String of cowrie shells

Created by

Unidentified

Medium

shell , string (fiber product)

Dimensions

H x W x D: 1/2 × 1 × 34 1/2 in. (1.3 × 2.5 × 87.6 cm)

Type

shell money

Collection title

William & Mattye Reed Family Collection

Classification

Slavery and Freedom Objects

Adornment

Coins and Currency

Exhibition

Slavery and Freedom

On View

NMAAHC (1400 Constitution Ave NW), National Mall Location, Concourse 3, C3 053

Place used

West Africa, Africa

Maldives, Asia

Date

1800 - 1968

Description

A string of cowrie shells. There are sixty (60) tan and yellow colored cowrie shells on a string composed of multiple natural-colored strands twisted together. The shells do not create a distinct pattern and they are oriented on the string in varying positions.

Topic

Africa

Beauty culture

Clothing and dress

Finance

Slavery

Trans Atlantic slave trade

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of the Family of William & Mattye Reed

Object number

2014.182.59

Restrictions & Rights

No Known Copyright Restrictions

Commemorative textile with portrait of Barack Obama and Yes We Can slogan

Manufactured by

Comatex, S.A., Malian, founded 1994

Subject of

President Barack Obama, American, born 1961

Medium

cotton

Dimensions

H x W: 45 1/4 × 73 in. (114.9 × 185.4 cm)

Horizontal Repeat: 25 3/16 in. (64 cm)

Type

textiles

portraits

Classification

Textiles

Place made

Ségou, Région de Ségou, Mali, West Africa, Africa

Place collected

Harlem, New York City, New York, United States, North and Central America

Date

2008

Description

Length of commemorative printed textile by Comatex, S.A. featuring Barack Obama and his campaign slogan "Yes We Can." The fabric has a very pale blue ground with a background design of a continuous meandering stylized leafy vine in black outlined in light brown. Several designs are printed at intervals scattered over the background. The largest is an oval with a blue floral vine frame containing a photographic portrait of Barack Obama. Below the oval frame is a banner containing black text reading "BARACK OBAMA". A banner with black text reading "44th PRESIDENT / OF THE UNITED STATES" is printed at either side of the oval portrait frame. To the top right of the oval frame is a black outlined rectangle with black text reading "YES WE CAN". To the top left and bottom right are American flags with black poles. The manufacturer's name "COMATEX SA" is printed at repeating intervals along both selvedges.

Topic

Africa

African diaspora

Design

Identity

Politics (Practical)

Textile design

United States--History--2001-

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Catherine E. McKinley

Object number

2017.16.1

Restrictions & Rights

Unknown - Restrictions Possible

Letter opener for the Black Star Line

Created by

Unidentified

Subject of

Black Star Line, Ghanaian, 1957 - 1999

Medium

ebony

Dimensions

H x W x D: 8 × 1 × 3/4 in. (20.3 × 2.5 × 1.9 cm)

Type

letter openers

Classification

Tools and Equipment-Personal use

Place made

Ghana, West Africa, Africa

Date

ca. 1960

Description

A letter opener carved from ebony wood with a depiction of Kwame Nkrumah at the figurehead terminal and a long, tapered blade with a warm patina. Imprinted into the proper right side of the blade are the words [SHIP WITH BLACK STAR LINE]. There are some nicks and other marks along the blade.

Topic

Africa

Business

Transportation

Travel

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture

Object number

2014.63.59

Restrictions & Rights

No Known Copyright Restrictions

Tri-Continential Information Center Bulletin Vol. 1 No. 8

Created by

Tri-Continental Information Center, founded 1967

Written by

Debray, Régis, French, born 1940

Subject of

Davidson, Basil, British, 1914 - 2010

Guevara, Che, Argentine, 1928 - 1967

Medium

ink on paper

Dimensions

H x W (Sheet): 11 × 8 1/2 in. (27.9 × 21.6 cm)

Type

newspapers

Classification

Documents and Published Materials

Memorabilia and Ephemera-Political and Activist Ephemera

Place used

New York City, New York, United States, North and Central America

Place depicted

West Africa, Africa

Peru, Latin America, South America

Cuba, Caribbean, Latin America, North and Central America

Hanoi, Viet Nam, Asia

Guinea, West Africa, Africa

Date

December 1967

Description

This edition of the Tri-Continental Information Center Bulletin details the wars in Portuguese controlled African countries. The edition is white paper with black text. The title reads: [UNKNOWN WAR IN PORTUGUESE WEST AFRICA]. The bulletin features articles written by Basil Davidson and Regis Debray. In the bottom right corner of the back page, handwritten text reads: [APRIL / 1968].

