Written by

Dr. King, Martin Luther Jr., American, 1929 - 1968

Received by

Louis Tate, American, 1911 - 1964

Subject of

Southern Christian Leadership Conference, American, founded 1957

Rev. Abernathy, Ralph David, American, 1926 - 1990

Rev. Dr. Walker, Wyatt Tee, American, 1929 - 2018

Signed by

Dr. King, Martin Luther Jr., American, 1929 - 1968

Medium

ink on paper

Dimensions

H x W: 11 x 8 7/16 in. (27.9 x 21.4 cm)

Type

letters (correspondence)

Place used

Passaic, Passaic County, New Jersey, United States, North and Central America

Place made

Atlanta, Fulton County, Georgia, United States, North and Central America

Date

February 12, 1964

Description

Typewritten letter from Martin Luther King Jr. to Louis Tate. The letter is signed by King in blue ink. The letter is written on SCLS letterhead and dated February 12, 1964. The letterhead is printed in black at the top. The letter begins "This is to acknowledge receipt of your letter of recent date inviting me to speak in Paterson under the auspices of the Trustee Board of St. Augustine Presbyterian Church sometime in March or April..." The back of the document is blank.

Topic

African American

Civil Rights

Correspondence

Religious groups

Social reform

United States--History--1961-1969

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Jyl C. Woolfolk

Object number

2012.166.4

Restrictions & Rights

No Known Copyright Restrictions

See more items in

National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

Classification

Documents and Published Materials

Data Source

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Subject of

Davis, Sammy Jr., American, 1925 - 1990

Medium

lithographic ink on paper , wood

Dimensions

H x W x D: 30 3/4 x 29 1/16 (78.1 x 73.8 x 0.1 cm)

Type

portraits

posters

Place used

32 North Kentucky, Atlantic City, Atlantic County, New Jersey, United States, North and Central America

Date

1955-1975

Description

(2013.2.3a) A black and white poster of an image of Sammy Davis, Jr. He is seen from the chest up, wearing a tuxedo, bow tie, and white shirt. On his shirt there are small dark pin stripes and three (3) dark buttons can be seen. In this front pocket is small, white pocket square. Davis is seen smiling into the camera. In the lower left corner along the bottom is a small white triangle with Davis' name in capital, black letters: [SAMMY DAVIS JR]. (2013.2.3b) A wooden frame holds the poster.

Topic

African American

Actors

Entertainers

Nightlife

Segregation

Singers (Musicians)

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of CBBHFI-Henrietta Shelton

Object number

2013.2.3ab

Restrictions & Rights

@ Getty Images. Permission required for use.

See more items in

National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

Classification

Media Arts-Photography

Memorabilia and Ephemera

Data Source

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Written by

Sims, Guy A.

Subject of

Big City Comics, Inc., American, 1989 - 1996

Medium

ink on paper (fiber product), metal

Dimensions

H x W x D: 11 1/2 × 9 1/16 × 3/8 in. (29.2 × 23 × 0.9 cm)

Type

scripts (documents)

Place used

East Orange, Essex County, New Jersey, United States, North and Central America

Date

October 31, 1992

Description

Original Brotherman Comic script written by Guy A. Sims. The script is 21 pages long and has a brown cover. A typed label on the cover has been crossed out indicating the cover was reused. The first page of the script reads “BROTHERMAN: Dictator of Discipline / Episode #9 / “Drawn to Justice” / By Guy A. Sims / October 31, 1992.” The script has several additions and edits handwritten in ink throughout the document.

Topic

African American

Comics and graphic novels

Language

Literature

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Brotherman Comics / Big City Entertainment, Inc.

Object number

2017.116.2

Restrictions & Rights

© Big City Entertainment, Inc.

See more items in

National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

Classification

Memorabilia and Ephemera

Data Source

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Manufactured by

Unidentified

Illustrated by

Anyabwile, Dawud

Subject of

Big City Comics, Inc., American, 1989 - 1996

Medium

ink, graphite on paper (fiber product)

Dimensions

H x W x D (closed): 13 15/16 × 11 × 11/16 in. (35.4 × 28 × 1.8 cm)

H x W x D (open): 13 15/16 × 22 7/16 in. (35.4 × 57 cm)

Type

sketchbooks

Place used

East Orange, Essex County, New Jersey, United States, North and Central America

Date

ca. 1992

Description

Original Brotherman comic sketchbook illustrated by Dawud Anyabwile. The sketchbook has a black cover with silver and blue stylized lettering covering the front, spine and back. The sketchbook has 168 pages. It is illustrated using pencil and different colored inks and markers. The book contains pages of handwritten text as well as sketches and storyboarded images. Handwritten in the middle of one page towards the back is “©DAVIDSIMS92.” One page has been torn out in the middle of the sketchbook.

