BLK Vol. 1 No. 4

Published by

Bell, Alan, American

Edited by

Bell, Alan, American

Subject of

National Coalition of Black Lesbians and Gays, American, 1978 - 1990

National Association of Black and White Men Together, American, founded 1980

Minority AIDS Project, American, founded 1985

Natalie Cole, American, 1950 - 2015

Goldberg, Whoopi, American, born 1955

Sylvester, American, 1947 - 1988

Wilson, Phill, American, born 1956

Norman, Pat, American, born 1939

Cochran, Randy, American, born 1962

Hansberry, Lorraine, American, 1930 - 1965

Medium

ink on paper (fiber product)

Dimensions

H x W x D: 10 13/16 × 8 1/4 × 1/8 in. (27.4 × 20.9 × 0.3 cm)

Type

magazines (periodicals)

Classification

Documents and Published Materials-Published Works

Place made

Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, California, United States, North and Central America

Date

March 1989

Description

The fourth issue of BLK magazine, published March 1989. It is printed in black and white and the cover features an image of adult film performer Randy Cochran. Cochran sits facing the camera, smiling as he looks directly into it. He wears a light-colored suit with a stripped necktie. Tree branches can be seen in the background behind him. Close to the bottom of the page, the magazine’s logo [BLK] is printed in large, bold, uppercase white letters, surrounded by a solid black rectangle. Below the letters (within the box), the issue number and date appear [Number 4, March 1989]. There are 23 pages in total, with articles, advertisements, classifieds, black and white photographs, and cartoon illustrations originally from Ebony Magazine with new captions written by BLK.

The issue opens with a [Letters to the Editor] section, followed by a calendar of the month's events. The feature articles in this issue include an article on the National Black Gay and Lesbian Conference titled [Integrating Ourselves / Building bridges and coalitions to create wholeness], an interview with Randy Cochran titled [Randy Cochran / One of America’s prominent porn stars talks about his profession], and [Keeping the IRS Happy / Income tax reminders for lesbians and gay men].

There are 13 articles in the [Community News] section. They are: [500 Attend Los Angeles Leadership Conference; Watson, Waters, Cole Address Black Gay Group], [Gay, Lesbian jazz Org Forms in Los Angeles], [Minorities to Receive Increase in Services], [Whoopi Goldberg’s Dad Comes Out of Closet], [Odoms, Emery to Head GLCSC Committees], [Ugandans Flee AIDS Medical Researchers], [Ex-Junkie Works to Stem AIDS Epidemic], Women’s Group Slates Programs for March], [Parker, Clarke to Speak at Cal State, Bookstore], Kenya Ranks 16th with 4, 495 AIDS Cases], [List February Stats on AIDS Cases in U.S.], [BWMT Receives $131K AIDS Education Grant], [Kimberly Miller New MECLA Office Head] and [Magazine Finds Some Condoms Defective]. Following the news section is a gossip column by Preston G. Guider titled [Read My Lips]. The magazine concludes with the classifieds. The back cover is a full page advertisement for Midtowne Spa.

Topic

Activism

Communities

Health

Identity

LGBTQ

Mass media

Sexuality

United States--History--1969-2001

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Alan Bell

Object number

2018.108.4

Restrictions & Rights

© BLK Publishing Company, Inc.

BLK Vol. 1 No. 5

Published by

Bell, Alan, American

Edited by

Bell, Alan, American

Subject of

Lorde, Audre, American, 1934 - 1992

Minority AIDS Project, American, founded 1985

National Coalition of Black Lesbians and Gays, American, 1978 - 1990

National Association of Black and White Men Together, American, founded 1980

Lesbian Agenda for Action, American, 1987 - 1991

Holden, Nate N., American, born 1929

Bradley, Tom, American, 1917 - 1998

Rangel, Charles, American, born 1930

Black Gay and Lesbian Leadership Forum, American, 1988 - 2003

National LGBTQ Task Force, American, founded 1974

Rev. Bean, Carl, American, born 1944

AIDS Project East Bay, American, founded 1983

Saxxon, Larry, American

Gerald, Gilberto, American

Mapplethorpe, Robert, American, died 1989

Medium

ink on paper (fiber product)

Dimensions

H x W x D: 10 13/16 × 8 1/4 × 1/8 in. (27.4 × 20.9 × 0.3 cm)