Topic

Activism

Africa

Black power

International affairs

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture

Object number

2015.97.27.40

Restrictions & Rights

© Tri-Continental Information Center. Permission required for use.

Woodcarving of a slave trader with enslaved female figure

Created by

Unidentified

Medium

wood, glass, thread, cloth, paint, wool (hair), and bast fiber

Dimensions

Woodcarving: 24 × 18 9/16 × 8 1/2 in. (61 × 47.2 × 21.6 cm)

Type

carvings

Classification

Slavery and Freedom Objects

Decorative Arts, Craft, and Design

Place purchased

Ghana, West Africa, Africa

Date

19th century

Description

This object is a poly-chrome, three-dimensional, woodcarving depicting a male slave trader and a female slave standing on an elongated oval platform. Both figures are standing upright and facing the same direction with the male figure behind the female figure. The male figure is significantly larger than the female figure. He has short hair and is wearing a dark three-piece suit, belt with belt buckle, white collared shirt and a dark neck tie. There are two, small white objects in his left and right breast coat pockets. His proper right hand has a drilled hole through the fist. His proper left hand is slightly forward and he is holding a length of cord connected to the female figure. The cord ties her hands behind her back and wraps around her neck in a noose. The female figure is bald, wearing light colored earrings and is nude with the exception of a light colored breechcloth and four strings (two dark strings, two light strings) of glass beads around the waist. A piece of light cloth has been tied around the female figure’s upper torso.

Topic

Africa

Art

Slavery

Trans Atlantic slave trade

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture

Object number

2014.122.1ab

Restrictions & Rights

No Known Copyright Restrictions

The Interesting Narrative of the Life of Olaudah Equiano, or Gustavus Vassa, the African

Written by

Equiano, Olaudah, 1745 - 1797

Published by

Knapp, Isaac, American, 1808 - 1858

Owned by

West, Mary J., American

Medium

ink on paper, leather

Dimensions

H x W x D: 7 × 4 1/2 × 1 1/8 in. (17.8 × 11.5 × 2.8 cm)

H x W x D (open at 90 degrees): 7 × 4 1/2 × 5 in. (17.8 × 11.4 × 12.7 cm)

Type

books

narratives

Classification

Slavery and Freedom Objects

Documents and Published Materials-Published Works

Exhibition

Slavery and Freedom

On View

NMAAHC (1400 Constitution Ave NW), National Mall Location, Concourse 3, C3 053

Place printed

Boston, Suffolk County, Massachusetts, United States, North and Central America

Place depicted

West Africa, Africa

England, Europe

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States, North and Central America

West Indies, Caribbean, North and Central America

Date

1789; republished 1837

Description

A hardcover book titled The Interesting Narrative of the Life of Olaudah Equiano, or Gustavus Vassa, the African written by Eqiano Olaudah. The book has a brown leather cover with gold colored lettering. A paper dust jacket with "Gustavus Vassa" on the front surrounds the leather cover. There are inscriptions on the front pastedown endpaper and the front endpaper. The book has 294 pages.