Topic

African American

Art

Comics and graphic novels

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Brotherman Comics / Big City Entertainment, Inc.

Object number

2017.116.3

Restrictions & Rights

© Big City Entertainment, Inc.

See more items in

National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

Classification

Memorabilia and Ephemera

Data Source

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Published by

Big City Comics, Inc., American, 1989 - 1996

Illustrated by

Anyabwile, Dawud

Written by

Sims, Guy A.

Distributed by

Sims, Jason E.

Medium

ink on paper

Dimensions

H x W x D: 9 15/16 × 8 1/16 × 1/16 in. (25.3 × 20.5 × 0.1 cm)

Type

comic books

Place made

East Orange, Essex County, New Jersey, United States, North and Central America

Date

April 1990

Description

Brotherman No. 1 published by Big City Comics, Inc. The comic book has 24 pages. The front cover of the comic book features a color image of the face of Brotherman. He is wearing a blue mask with the letter “B” on his forehead. Printed in white ink at the top of the page is “BROTHER / MAN / DICTATOR OF DISCIPLINE.” Printed in white ink across the middle of the front cover is “HE’S HERE!” Printed in white ink at the bottom of the front cover is “…Everything’s Gonna Be Alright.” In the top left corner is a rectangle with an image of a city skyline at top. Below the image in blue and white text is “BIG CITY / COMICS / No. 1 / $2.00 USA / $2.75 CANADA.” Inside the front cover is a short summary of the hero and the word he inhabits and publishing information. The back cover are advertisements for Brotherman No. 2 and t-shirts with the Brotherman logo. The cover of the comic book is black with white text. Printed at the top is “IT’S HERE!” The Big City Comics logo is at the center of the back cover. Printed beneath the logo is “Nothing’s Gonna Be The Same.”

Topic

African American

Art

Comics and graphic novels

Graphic design

Literature

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Brotherman Comics / Big City Entertainment, Inc.

Object number

2017.116.4.1

Restrictions & Rights

© Big City Entertainment, Inc.

See more items in

National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

Classification

Documents and Published Materials-Published Works

Data Source

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Published by

Big City Comics, Inc., American, 1989 - 1996

Illustrated by

Anyabwile, Dawud

Written by

Sims, Guy A.

Distributed by

Sims, Jason E.

Medium

ink on paper

Dimensions

H x W x D: 9 15/16 × 7 7/8 × 1/16 in. (25.3 × 20 × 0.1 cm)

Type

comic books

Place made

East Orange, Essex County, New Jersey, United States, North and Central America

Date

June 1994

Description

Brotherman No. 10 published by Big City Comics, Inc. The comic book has 24 pages. The front cover has a colored illustration of a street scene. A crowd of people are standing in a parking lot in front of buildings listening to a man speaking at a podium. In the foreground of the illustration is a woman in an orange floral print dress and a man in a blue vest and pants. The woman has her arms around the man’s shoulders. The man is standing with his left fist raised above his head. In his other hand he is holding a sign that reads “THINK FOR YOURSELF.” The sign is pointed towards the ground. A bust of a man in a red fedora and jacket, and a polka dot necktie is in the background above the buildings and crowd of people. He is viewed from the chest up and is smoking a cigar. Printed in white and black ink at the top of the page is “THE ORIGIN OF / BROTHER / MAN / DICTATOR OF DISCIPLINE.” In the top left corner is Big City Comics logo. Below the logo is “No. 10 / $2.00 USA / $2.75 CANADA.” Printed in yellow ink in the bottom right corner is “COMMENCEMENT!” A color advertisement for clothing featuring Brotherman Comic images is on the back of the comic book. The advertisement features color photographs of people wearing the clothing.