Type

magazines (periodicals)

Classification

Documents and Published Materials-Published Works

Place made

Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, California, United States, North and Central America

Date

April 1989

Description

The fifth issue of BLK magazine, published April 1989. It is printed in black and white and the cover features a photograph of Audre Lorde. She dons a pair of rectangular spectacles which she looks over as she holds its left end piece with her left hand. She also wears what appears to be a dark-colored jacket and a pattered scarf. The magazine’s logo is printed at bottom center, with the letters [BLK] written in large, bold, uppercase white letters. A solid red rectangle, with a white border, surrounds the letters. Below BLK, the issue number and date [Number 5, April 1989] are also printed within the box. There are 30 pages in total, with articles, advertisements, classifieds, black and white photographs, and cartoon illustrations originally from Ebony Magazine with new captions written by BLK throughout.

There is an advertisement for [BEING ALIVE] FOR THE [PEOPLE WITH AIDS ACTION COALITION] on the other side of the front page, listing the services of the coalition. The issue opens with an event calendar titled [Blk Board] and a letters to the editor section titled [Blk Mail]. The issue continues with a profile on Audre Lorde titled [Oh, Lorde! Black student group hosts noted black lesbian feminist at UCLA]. The article is accompanied by the same image of Lorde found on the front cover of the issue. Other featured articles include: [The King and the Jester / Tom Bradley and Nate Holden vie for City Hall in Los Angeles] and [Black/White Photography / Robert Mapplethorpe, noted for photos of black men, dies of AIDS in Boston].

Pages 14 through 21 comprise the [Blk Community News] section and include headlines such as [Bean Steps Down as Minority AIDS Project Head to Pursue Church Duties; Board Selects Gil Gerald], [Tap Craig Harris for New York AIDS Post], [Statistics Paint Grim Picture for Future of AIDS Cases Among African Americans in California], [Ivy Young Picked to Head NGLTF’s Family Project], [N.J. Students Push for Black, Gay Demands], [S.F. Health Pol Calls Needle Ex ‘Genocide’], [BWMT/SF Hosts Meet], [AIDS Project East bay Becomes Independent Org], [D.C. Gets AIDS Clinic], [South Central AIDS Agencies Almost Defunded], [Harris Becomes First Female Episcopal Bishop], [Sullivan OK’s Needles; HHS Says Lose Fed $], [Gay PAC Seeks Black Applicants for Top Post], [Rangel Slams Sullivan on Needle Exchange], [2,2127 Die in Tanzania] and [S.F. Women Dance for Fall Racism Confab]. The section concludes with a note explaining that the monthly AIDS report is not featured in this month’s issue of BLK.

Following the news section is a gossip column by Preston G. Guider titled [Read My Lips]. The magazine concludes with the classifieds section, titled [Blk Market]. The inside back cover is a full page advertisement for Midtowne Spa and the back cover is a full page advertisement for Keith Medical Group, [HIV specialists within a family practice environment]. There are additional advertisements throughout the issue. These include: [National Gay Rights Advocate seeks DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS], [Erase bad credit.], [Feeling Overwhelmed by AIDS? / THE GAY AND LESBIAN COMMUNITY SERVICES CENTER], [Unity Fellowship Church / A Church For All People], [BLK / NEW OR RENEWAL SUBSCRIPTION], [976-CAMP], [970-WOLF].

Topic

Activism

Communities

Health

Identity

LGBTQ

Mass media

Sexuality

United States--History--1969-2001

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Alan Bell

Object number

2018.108.5

Restrictions & Rights

© BLK Publishing Company, Inc.

BLK Vol. 1 No. 1

Published by

Bell, Alan, American

Edited by

Bell, Alan, American

Photograph by

Rockshots, Inc., American, founded 1978

Illustrated by

Ebony, American, founded 1945

Subject of

Sylvester, American, 1947 - 1988

Goldberg, Whoopi, American, born 1955

Black Gay and Lesbian Leadership Forum, American, 1988 - 2003

AIDS Healthcare Foundation, founded 1987

Minority AIDS Project, American, founded 1985

Medium

ink on paper (fiber product)

Dimensions

H x W x D: 10 13/16 × 8 1/4 × 1/8 in. (27.4 × 20.9 × 0.3 cm)

Type

magazines (periodicals)

Classification

Documents and Published Materials-Published Works

Place made

Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, California, United States, North and Central America

Date

December 1988

Description

The first issue of BLK magazine, published December 1988. It is printed in black and white and the front cover features an unidentified shirtless man wearing a Santa Claus hat and faux beard. A black text box, with the letters [BLK] in large uppercase bold letters, covers his pelvic region. To his right, pearls and ornaments hang from the branches of a Christmas tree.