Topic

Africa

Emancipation

Literature

Men

Middle Passage

Religious groups

Slavery

Spirituality

Trans Atlantic slave trade

United States--History--1815-1861

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of William E. West, Sr. and Family

Object number

2014.44

Restrictions & Rights

Public Domain

Wood hair comb from Ghana

Created by

Unidentified

Owned by

Reed, Mattye Marie, American, 1918 - 2003

Dr. Reed, William E., American, 1914 - 2006

Medium

wood

Dimensions

H x W x D: 4 3/4 × 2 5/8 × 3/16 in. (12.1 × 6.7 × 0.5 cm)

Type

combs (grooming tools)

Classification

Tools and Equipment-Personal use

Exhibition

A Changing America: 1968 and Beyond

On View

NMAAHC (1400 Constitution Ave NW), National Mall Location, Concourse 1, C1 053

Place made

Ghana, West Africa, Africa

Date

1950s

Description

This is a wooden afro pick comb from Ghana. Made of light colored wood, it is not glossy and has probably not been treated. Of the six teeth, one on the far left is broken off near the tip. There is an abstract design incised into the front of the comb. The top part of the design near the top of the handle of the comb is colored in a purple color. There is a hole at the end of the handle. A piece of masking tape with [GHANA] written in black ink is stuck to the reverse.

Topic

Africa

Hair

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of the Family of William & Mattye Reed

Object number

2014.182.99

Restrictions & Rights

No Known Copyright Restrictions

Package of Maxi Light Beauty Soap

Manufactured by

Nouvelle Parfumerie Gandour, Ivorian, founded 1965

Medium

soap (brick) and plastic;

ink on cardboard;

ink on paper

Dimensions

H x W x D (2014.284.1a Soap and wrapper): 4 × 3 9/16 × 1 11/16 in. (10.2 × 9 × 4.3 cm)

H x W x D (2014.284.1b Box): 3 1/4 × 3 5/16 × 1 5/8 in. (8.3 × 8.4 × 4.1 cm)

L x W (2014.284.1c Advertising insert): 8 1/16 × 3 9/16 in. (20.5 × 9 cm)

Type

cosmetics

Classification

Memorabilia and Ephemera

Tools and Equipment-Personal use

Place made

Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire, West Africa, Africa

Date

2014

Description

A bar of soap (2014.284.1a), box (2014.284.1b), and advertising insert (2014.284.1c) of the brand “Maxi Light."

A round, off-white bar of Maxi Light Beauty Soap. The soap is in is in sealed plastic wrapping and is molded on top with the brand's flower-shaped logo, a stylized flower with three (3) petals and two (2) leaves, followed by the text [MAXI LIGHT] in the center of a molded circle. The bar of soap is inherently flat on the bottom.

A thin, square cardboard box (2014.284.1b) for skin lightening soap. The box features an image of a woman on the left side of the box against a brown to white gradient background. She is pictured seated, with her back to the viewer with her proper left arm bent above and behind her with her hand resting at the base of her neck. Her proper right hand is resting on her proper right knee. The woman is bare down to the waist and wears a light yellow towel around her waist that covers her thighs. To the right of the image is Maxi Light’s flower-shaped logo and black text with the brand name and featured ingredients [MAXI / LIGHT / Vitamins /A & E / Oligoelement]. A tan curved geometric element surrounds the image and black text. Along the bottom is white text with additional information about the product: [Beauty Soap / Lightening & Purifying / 120 g Sabonete de Beleza - Clareador e Purificador 4.2 oz.]. The remaining sides of the box are filled with information about the product, ingredients, manufacturing information, and use, in English, French, and Portuguese.

An advertising insert (2014.284.1c) for Maxi Light beauty products. The front on the insert features an image of a woman on the left side. She is pictured seated, with her back to the viewer with her proper left arm bent above and behind her with her hand resting at the base of her neck. Her proper right hand is resting on her proper right knee. The woman is bare down to the waist and wears a light yellow towel around her waist that covers her thighs. To the right of the image is black and brown text with the brand and featured ingredients [MAXI / LIGHT / MAXI SOINS / CARE / MAXI CLARTÉ / CLEAR / MAXI BEAUTÉ / BEAUTY / Vitamins / A & E / Oligoélément]. A tan curved geometric element surrounds the image and black text. Along the bottom are images of various different Maxi Light products and the manufacturer’s name and seal. The back of the sheet includes a list of products and their purpose and use in three (3) languages, English, French, and Portuguese.