Topic

African American

Art

Comics and graphic novels

Graphic design

Literature

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Brotherman Comics / Big City Entertainment, Inc.

Object number

2017.116.4.10

Restrictions & Rights

© Big City Entertainment, Inc.

See more items in

National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

Classification

Documents and Published Materials-Published Works

Data Source

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Published by

Big City Comics, Inc., American, 1989 - 1996

Illustrated by

Anyabwile, Dawud

Written by

Sims, Guy A.

Distributed by

Sims, Jason E.

Medium

ink on paper

Dimensions

H x W x D: 9 15/16 × 7 7/8 × 1/16 in. (25.3 × 20 × 0.1 cm)

Type

comic books

Place made

East Orange, Essex County, New Jersey, United States, North and Central America

Date

July 1996

Description

Brotherman No. 11 published by Big City Comics, Inc. The comic book has 24 pages. The front cover has a colored illustration of four people from the chest up in the background. The portraits are of three men and a woman. They are all wearing red clothing. In the foreground is an illustration of Brotherman. He is wearing a blue long sleeve shirt, backpack, shorts, striped socks and sneakers. The letter “B” is printed on the center of his shirt. He is also wearing sunglasses. He is standing with his left arm outstretched and has his legs bent. His right arm is bent back, and his right hand is next to his head. Printed in red ink at the top of the page is “BROTHER / MAN / DICTATOR OF DISCIPLINE.” In the top left corner is Big City Comics logo. Below the logo is “No. 11 / $2.95 USA / $4.15 CANADA.” Printed in red ink along the bottom pf the cover is “STEPPING STONES.” Printed in black ink in the bottom right corner is the artist's signature. It reads “©DAVID SIMS 95.” On the back of the comic book is an advertisement for a graphics company in Texas.

Topic

African American

Art

Comics and graphic novels

Graphic design

Literature

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Brotherman Comics / Big City Entertainment, Inc.

Object number

2017.116.4.11

Restrictions & Rights

© Big City Entertainment, Inc.

See more items in

National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

Classification

Documents and Published Materials-Published Works

Data Source

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Published by

Big City Comics, Inc., American, 1989 - 1996

Illustrated by

Anyabwile, Dawud

Written by

Sims, Guy A.

Distributed by

Sims, Jason E.

Medium

ink on paper

Dimensions

H x W x D: 9 15/16 × 8 1/16 × 1/16 in. (25.3 × 20.5 × 0.1 cm)

Type

comic books

Place made

East Orange, Essex County, New Jersey, United States, North and Central America

Date

September 1990

Description

Brotherman No. 2 published by Big City Comics, Inc. The comic book has 24 pages. The front cover of the comic book is blue with an illustration at center. The illustration depicts a courtroom with a judge sitting at a bench in the top right corner. In front of the bench are police officers and men in suits. The judge and people are illustrated in black and white. On the right side of the image is a woman, who is depicted in color. She is wearing a black mask and cape with red earrings, jacket, pants and boots. The image has a yellow background. Printed in white ink at the top of the page is “BROTHER / MAN / DICTATOR OF DISCIPLINE.” Printed vertically on the left side of the image is “MY, JURY!” In the top left corner is Big City Comics logo. Below the logo is “No. 2 / $2.00 USA / $2.75 CANADA.” The inside cover features letters from fans and publishing information. Inside the back cover is an order form for Brotherman Comics. The back cover is blue with white lettering. Printed at the top is “IT’S STILL HERE!” The Big City Comics logo is at the center of the back cover. Printed beneath the logo is “The Chang Is In Effect.”

Topic

African American

Art

Comics and graphic novels

Graphic design

Literature

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Brotherman Comics / Big City Entertainment, Inc.

Object number

2017.116.4.2

Restrictions & Rights

© Big City Entertainment, Inc.

See more items in

National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

Classification

Documents and Published Materials-Published Works

Data Source

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Published by

Big City Comics, Inc., American, 1989 - 1996

Illustrated by

Anyabwile, Dawud

Written by

Sims, Guy A.

Distributed by

Sims, Jason E.