Inside the issue, there is a [December Calendar of Events], which details one-time events for that month. There is also a section devoted to [Community News], in which three headlines appear: [Brownlie Hospice Opens December 5], about the opening of the first facility of the AIDS Hospice Foundation, [90 Attend ‘Fences’ to Raise Conference $], about a fundraiser by the Black Gay and Lesbian Leadership Forum, and [Women’s Committee Needs Volunteers] about the Women's Research Committee of the Minority AIDS Project. The “Community News” section is followed by a full-spread photograph of singer Sylvester, which is then followed by a full-page image of Whoopi Goldberg and an accompanying article about awards the two received at the National Black Gay and Lesbian Leadership Conference. The magazine also has several advertisements scattered throughout its pages, including ads for a car dealership, pizzeria, chat and party lines and personal classified ads. There are 15 pages in total, all of which are printed in black and white.

The back cover features a full advertisement for [Midtowne Spa].

Topic

Activism

Communities

Health

Holidays and festivals

Identity

LGBTQ

Mass media

Sexuality

United States--History--1969-2001

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Alan Bell

Object number

2018.108.1

Restrictions & Rights

© BLK Publishing Company, Inc.

BLK Vol. 1 No. 10

Published by

Bell, Alan, American

Edited by

Bell, Alan, American

Subject of

St. John, Keith, American, born 1957

Gay Men of African Descent, American, founded 1986

Minority AIDS Project, American, founded 1985

AIDS Project East Bay, American, founded 1983

AIDS Project Los Angeles, American, founded 1983

Craig, Gwenn, American, born 1951

Foundation for AIDS Research, American, founded 1985

Black Gay and Lesbian Leadership Forum, American, 1988 - 2003

Thais-Williams, Jewel, American

Medium

ink on paper (fiber product)

Dimensions

H x W x D: 10 13/16 × 8 1/4 × 1/8 in. (27.4 × 20.9 × 0.3 cm)

Type

magazines (periodicals)

Classification

Documents and Published Materials-Published Works

Place made

Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, California, United States, North and Central America

Date

September 1989

Description

This is the 10th issue of BLK magazine published September 1989. On the front cover, there is an image of Keith C. St. John. St. John wears a jacket, button-up shirt, necktie and a pair of glasses. At top left, [BLK] is printed in large, bold, white uppercase letters within a red rectangular textbox with [Number 10] along the bottom. The letters are partially obscured by the image of St. John. There are 30 pages in total, with articles, advertisements, classifieds, black and white photographs, and cartoon illustrations throughout.

Under the heading [Word Up] there are four short articles: [Enlightened Self Interest / The Eddie Doth Protest / Dis This Jam] and the fourth reads [Florida Black Man Lives 30 Years as Woman, Fools 2 Husbands and Adopted Son]. This is followed by the calendar section [BLK BOARD] and letters to the editor [BLK MAIL].

The cover story, which begins on page 6 and ends on page 7, is entitled [Working Inside / Openly gay black attorney runs for city post in Albany, New York]. Two quotes from the interview are printed in a larger font. The first reads [Being black and gay ‘gives me another tool to illustrate injustices.”] and the second [“I don’t let those things that I don’t think are relevant get in my way.”]