Topic

Africa

Beauty culture

Colorism

Multilingual communication

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture

Object number

2014.284.1abc

Restrictions & Rights

Unknown - Restrictions Possible

Letter to Oscar W. Price from Colonel Charles Young

Written by

Col. Young, Charles, American, 1864 - 1922

Received by

Price, Oscar W., American, born 1894

Medium

ink on paper (fiber product)

Dimensions

H x W: 7 x 8 in. (17.8 x 20.3 cm)

Type

letters (correspondence)

Classification

Documents and Published Materials

Place made

Xenia, Greene County, Ohio, United States, North and Central America

Place depicted

Russia, Siberia, Asia

Liberia, West Africa, Africa

Place used

Cincinnati, Hamilton County, Ohio, United States, North and Central America

Date

August 13, 1919

Description

A typewritten letter in black ink on yellowed paper. The letter is dated August 13, 1919 and addressed to Mr. Oscar W. Price in Cincinnati, Ohio. In the letter, Young addresses the position with the Liberian Fontier Force mentioned in his previous letter and advises Price to take a position with the Trans-Siberian Railway Commission. The letter is signed by Charles Young.

Transcription Center Status

Transcribed by digital volunteers

Topic

Africa

Correspondence

International affairs

Labor

Military

United States--History--1919-1933

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture

Object number

2010.39.7

Restrictions & Rights

Public domain

Commemorative textile with portraits of Barack and Michelle Obama

Manufactured by

Batex-CI, Malian, founded 2005

Subject of

President Barack Obama, American, born 1961

First Lady Michelle Obama, American, born 1964

Medium

cotton

Dimensions

H x W: 45 1/2 × 77 15/16 in. (115.5 × 198 cm)

Horizontal Repeat: 25 in. (63.5 cm)

Type

textiles

portraits

Classification

Textiles

Place made

Bamako, District de Bamako, Mali, West Africa, Africa

Date

2008

Description

Length of commemorative printed textile by Batex-CI featuring a portrait of Barack Obama and a double portrait of Barack and Michelle Obama. The fabric has a bright green ground with a background printed design of diamonds filled in with lines and geometric shapes in black, white, and green. The diamonds are oriented in rows that alternate with one row having the green dots at the top and the next row having the green dots at the bottom of the diamond. There are three rows of portraits printed onto the background. The top and bottom rows are the same. They feature a circle with a black outline and white background containing a full color double photographic portrait of Barack and Michelle Obama. A white banner with black text is printed below it that reads "BARACK OBAMA". Between the repeating circle portraits is printed a United States flag on a black pole and oriented facing to the left so that it appears backwards. A white rectangle with black text reading "CHANGE" is printed underneath the flag. The middle row features an oval with a black outline and white background containing a full color photographic half portrait of Barack Obama. A white banner with black text is printed below that reads "BARACK OBAMA". Between the repeating oval portraits are printed a United States flag on a black pole oriented facing to the left so that it appears backwards. Oriented at a slight angle and printed below left and below right of the oval portrait are white rectangles with black text reading "CHANGE". The manufacturer's information is printed in black along the selvedge reading "BATEX CI FABRIQUE AU MALI No. 805 BC [white inside black oval]".

Topic

Africa

African diaspora

Design

Identity

Politics (Practical)

Textile design

United States--History--2001-

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Catherine E. McKinley

Object number

2017.16.4

Restrictions & Rights

Unknown - Restrictions Possible

Letter to Oscar W. Price from Colonel Charles Young

Written by

Col. Young, Charles, American, 1864 - 1922

Received by

Price, Oscar W., American, born 1894

Medium

ink on paper (fiber product)

Dimensions

H x W: 10 7/16 x 8 in. (26.5 x 20.3 cm)

Type

letters (correspondence)

Classification

Documents and Published Materials

Place depicted

Liberia, West Africa, Africa

Place used

Xenia, Greene County, Ohio, United States, North and Central America

Date

March 27, 1919

Description

A letter handwritten in black ink on yellowed paper. The letter is dated March 27, 1919 and addressed to Lieutenant Oscar W. Price in Xenia, Ohio. Young is writing to Price to inform him he has been recommended as a Captain in the Liberian Frontier Force.

