists of five photographs of jazz musicians taken in the 1960s by the African-American photographer Charles “Chuck” Stewart (1927-2017) in New York, including photographs of Louis Armstrong, Dizzy Gillespie, Lionel Hampton, and Roy Eldridge.

Abstract

This collection contains an 1898 copy of The Sambo Book, a collection of racist dialect manuscripts by Isaac Coale, Jr.

Scope and Contents The Dom Flemons American Songster Collection (110 linear feet) consists of audio recordings, materials related to the creation of the album Black Cowboys, reference materials, drafts and liner notes, correspondence, ephemera and tour materials, press and promotional materials, photographs, folk art and fan art, garments, artifacts, framed items, posters, books, born digital files and musical instruments. The collection is arranged in twenty two series. It covers the years of 1950 to 2022...

Abstract

This collection contains two black coats made for Janet Jackson's 1990 Rhythm Nation Tour. One coat was worn by Jackson during the opening sequence of the tour while performing "Control" and "Nasty." The other coat is a similar, second version of the first coat.

Abstract

The John B. Lomax Collection contains 54 photographs documenting the African-American soldiers of the 3067 Quartermaster Salvage Collecting Company in training in Wyoming during WWII, with almost all of the photographs annotated with humorous remarks and identifications of the images. There is also a photostatic copy of discharge papers.

Abstract

The Rissi Palmer Collection, 1984-2021, consists of songwriting notebooks, photographs, CDs, and outfits from African-American country music artist Rissi Palmer, b. 1981.

Abstract The Photographs of Jazz Musicians collection represents 80 photographs primarily from the 1930s and 1940s. These photographs showcase jazz musicians, bands, and vocalists, including Sarah Vaughan, Louis Armstrong, Benny Goodman, Sidney Bechet, Dizzy Gillespie, Charlie Christian, Max Roach, Nat King Cole, Lionel Hampton and others. Through these images, ranging from promotional stills to candid live performance shots and behind-the-scenes captures, we can trace the evolution of jazz music...

Abstract The Otha Turner collection includes audiovisual recordings, musical instruments, and other materials documenting the life and artistry of Othar (Otha) Turner (1907-2003). A master of the fife and drum tradition from northern Mississippi, Turner was a farmer in Gravel Springs, Mississippi. He performed fife and drum music at goat barbeques, held annually around Labor Day, for family and community members. A few of these performances were recorded and are included in the collection. Later in...

Abstract

This collection contains a muster roll of a company of black soldiers in the American Civil War. The company was present at General Robert E. Lee's surrender at Appomattox Court House.

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This collection contains the papers of Rev. Dr. Melvin H. Watson (1908-2006), religious leader, educator, longtime friend of the King family, and important figure in the Civil Rights Movement. Many of the papers relate to his 30+ years of service as pastor of Liberty Baptist Church in Atlanta (1958-1990).

Abstract

Correspondence, photographs, and photo postcards from Wilbur E. Kennedy during World War I and his son, Wilbur W. Kennedy, Jr., during World War II. Almost all of the correspondence is addressed to Sophia Williams Kennedy, the wife of Wilbur E. and the mother of Wilbur W.