Several shorter articles appear under the [BLK Community News] section. These include: [Three Black Men Place in Super-Men Contest], [Shanti Gets $80K Grant], [MECLA Selects Board], [Board Calls for Dismissal of Gay Coast Guardsman], [Noted Black Lesbians to Marry in L.A. Ceremony] about Jewel Williams and Rue Thais, [Team LA Holds 1st Meet], [Black Lesbians, Gays to Organize in San Diego] about the Lesbians and Gays of African Descent, [Fund $100K AIDS Show], [David Lemming to Write Authorized Baldwin Bio], [Pros Discuss 3rd World AIDS at Montreal Meet], [Seattle: Needles Okay], [Gwenn Craig Tapped for S.F. Police Commission], [Black Lesbian Group Plans Major Conference], [Black Clerics Talk AIDS], [Anti-Abortion Leaders Alienate Most Blacks], [APLA Hires Bicultural Health Ed Coordinator], Gentlemen Concerned Sponsors Garden Party], [County Funds Hospice in South Central L.A.], [Slate Videos for Loan], [Zambian Leader: Study for Solution Not Origin], [African Women Urged to Join Fight Against AIDS], Nurse Sues Over Jab], [MAP, APLA to Sponsor Public Benefits Seminar], [Cleo Manago New Head of East Bay AIDS Project], [San Diego Gets 2 Black Gay HIV Support Groups], [Rue’s House Gets $4K], [CDC Errs on AIDS Cases], [See Possible AIDS, TB Links; CDC Wants Tests], [Black Mayor Apologizes for ‘Monkey Blood’ Slur], [Panel Scolds Defense Dept. on Lesbian Issue], [WHO Says African AIDS Statistics Not Accurate], [Brown Campus Sprouts Anti-Black, Gay Graffiti] and [AmFAR Gives $70K to Minority AIDS Project]

There are advertisements throughout the issue, including: [Minority AIDS Project], [LAPIS WOMEN OF COLOR DROP-IN SUPPORT GROUP], [Black Gay & Lesbian Leadership Forum / Third Annual NATIONAL BLACK GAY AND LESBIAN CONFERENCE and Health Institute], [WE CARE ABOUT THE GAY & LESBIAN COMMUNITY / VISITING NURSE HOME SERVICES], [A Pirate’s Tale / THE BUCCANEER / a novel by M.S. Hunter], [THE Black Gay Men’s Exchange / Friendship, Companionship and Support], [FADED SHADES], [RITES / A magazine for lesbian & gay liberation with a feminist bent], [Unity Fellowship Church], [Hot, Horny & Healthy! / a Fun, Safer Sex Playshop], [BEING ALIVE / PEOPLE WITH AIDS ACTION COALITION], [976 WOLF], [976 CAMP], [MIDTOWNE SPA], [Chocolate Hair / SALON], [A DIFFERENT LIGHT / Gay and Lesbian Literature], and [976 HUGE].

The back cover is a full page advertisement for [THE NEW CAPER LOUNGE] in Inglewood, California.

Topic

Activism

Communities

Health

Identity

LGBTQ

Mass media

Sexuality

United States--History--1969-2001

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Alan Bell

Object number

2018.108.10

Restrictions & Rights

© BLK Publishing Company, Inc.

BLK Vol. 1 No. 2

Published by

Bell, Alan, American

Edited by

Bell, Alan, American

Subject of

Minority AIDS Project, American, founded 1985

Sylvester, American, 1947 - 1988

Robinson, Max, American, 1939 - 1988

Medium

ink on paper (fiber product)

Dimensions

H x W x D: 10 13/16 × 8 1/4 × 1/8 in. (27.4 × 20.9 × 0.3 cm)

Type

magazines (periodicals)

Classification

Documents and Published Materials-Published Works

Place made

Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, California, United States, North and Central America

Date

January 1989

Description

The second issue of BLK magazine, published January 1989. It is printed in black and white and features an image of singer/songwriter Sylvester on the front cover. Sylvester is wearing large sunglasses and smiles widely at the camera. Close to the bottom of the page, there is a black textbox with the letters [BLK] written inside in large, bold uppercase white letters, followed by [Number 2, January 1989] in a smaller font. There are 16 pages in total, with articles, advertisements, black and white photographs, and cartoon illustrations originally from Ebony Magazine with new captions written by BLK.

Page 3 displays the [January Calendar of Events]. Subsequent pages include articles such as [How Safe is Oral Sex?], [Remembering Sylvester] and [AIDS Conferences Held Throughout the World]. Pages 10-11 feature short articles on Minority AIDS Project activities, AIDS in Zaire, and the death of television news anchorman Max Robinson. Page 12 features a half-page statistical report on AIDS cases provided by the CDC in an article entitled [CDC Lists December Statistics On U.S. AIDS Cases]. The next page provides a short piece on the spread of AIDS in Ethiopia. The pages of articles are followed by several pages of a [Community Directory], which includes sections for [Bars and Baths] and [Organizations]. The final pages consist of classified ads for employment, housing, models, masseurs, and personals.