Transcription Center Status

Transcribed by digital volunteers

Topic

Africa

Correspondence

Men

Military

United States--History--1919-1933

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture

Object number

2010.39.6

Restrictions & Rights

Public domain

The Negro Worker Vol. 1 No. 10-11

Published by

The Negro Worker, 1928 - 1937

Edited by

Padmore, George, Trinidadian, 1903 - 1959

Subject of

Communist International, 1919 - 1943

Medium

ink on paper

Dimensions

H x W: 8 5/8 x 5 7/8 in. (21.9 x 15 cm)

Type

pamphlets

Classification

Documents and Published Materials-Published Works

Memorabilia and Ephemera-Political and Activist Ephemera

Place depicted

Liberia, West Africa, Africa

Cuba, Caribbean, Latin America, North and Central America

Congo (Republic of), Central Africa, Africa

Date

1931

Description

A pamphlet consisting of black print on yellowed paper. The front cover lists publication information and a list of the articles. The interior consists of forty-six pages of text and photographs. The back features text encouraging readers to join their local International Labor Defense party.

Transcription Center Status

Transcribed by digital volunteers

Topic

International affairs

Labor

Mass media

Political organizations

Politics (Practical)

Race discrimination

United States--History--1919-1933

Violence

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of the family of Dr. Maurice Jackson and Laura Ginsburg

Object number

2010.55.38

Restrictions & Rights

No Known Copyright Restrictions

Commemorative indigo resist textile with flowers and portrait of Barack Obama

Created by

Unidentified

Subject of

President Barack Obama, American, born 1961

Medium

cotton

Dimensions

H x W: 45 1/2 × 70 1/16 in. (115.5 × 178 cm)

Type

textiles

portraits

Classification

Textiles

Place made

Nyaniba Estates, Accra, Greater Accra, Ghana, West Africa, Africa

Date

2009

Description

Length of commemorative printed textile by an unidentified printer and designer featuring flowers and a portrait Barack Obama. The fabric is dyed dark blue with resist design in white. The design has a portrait of Barack Obama alternating with a six-petaled flower in rows and columns.

Topic

Africa

African diaspora

Design

Identity

Politics (Practical)

Textile design

United States--History--2001-

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Catherine E. McKinley

Object number

2017.16.14

Restrictions & Rights

Unknown - Restrictions Possible

Textile made by the Ibo Jewish Community in Nigeria

Created by

Unidentified

Received by

Rabbinit Funnye, Miriam, American

Subject of

Beth Shalom B'nai Zaken Ethiopian Hebrew Congregation, American, founded 1984

Medium

cloth, dye

Dimensions

L x W: 215 1/2 × 44 3/4 in. (547.4 × 113.7 cm)

Type

textiles

Classification

Textiles

Religious and Sacred Objects

Place made

Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria, West Africa, Africa

Place used

Chicago, Cook County, Illinois, United States, North and Central America

Date

2001

Description

A length of fabric with a repeating pattern of temple doors, windows, columns, trees, and a partial sun against a blue, brick patterned background. At the top and bottom edges of the cloth, there are five sets of three pairs of orange, tablet-shaped windows capped with three white arches. Below the top band there is a second band that depicts a green palm tree, an orange partial sun behind two blue hills and clouds drawn against a white background. The center panel had a blue brick wall background and depicts an archway of the white, temple doors surrounded by orange outlined columns on either side, an orange arch above the door frame underlining green text that reads [TEMPLE OF JERUSALEM]. On either side of the columns are three, orange, tablet-shaped windows capped with three, white arches. Below the temple doors is additional text that reads [SABBATH WOMEN CONFERENCE/ (ARISE AND SHINE)] in green lettering.