Medium

ink on paper

Dimensions

H x W x D: 9 15/16 × 8 1/16 × 1/16 in. (25.3 × 20.5 × 0.1 cm)

Type

comic books

Place made

East Orange, Essex County, New Jersey, United States, North and Central America

Date

March 1991

Description

Brotherman No. 3 published by Big City Comics, Inc. The comic book has 24 pages. The front cover of the comic book has a graffiti filled background. Two men wearing blue jackets are on the right side. In the foreground at center is an image of a man in a brown jacket holding a marker in his right hand. His left hand is clenched in a fist. He is looking at the viewer. Printed in white ink at the top of the page is “BROTHER / MAN / DICTATOR OF DISCIPLINE.” Printed in white ink at the bottom of the front cover is “Boundless Logic of the Original Concrete King.” In the top left corner is Big City Comics logo. Below the logo is “No. 3 / $2.00 USA / $2.75 CANADA.” The back cover is white. At center printed in black ink in stylized text is “Think / Big / City.”

Topic

African American

Art

Comics and graphic novels

Graphic design

Literature

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Brotherman Comics / Big City Entertainment, Inc.

Object number

2017.116.4.3

Restrictions & Rights

© Big City Entertainment, Inc.

See more items in

National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

Classification

Documents and Published Materials-Published Works

Data Source

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Published by

Big City Comics, Inc., American, 1989 - 1996

Illustrated by

Anyabwile, Dawud

Written by

Sims, Guy A.

Distributed by

Sims, Jason E.

Medium

ink on paper

Dimensions

H x W x D: 9 15/16 × 7 7/8 × 1/16 in. (25.3 × 20 × 0.1 cm)

Type

comic books

Place made

East Orange, Essex County, New Jersey, United States, North and Central America

Date

September 1991

Description

Brotherman No. 4 published by Big City Comics, Inc. The comic book has 24 pages. On the front cover of the comic a street scene is depicted. A red brick building is in the background with signs on the wall. A crowd of people are standing in front of the building. Some of the people are turned toward the viewer and smiling. On the left side of the cover an outstretched arm holding an eraser is erasing the building. On the right side of the cover an outstretched hand holding a pencil is filling in one of the signs on the building. Printed in white ink at the top of the page is “BROTHER / MAN / DICTATOR OF DISCIPLINE.” In the top left corner is Big City Comics logo. Below the logo is “No. 4 / $2.00 USA / $2.75 CANADA.” The back cover is black and has white text. Printed at top is “Expanding!” The Big City Comics logo is at the center of the back cover. Printed beneath the logo is “Prepare For A New Realm Of Entertainment.”

Topic

African American

Art

Comics and graphic novels

Graphic design

Literature

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Brotherman Comics / Big City Entertainment, Inc.

Object number

2017.116.4.4

Restrictions & Rights

© Big City Entertainment, Inc.

See more items in

National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

Classification

Documents and Published Materials-Published Works

Data Source

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Published by

Big City Comics, Inc., American, 1989 - 1996

Illustrated by

Anyabwile, Dawud

Written by

Sims, Guy A.

Distributed by

Sims, Jason E.

Medium

ink on paper

Dimensions

H x W x D: 9 15/16 × 7 7/8 × 1/16 in. (25.3 × 20 × 0.1 cm)

Type

comic books

Place made

East Orange, Essex County, New Jersey, United States, North and Central America

Date

February 1992

Description

Brotherman No. 5 published by Big City Comics, Inc. The comic book has 24 pages. The front cover has white border with a color image at center. A cityscape is in the background of the image. In the foreground a crowd of policeman dressed in green uniforms are marching and holding signs. Many of the policemen have their fists raised above their heads. Printed in white ink at the top of the page is “BROTHER / MAN / DICTATOR OF DISCIPLINE.” In the top left corner is Big City Comics logo. Below the logo is “No. 5 / $2.00 USA / $2.75 CANADA.” A color advertisement for clothing featuring Brotherman Comic images is on the back of the comic book. The advertisement features color photographs of people wearing the clothing.

Topic

African American

Art

Comics and graphic novels

Graphic design

Literature

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Brotherman Comics / Big City Entertainment, Inc.

Object number

2017.116.4.5

Restrictions & Rights

© Big City Entertainment, Inc.

See more items in

National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

Classification

Documents and Published Materials-Published Works

Data Source

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Published by

Big City Comics, Inc., American, 1989 - 1996

Illustrated by

Anyabwile, Dawud

Written by

Sims, Guy A.