There are advertisements throughout, including a [Special Benefit Preview Performance] of The Phantom of the Opera for [THE PHILIP MANDELKER AIDS PREVENTION CLINIC] and several for [976-HUGE]. The back cover consists of a large full-page ad for Midtowne Spa and a cut-out coupon offering a [1/2 Off Special] on specific days.

Topic

Activism

Communities

Health

Identity

LGBTQ

Mass media

Sexuality

United States--History--1969-2001

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Alan Bell

Object number

2018.108.2

Restrictions & Rights

© BLK Publishing Company, Inc.

BLK Vol. 1 No. 3

Published by

Bell, Alan, American

Edited by

Bell, Alan, American

Subject of

National Coalition of Black Lesbians and Gays, American, 1978 - 1990

Sweet Baby J'ai, American

Beam, Joseph F., American, 1954 - 1988

Holden, Nate N., American, born 1929

National Association of Black and White Men Together, American, founded 1980

Minority AIDS Project, American, founded 1985

Medium

ink on paper (fiber product)

Dimensions

H x W x D: 10 13/16 × 8 1/4 × 1/8 in. (27.4 × 20.9 × 0.3 cm)

Type

magazines (periodicals)

Classification

Documents and Published Materials-Published Works

Place made

Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, California, United States, North and Central America

Date

February 1989

Description

The third issue of BLK magazine, published February 1989. It is printed in black and white and features a an image of jazz singer Sweet Baby J'ai. Only J'ai's right shoulder and head are visible as she turns her head slightly to the right, looking back at the camera. She wears a light-colored head wrap. At the top left corner is a black textbox with the letters [BLK] written inside in large, bold uppercase white letters, followed by [Number 3, February 1989] in a smaller font. There are 30 pages in total, with articles, advertisements, classifieds, black and white photographs, and cartoon illustrations originally from Ebony Magazine with new captions written by BLK.

The issue opens with a calendar of the month's events followed by an article about J'ai written by Mark Haile. Two pictures of J'ai accompany this article. A second article on pages 6 and 7 consists of an interview with Dr. German Maisonet about [health care for blacks in the Age of AIDS]. This is followed by an article on circumcision and an obituary for activist and author Joe Beam.

The shorter articles in the [Community News] section are [Research Says Cokers See High AIDS Risk], [Black Gay Performance Art Hits Los Angeles], [Black Literary Journal Seeks Submissions], [Gay Conference in Los Angeles Only Weeks Away], [Politico Nate Holden Puts Black Gay Kids on Hold], [Black Student Group Slates Free Film Series], [Leadership Roundtable Scheduled to Convene], [List January CDC Stats on U.S. AIDS Cases], [List Complete Conference AIDS Institute Schedule], [BWMT Elects Officers], and [Black Lesbian Group Retreats to Sausalito]. This section is followed by a community directory and classified ads.

There are advertisements throughout the publication. Page 7 features a full-page ad for [The Second Annual Black Gay and Lesbian Leadership Conference and AIDS Institute] scheduled to take place February 12-20, 1989. The Theme of the conference is printed at the top of the page in large bold letters [Loving Ourselves, Healing Ourselves, Preparing For The 21st Century.]. Some of the other ads include a gala [Honoring HARVEY FIERSTEIN] organized by the AIDS Hospice Foundation, [“A Tribute To Sylvester” STARRING Chaka Kahn, Jeannie Tracey & Kim Miller], [Erase Bad Credit], a call for [MEMBERSHIP AND SUPPORT] for [BEING ALIVE / PEOPLE WITH AIDS ACTION COALITION], [CULIVER CITY] car dealership, multiple party and chat lines. The back cover is a full page advertisement for Midtowne Spa.

Topic

Activism

Communities

Health

Identity

LGBTQ

Mass media

Medicine

Sexuality

Singers (Musicians)

United States--History--1969-2001

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Alan Bell

Object number

2018.108.3

Restrictions & Rights

© BLK Publishing Company, Inc.