Topic

Africa

Religious groups

Women

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture; Gift of Rabbi Capers Funnye and the Beth Shalom B’nai Zaken Ethiopian Hebrew Congregation

Object number

2011.88.2

Restrictions & Rights

No Known Copyright Restrictions

Carnival Float, Brava

Created by

Conley, Beverly, American, born 1944

Medium

silver and photographic gelatin on photographic paper

Dimensions

H x W (Sheet): 7 15/16 x 9 7/8 in. (20.2 x 25.1 cm)

H x W (Image): 6 5/16 x 9 1/4 in. (16 x 23.5 cm)

Type

gelatin silver prints

Portfolio/Series

Cape Verdeans in the Boston Area of Massachusetts and in the Cape Verde Islands

Classification

Media Arts-Photography

Place depicted

Brava, Sotavento, Cape Verde, West Africa, Africa

Date

1989

Description

A black-and-white photograph of a parade with a man and four children in costume on a float surrounded by a small crowd of adults and children.

Topic

Africa

Communities

Holidays and festivals

Photography

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Beverly Conley

Object number

2012.61.2

Restrictions & Rights

© Beverly Conley

Delegate

Published by

MelPat Associates, American, 1965 - 1986

Created by

Patrick, C. Melvin, American, died 1985

Subject of

Sen. Brooke, Edward, American, born 1919

Morris Brown College, American, founded 1881

Interracial Council for Business Opportunity, American, founded 1963

Opportunities Industrialization Center of America, Inc., American, founded 1964

Humphrey, Hubert Horatio Jr., American, 1911 - 1978

General James, Daniel Jr., American, 1920 - 1978

Wilkins, Roy, American, 1901 - 1981

Shorter, Rufus B., American

National Association of Black Social Workers, American, founded 1968

National Association of Market Developers, American, founded 1953

National Medical Association, American, founded 1895

Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry

Prince Hall Freemasonry, founded 1784

Howard University, American, founded 1867

National Newspaper Publishers Association, American, founded 1827

Young Men's Christian Association (YMCA), International, founded 1844

Avon, founded 1886

Lambda Kappa Mu Sorority, Inc., American, founded 1937

National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, American, founded 1909

The Links, Incorporated, American, founded 1946

National United Church Ushers Association of America, Inc., American, founded 1919

National Medical Association, American, founded 1895

National Dental Association, American, founded 1913

Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc., founded 1922

Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, American, founded 1914

National Urban League, American, founded 1910

Iota Phi Lambda Sorority, Inc., American, founded 1929

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, founded 1908

Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, American, founded 1920

Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., American, founded 1906

Eta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., American, founded 1943

National Association of University Women, American, founded 1910

National Association of Market Developers, American, founded 1953

Chi Eta Phi Sorority, Inc., American, founded 1932

American Bridge Association, American, founded 1932

Ashe, Arthur Jr., American, 1943 - 1993

The Salvation Army, American, founded 1865

National Dental Association, American, founded 1913

Shriners International, American, founded 1870

Davis, Sammy Jr., American, 1925 - 1990

Congressional Black Caucus, American, founded 1971

Rev. King, Martin Luther Sr, American, 1899 - 1984

Improved Benevolent and Protective Order of the Elks of the World, American, founded 1898

Southern Christian Leadership Conference, American, founded 1957

National Urban League Guild, American, founded 1946

Association for the Study of African American Life and History, American, founded 1915

369th Veterans Association, American

Prince Hall Freemasonry, founded 1784

One Hundred Black Men, Inc., American, founded 1963

Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, American, founded 1914

Medium

ink on paper

Dimensions

H x W x D: 10 13/16 × 8 7/16 × 7/16 in. (27.5 × 21.4 × 1.1 cm)

Type

magazines (periodicals)

Classification

Documents and Published Materials-Published Works

Place made

Harlem, New York City, New York, United States, North and Central America

Place depicted

California, United States, North and Central America

Houston, Texas, United States, North and Central America

Minneapolis, Hennepin County, Minnesota, United States, North and Central America

Detroit, Wayne County, Michigan, United States, North and Central America

Chicago, Cook County, Illinois, United States, North and Central America

Washington, District of Columbia, United States, North and Central America

Jamaica, Caribbean, North and Central America

Barbados, Caribbean, North and Central America

Martha's Vineyard, Oak Bluffs, Dukes County, Massachusetts, United States, North and Central America

West Africa, Africa

Date

1978

Description

A 1978 issue of Delegate magazine published by MelPat Associates. The cover of the magazine features a pink ribbon that reads [1978 / DELEGATE] on a collage of cropped black and white photographic portraits with an orange tint. The magazine has a white spine with black text that reads [DELEGATE 1978 - The 2nd Year of the 3rd Century].