Distributed by

Sims, Jason E.

Medium

ink on paper

Dimensions

H x W x D: 9 15/16 × 7 7/8 × 1/16 in. (25.3 × 20 × 0.1 cm)

Type

comic books

Place made

East Orange, Essex County, New Jersey, United States, North and Central America

Date

June 1992

Description

Brotherman No. 6 published by Big City Comics, Inc. The comic book has 24 pages. The front cover has an image of a man and a woman embracing in a furnished room. The man is wearing a white jacket and is leaning in to kiss the woman. His hands are resting on her shoulders. The woman has her right hand wrapped around the man’s shoulder and she is leaning in to kiss the man. Her left arm is out of sight. Both of their eyes are closed. Printed in white ink at the top of the page is “BROTHER / MAN / DICTATOR OF DISCIPLINE.” Printed in white ink at the bottom of the cover is “Portrait Of Deception!” In the top left corner is Big City Comics logo. Below the logo is “No. 6 / $2.00 USA / $2.75 CANADA.” The back cover is black with white printed text. Printed at top is “GET WITH IT!” The Big City Comics logo is at the center of the back cover. Printed beneath the logo is “Demand It At Your Local Store!”

Topic

African American

Art

Comics and graphic novels

Graphic design

Literature

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Brotherman Comics / Big City Entertainment, Inc.

Object number

2017.116.4.6

Restrictions & Rights

© Big City Entertainment, Inc.

See more items in

National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

Classification

Documents and Published Materials-Published Works

Data Source

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Published by

Big City Comics, Inc., American, 1989 - 1996

Illustrated by

Anyabwile, Dawud

Written by

Sims, Guy A.

Distributed by

Sims, Jason E.

Medium

ink on paper

Dimensions

H x W x D: 9 15/16 × 7 7/8 × 1/16 in. (25.3 × 20 × 0.1 cm)

Type

comic books

Place made

East Orange, Essex County, New Jersey, United States, North and Central America

Date

October 1992

Description

Brotherman No. 7 published by Big City Comics, Inc. The comic book has 24 pages. The front cover has a black border with a circular color image at center. The image is drawn to look like the viewer is looking through a lens or peephole. The image depicts a yellow and blue room. A woman tied to a chair wearing a blue dress is in the background. In the foreground is a man wearing a black suit. He is sitting on a chair and painting. A canvas and easel are in front of him and he is painting an image of the woman tied to the chair. His left hand is holding a paintbrush. Printed in white ink at the top of the page is “BROTHER / MAN / DICTATOR OF DISCIPLINE.” In the top left corner is Big City Comics logo. Below the logo is “No. 7 / $2.00 USA / $2.75 CANADA.” The back cover is black with white printed text. Printed at top is “KUJICHAGULIA!” The Big City Comics logo is at the center of the back cover. Printed beneath the logo is “Define, Name & Speak For Ourselves!”

Topic

African American

Art

Comics and graphic novels

Graphic design

Literature

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Brotherman Comics / Big City Entertainment, Inc.

Object number

2017.116.4.7

Restrictions & Rights

© Big City Entertainment, Inc.

See more items in

National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

Classification

Documents and Published Materials-Published Works

Data Source

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Published by

Big City Comics, Inc., American, 1989 - 1996

Illustrated by

Anyabwile, Dawud

Written by

Sims, Guy A.

Distributed by

Sims, Jason E.

Medium

ink on paper

Dimensions

H x W x D: 9 15/16 × 7 7/8 × 1/16 in. (25.3 × 20 × 0.1 cm)

Type

comic books

Place made

East Orange, Essex County, New Jersey, United States, North and Central America

Date

March 1993

Description

Brotherman No. 8 published by Big City Comics, Inc. The comic book has 24 pages. The front cover has a colored image of two men. Both men are wearing safety goggles and masks. The man on the left side of the cover is wearing a blue shirt and has his mask of. He is standing with his left side facing the viewer. He is holding a tube in his left hand. The other man is standing in the center of the image. He is looking directly at the viewer and is wearing a white and green striped shirt. His left hand is stretched out towards the viewer. He is holding a tattoo machine in his right hand. Printed in white ink at the top of the page is “BROTHER / MAN / DICTATOR OF DISCIPLINE.” In the top left corner is Big City Comics logo. Below the logo is “No. 8 / $2.00 USA / $2.75 CANADA.” Printed at the bottom of the cover in black ink in text that resembles handwriting is “SKETCHES OF THE SINISTER.” The back cover is tan with black and blue printed text and a red, yellow, orange and blue map of a city. The text and map are printed horizontally with the top of the map near the spine of the comic book. The text is on the left and bottom sides of the map. The map is labeled “UPPER CRUST COUNTY” and has a large city called “BIG CITY” at center. The text gives a description of Big City.