BLK Vol. 1 No. 6

Published by

Bell, Alan, American

Edited by

Bell, Alan, American

Subject of

Folayan, Ayofemi Stowe, American, born 1950

Minority AIDS Project, American, founded 1985

National Association of Black and White Men Together, American, founded 1980

AIDS Coalition To Unleash Power, American, founded 1987

Black Gay and Lesbian Leadership Forum, American, 1988 - 2003

Medium

ink on paper (fiber product)

Dimensions

H x W x D: 10 13/16 × 8 1/4 × 1/8 in. (27.4 × 20.9 × 0.3 cm)

Type

magazines (periodicals)

Classification

Documents and Published Materials-Published Works

Place made

Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, California, United States, North and Central America

Date

May 1989

Description

The 6th issue of BLK magazine, published May 1989. The front cover features an image of playwright, poet and performer Ayofemi Stowe Folayan. Foloyan wear a patterned shirt, earrings and rings on her index, middle and marriage fingers. Her hair is done in cornrows. The name of the magazine [BLK] is printed in large, bold, white uppercase letters within a red rectangular textbox. The date and issue [Number 6, May 1989] are printed just below the title. here are 22 pages in total, with articles, advertisements, classifieds, black and white photographs, and cartoon illustrations originally from Ebony Magazine with new captions written by BLK.

The inside cover features an ad for the [Minority AIDS Project], listing the organization’s services. The content opens with a section entitled [Blk Board], there is a calendar of events beginning April 28, 1989 and ending July 21, 1989. Followed by a section entitled [Blk Mail] which contains four Letters to the Editor.

There are two feature articles: [Talking about Ayofemi / Playwright, Poet and performer to appear in L.A. and Oakland] and [Policing the Task Force / How and why people of color got kicked off a city advisory board]. In the [Blk Community News] section, the articles include: [BWMT/LA Told: Hospice to Locate in South Central], [CDC Lists March Stats on AIDS Cases in U.S.], [Group Plans Outreach to Lesbians of Color], [ACT-UP Plans Meeting], [NAN Announces Execs] and [BGLLF Slates Benefit] and [Adodi, BEBASHI Plan Weekend Philly Retreat]. The issue concludes with a classified ads section titled [BLK Market].

There are advertisements throughout, including: [Stonewall 20: A Generation of Pride], [Dinner & Program Honoring Jewel Williams on her 50th Birthday], [Being Alive / People With AIDS ACTION COALITION], [Unity Fellowship Church / A Church For All People], [Feeling Overwhelmed by AIDS? / THE GAY AND LESBIAN COMMUNITY SERVICES CENTER], [976-CAMP], [970-WOLF], [976 HUGE], and [MIDTOWNE SPA].

The back cover consists of a single ad for the [KEITH MEDICAL GROUP]. The top of the ad consists of a photograph of a man trimming a rose hedge. The image takes up about half of the back cover and is divided into 12 equal squares, one of which is solid white. The caption printed under the photo reads [We treat people not parts.].

Topic

Activism

Communities

Health

Identity

LGBTQ

Mass media

Sexuality

United States--History--1969-2001

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Alan Bell

Object number

2018.108.6

Restrictions & Rights

© BLK Publishing Company, Inc.

BLK Vol. 1 No. 7

Published by

Bell, Alan, American

Edited by

Bell, Alan, American

Subject of

Pamplin, Roger V. Jr., American, died 1990

Minority AIDS Project, American, founded 1985

Wayans, Damon, American, born 1960

Slick Rick, British American, born 1965

Winfrey, Oprah, American, born 1954

Waters, Maxine, American, born 1938

Rev. Bean, Carl, American, born 1944

Dr. Uribe, Virginia, American, 1933 - 2019

Hemphill, Essex, American, 1957 - 1995

National Association of Black and White Men Together, American, founded 1980

Medium

ink on paper (fiber product)

Dimensions

H x W x D: 10 13/16 × 8 1/4 × 1/8 in. (27.4 × 20.9 × 0.3 cm)

Type

magazines (periodicals)

Classification

Documents and Published Materials-Published Works

Place made

Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, California, United States, North and Central America

Date

June 1989

Description

The 7th issue of BLK magazine, published June 1989. The front cover features an image of bodybuilder and AIDS activist Roger V. Pamplin, Jr. Pamplin, visible from the waist up, stands looking at the camera and smiling, wearing a polo shirt. At top left,[BLK] is printed in large, bold, white uppercase letters within a red rectangular textbox. The date and issue [Number 7, June] are printed just below the title. There are 30 pages in total, with articles, advertisements, classifieds, black and white photographs, and cartoon illustrations originally from Ebony Magazine with new captions written by BLK throughout.