The magazine’s content opens on the first page with an untitled editorial note recounting events of the past year, including the failed mayoral campaign of Percy Sutton, affirmative action, and the disappointments of the Carter administration. There is also a masthead, set in white text against a bright blue background reading [DELEGATE, 1977], followed by a table of contents.

The content then continues with a feature on Senator Edward W. Brooke and an article about the Bakke case, followed by profiles of African American business organizations, business leaders, community organizations, sororities, fraternities, doctors, dentists, politicians, actors, and journalists. This includes Boggs Academy, Opportunities Industrial Centers, Canadian Club, Bottle and Cork Club, Johnson & Johnson, Rufus Shorter, National Association of Black Social Workers, National Urban Affairs Council, Association of Market Developers, Empire State Medical, Ponds, Prince Hall Grand Lodge, Dr. George Alexander, National Newspaper Publishers Association, NBC, Clifford Alexander, Kraft, Lambda Kappa Mu Sorority, NAACP, Links, National Church Ushers, National Medical Association, National Dental Association, Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Jeffrey Goldsen, Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, National Urban League, ABC-TV, Iota Phi Lambda Sorority, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Eta Phi Beta Sorority, National Association of University Women, CBS Records, National Bar Association, Gulf Oil, Whitfield, American Bridge Association, Shriners and the Daughters of Isis, Center for Social Change, Elks of the World, Southern Christian Leadership Conference, The Association for the Study of Afro-American Life and History, 369th Veterans Association, Brenda Schofield and Willa Benge, and Judge Constance Motley. There are sections on California, Houston, Minneapolis, Detroit, Washington, DC, Atlanta, Chicago, and New York, as well as a travel section featuring Jamaica, Barbados, Oak Bluffs, and West Africa.

There are approximately 284 pages with black and white photographs and advertisements throughout, as well as a few advertisements in color. The back cover of the magazine features a full page advertisement for Kool cigarettes.

Transcription Center Status

Transcribed by digital volunteers

Topic

Advertising

Associations and institutions

Business

Communities

Fraternal organizations

Fraternities

Government

HBCUs (Historically Black Colleges and Universities)

Journalism

Labor

Mass media

Men

Political organizations

Politics (Practical)

Professional organizations

Religious groups

Social life and customs

Sororities

Travel

United States--History--1969-2001

Urban life

Women

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Anne B. Patrick and the family of Hilda E. Stokely

Object number

2012.167.12

Restrictions & Rights

Public domain

Manilla

Created by

Unidentified

Medium

metal

Dimensions

H x W x D: 3 × 3 1/4 × 1 in. (7.6 × 8.3 × 2.5 cm)

Type

manillas

Classification

Slavery and Freedom Objects

Coins and Currency

Exhibition

Slavery and Freedom

On View

NMAAHC (1400 Constitution Ave NW), National Mall Location, Concourse 3, C3 053

Place used

West Africa, Africa

Date

18th century

Description

Manilla, a form of currency that circulated in West Africa, in a semi-circular horseshoe shape, with slight flairs at ends.

Topic

Africa

Finance

Trans Atlantic slave trade

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Oprah Winfrey

Object number

2014.312.40

Restrictions & Rights

No Known Copyright Restrictions

Flyer for demonstration against Portuguese imperialism in Africa

Created by

Hunter College Black Student Union, American, founded 1970s

Medium

ink on paper

Dimensions

H x W (Sheet): 11 × 8 1/2 in. (27.9 × 21.6 cm)

Type

fliers (printed matter)