Topic

African American

Art

Comics and graphic novels

Graphic design

Literature

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Brotherman Comics / Big City Entertainment, Inc.

Object number

2017.116.4.8

Restrictions & Rights

© Big City Entertainment, Inc.

See more items in

National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

Classification

Documents and Published Materials-Published Works

Data Source

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Published by

Big City Comics, Inc., American, 1989 - 1996

Illustrated by

Anyabwile, Dawud

Written by

Sims, Guy A.

Distributed by

Sims, Jason E.

Medium

ink on paper

Dimensions

H x W x D: 9 15/16 × 7 7/8 × 1/16 in. (25.3 × 20 × 0.1 cm)

Type

comic books

Place made

East Orange, Essex County, New Jersey, United States, North and Central America

Date

September 1993

Description

Brotherman No. 9 published by Big City Comics, Inc. The comic book has 24 pages. The front cover has a colored illustration of an angry man surrounded by a crowd of reporters holding microphones and cameras. A hand holding a newspaper is in the foreground. The headline on the newspaper reads “Big City Bulletin / P. A. RICH PUT ON TRIAL.” Printed in white ink at the top of the page is “BROTHER / MAN / DICTATOR OF DISCIPLINE.” In the top left corner is Big City Comics logo. Below the logo is “No. 9 / $2.00 USA / $2.75 CANADA.” The back cover has an order form for Brotherman Comics. There is a large tear with loss of material at the bottom of the back cover.

Topic

African American

Art

Comics and graphic novels

Graphic design

Literature

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Brotherman Comics / Big City Entertainment, Inc.

Object number

2017.116.4.9

Restrictions & Rights

© Big City Entertainment, Inc.

See more items in

National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

Classification

Documents and Published Materials-Published Works

Data Source

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Created by

Anyabwile, Dawud

Subject of

Big City Comics, Inc., American, 1989 - 1996

Corpart Inc., American

Medium

ink on bristol

Dimensions

H x W: 11 × 14 in. (27.9 × 35.6 cm)

Type

drawings

Place made

East Orange, Essex County, New Jersey, United States, North and Central America

Date

1995

Description

A black and white illustration of a party scene. A large crowd of people are dancing in the background and more people are walking down a stairway. Text at the top of the image reads “I NEVER WOULD HAVE GUESSED IT BUT TONIGHT WOULD BECOME THE TURNING POINT IN MY LIFE.” Two men are in the foreground next to a record player. The person on the left is wearing a black hat. Both men are wearing jackets. Speech bubbles are above their heads. The speech bubble above the man on the right is slightly higher and says “YO Vic! I WICH THERE WAS A WAY TO KEEP THE MUSIC GOING INSTEAD OF STOPPING AFTER EACH RECORD.” The speech bubble above the man in the hat reads “IT’LL NEVER HAPPEN.” The picture is in a wood frame. A white label with black text is on the back of the frame at the bottom. It reads “CORP ART / PICTURE FRAMING / PRESIDENTIAL CORPORATE / 888-CORPART / WW.CORPART.NET / If Walls Could Talk, They’d ask For Us.” Handwritten in graphite on the back of the frame at top is “DAWUD ANYABWILE / “BROTHERMAN #11” / ORIGINAL PAGE / 1995 / INK ON BRISTOL / BROTHERMANCOMICS.COM.”

Topic

African American

Art

Comics and graphic novels

Graphic design

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Brotherman Comics / Big City Entertainment, Inc.

Object number

2017.116.5.2

Restrictions & Rights

© Big City Entertainment, Inc.