Classification

Memorabilia and Ephemera-Political and Activist Ephemera

Place used

New York City, New York, United States, North and Central America

Place depicted

Angola, Central Africa, Africa

Guinea-Bissau, West Africa, Africa

Mozambique, Africa

Portugal, Europe

Date

November 1971

Description

This flyer advertises a demonstration against Portuguese imperialism. It is white paper with black text and features a hand drawn outline of the African continent. The flyer reads: [DEMONSTRATION AGAINST / PORTUGUESE / IMPERIALISM / NOV. 24 / AT 1PM / AT THE PORTUGUESE / GOVERNMENT TOURIST / INFORMATION AGENCY / 570 5TH AVE. N.Y.C. / AT 48TH St. / BLACK STUDENT UNION / HUNTER COLLEGE]. The back of the flyer has information about Portuguese controlled countries in Africa. Hand written text in the bottom right corner reads [NOV 1971].

Topic

Activism

Africa

Black power

International affairs

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture

Object number

2015.97.27.38

Restrictions & Rights

Public domain

Notes from the 365th session of the OAU Executive Secretariat

Created by

Organization of African Unity, 1963 - 2002

Subject of

United Nations, founded 1945

Medium

ink on paper with metal

Dimensions

H x W (Sheet): 11 × 8 1/2 in. (27.9 × 21.6 cm)

Type

notes

Classification

Memorabilia and Ephemera-Political and Activist Ephemera

Place used

New York City, New York, United States, North and Central America

Place depicted

Zambia, Africa

Mauritania, North Africa, Africa

Cameroon, Central Africa, Africa

Uganda, Africa

Congo (Republic of), Central Africa, Africa

Libya, North Africa, Africa

Gabon, Central Africa, Africa

Nigeria, West Africa, Africa

Kenya, East Africa, Africa

Guinea-Bissau, West Africa, Africa

Date

1976

Description

These six-page notes from the 365th Session of the Organization of African Unity to the United Nations discusess candiates for the representative of several African countries. The notes are three pages long and typed in black ink on white paper. The letterhead reads: [SECRETARIAT EXECUTIF DE L'ORGANISATION / DE L'UNITE AFRICAINE AUX NATIONS UNIES] [EXECUTIVE SECRETARY OF THE ORGANIZATION / OF AFRICAN UNITY TO THE UNITED NATIONS]. This text surrounds an illustration of the African continent. The notes are formated traditionally with a roman numeral-numbered header followed by an arabic-numeral numbered list with indented text.

Topic

Activism

Africa

Black power

International affairs

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture

Object number

2015.97.27.52

Restrictions & Rights

No Known Copyright Restrictions

Commemorative textile with portrait of Barack Obama on blue background

Manufactured by

Akosombo Textiles Limited, Ghanian, founded 1967

Subject of

President Barack Obama, American, born 1961

Medium

cotton

Dimensions

H x W: 45 1/16 × 72 13/16 in. (114.5 × 185 cm)

Horizontal Repeat: 25 in. (63.5 cm)

Type

textiles

portraits

Classification

Textiles

Place made

Accra, Greater Accra, Ghana, West Africa, Africa

Place collected

Accra, Greater Accra, Ghana, West Africa, Africa

Date

2008

Description

Length of commemorative printed textile by Akosombo Textiles Limited featuring a portrait of Barack Obama. The fabric has a blue ground with a printed small-scale geometric design in dark blue. There is a 4 1/2 inch wide border printed at both selvedges featuring a dark blue geometric design of interlocking links resembling a woven or braided cord. Printed in a repeating design over the background are old five-pointed stars outlined in black alternate with an oval gold and dark blue frame with a red interior background featuring a photographic portrait of Barack Obama. Below the portrait is a banner with the text "BARACK OBAMA / 44TH PRESIDENT of the UNITED STATES". The design is printed in two rows so that the portrait and star alternate positions both vertically and horizontally. Printed along the bottom selvedge is the text "ATL [inside oval frame] AKOSOMBO TEXTILES LIMITED". Printed along the top selvedge is the text "GUARANTEED SUPERB PRINTS RSP 5653".

Topic

Africa

African diaspora

Design

Identity

Politics (Practical)

Textile design

United States--History--2001-

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Catherine E. McKinley

Object number

2017.16.3

Restrictions & Rights

Unknown - Restrictions Possible