See more items in

National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

Classification

Visual Arts

Memorabilia and Ephemera

Data Source

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Created by

Anyabwile, Dawud

Subject of

Big City Comics, Inc., American, 1989 - 1996

Medium

acrylic on canvas

Dimensions

H x W x D: 56 11/16 × 56 11/16 × 1 3/4 in. (144 × 144 × 4.5 cm)

Type

paintings

Place made

East Orange, Essex County, New Jersey, United States, North and Central America

Date

1992

Description

A color painting of Brotherman by Dawud Anyabwile. The image depicts Brotherman from the waist up. He is wearing a blue suit with a large “B” on his forehead and another “B” on his chest. His arms are extended out towards the viewer and his hands are clenched in fists. “BROTHERMAN” is written in blue stylized text above the image. “Dictator of Discipline” is written in white stylized text across the bottom of the image. Written in silver paint in the bottom right corner is “©DAViD J. A. SiMS 1992.”

Topic

African American

Art

Comics and graphic novels

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Brotherman Comics / Big City Entertainment, Inc.

Object number

2017.116.5.7

Restrictions & Rights

© Big City Entertainment, Inc.

See more items in

National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

Classification

Visual Arts

Memorabilia and Ephemera

Data Source

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Illustrated by

Anyabwile, Dawud

Written by

Sims, Guy A.

Subject of

Big City Comics, Inc., American, 1989 - 1996

Medium

India ink, plastic on paper, pressure-sensitive tape

Dimensions

H x W: 14 × 22 in. (35.6 × 55.9 cm)

Type

drawings

Place made

East Orange, Essex County, New Jersey, United States, North and Central America

Date

1992

Description

A set of original comic book splash pages for pages 2 and 3 of Brotherman No. 5 illustrated by Dawud Anyabwile. The pages form one large image and are taped together by white adhesive tape on the back of the sheets of paper. The black and white drawing is of a street scene in front of Big City Courthouse. It depicts a large crowd of people in front of the courthouse with additional buildings in the background. The crowd consists of reporters, police officers and civilians. Several speech bubbles are above people’s heads in the crowd. Several news and police vehicles are also in front of the courthouse. Written in black ink across the top is “ERUPTiON!” Both pages are signed and inscribed on the back.

Topic

African American

Art

Comics and graphic novels

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Brotherman Comics / Big City Entertainment, Inc.

Object number

2017.116.5.8

Restrictions & Rights

© Big City Entertainment, Inc.

See more items in

National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

Classification

Visual Arts

Memorabilia and Ephemera

Data Source

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Illustrated by

Anyabwile, Dawud

Written by

Sims, Guy A.

Subject of

Sims, Jason E.

Big City Comics, Inc., American, 1989 - 1996

Medium

India ink, plastic on paper

Dimensions

H x W: 14 × 11 in. (35.6 × 27.9 cm)

Type

drawings

Place made

East Orange, Essex County, New Jersey, United States, North and Central America

Date

1996

Description

An original comic book splash page for Brotherman No. 11 illustrated by Dawud Anyabwile and written by Guy Sims. The page features a black and white image of three young men walking down a city street. The man on the left is wearing a stripped jacket, patterned shirt, jeans and sneakers. The man in the middle is wearing a dark jacket with light sleeves, a grey shirt, pants and sneakers. The man on the right is wearing a hat, sunglasses a vertically striped shirt, jeans and sneakers. The men on the left and right are shaking hands and have speech bubbles above their heads. Text at the top of the page reads “BY MY THIS YEAR IN HIGH SCHOOL, I WAS PRETTY POPULAR. MY CLOSEST FRIENDS WERE KEVIN GATHERS AND MONK STYLES. WE WERE TIGHT AND HUNG OUT WHENEVER WE COULD. IN THEIR OWN WAY, THY HELPED ME IN CHOOSING MY DIRECTION.” There are three boxes with text at the bottom of the page. The one on the left reads “DIRECTED / by / JASON SIMS.” The one in the middle reads “GUIDED / by / GUY SIMS.” The one on the right reads “DIAGRAMMED / by / DAVID SIMS.” The page is inscribed and signed on the back.

Topic

African American

Art

Comics and graphic novels

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Brotherman Comics / Big City Entertainment, Inc.

Object number

2017.116.5.9

Restrictions & Rights

© Big City Entertainment, Inc.

See more items in

National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

Classification

Visual Arts

Memorabilia and Ephemera

Data Source

National Museum of African American History and Culture