The inside cover features an ad for the [Minority AIDS Project], listing the organization’s services. The content opens with a section entitled [WORD UP] with short blurbs on media and culture items, including a Johnny Walker advertisement featuring two men, a review of Damon Wayans offensive and homophobic stand up set, commentary on a Slick Rick song and a report that Washington DC clergy persons and council members have rejected a series of AIDS prevention posters because of explicit references to condoms. The next two pages contain the calendar of events, titled [BLK BOARD], and the letters to the editors, titled [BLK MAIL].

There are three feature articles: [Harassment vs. Protection: Police actions at Hollywood bar stir feelings of ambivalence], [The Truth about Stonewall: Lesbians, gay men of color, drag queens and young people start modern gay movement] with a timeline titled [Major Events in Black Gay History Since Stonewall], and a profile of Roger V. Pamplin, Jr. titled [It Happened to Me: Brawny bodybuilder describes how he got AIDS and how he denied it].

In the [Blk Community News] section, the articles include: [U.S. Appeals Court Tells Army to Reinstate Black Soldier but Avoids Hearing Constitutional Issue], [L.A. Gets New Magazine], [Curtis Tucker Jr. Gets MECLA Award for Dad], [New L.A. Black Lesbian Panel to Meet Monthly], Winfrey Rumor Proves Untrue, Reporter Fired, Papers Removed; Beau Said to Reconsider Union], [Los Angeles Panel Oks AIDS Training Funds], [Waters Tapped for Marshall in Pride Parade; Carl bean, Virginia Uribe to Receive Top CSW Honors], [Ousted Members Form New Police Liaison Group], [Harvey Milk Demo Club Leaves Cop Task Force], [Essex Hemphill Seeks Black Gay Manuscripts]. There is also a photograph from the “Hot, Horney and Healthy” workshop program sponsored by the National Task Force on AIDS Prevention of the National Association Black and White Men Together.

The issue continues with an obituary section titled [BLK VEIL]. This is followed by a gossip column titled [Read My Lips], a directory titled [BLK LIST] and the issue concludes with a classified ads section titled [BLK MARKET].

There are advertisements throughout, including: [Stonewall 20: A Generation of Pride], [Dinner & Program Honoring Jewel Williams on her 50th Birthday], [Being Alive / People With AIDS ACTION COALITION], [Unity Fellowship Church / A Church For All People], [CATCH ONE DISCO], [A DIFFERENT LIGHT] bookstore, [Hot, Horny and Health!] AIDS prevention program, [976-CAMP], [970-WOLF], [976 HUGE], and [MIDTOWNE SPA]. The back cover consists of a full page ad for the [KEITH MEDICAL GROUP].

Topic

Activism

Communities

Health

Identity

LGBTQ

Mass media

Sexuality

United States--History--1969-2001

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Alan Bell

Object number

2018.108.7

Restrictions & Rights

© BLK Publishing Company, Inc.

BLK Vol. 1 No. 8

Published by

Bell, Alan, American

Edited by

Bell, Alan, American

Subject of

Rev. Bean, Carl, American, born 1944

Minority AIDS Project, American, founded 1985

Hall, Arsenio, American, born 1956

Foundation for AIDS Research, American, founded 1985

Parker, Pat, American, 1944 - 1989

National Association of Black and White Men Together, American, founded 1980

Gay Men of African Descent, American, founded 1986

Fraziear, Thelma, American, 1932 - 2016

Medium

ink on paper (fiber product)

Dimensions

H x W x D: 10 13/16 × 8 1/4 × 1/8 in. (27.4 × 20.9 × 0.3 cm)

Type

magazines (periodicals)

Classification

Documents and Published Materials-Published Works

Place made

Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, California, United States, North and Central America

Date

July 1989

Description

The 8th issue of BLK magazine, published July 1989. The front cover features an image of Rev. Carl Bean, wearing clergy collar and robes. At top left,[BLK] is printed in large, bold, white uppercase letters within a red rectangular textbox. The letters are partially obscured by the image of Bean. There are 30 pages in total, with articles, advertisements, classifieds, black and white photographs, and cartoon illustrations originally from Ebony Magazine with new captions written by BLK throughout.

The inside cover features an ad for the [Minority AIDS Project “Coming Home For Friends 2 Annual Gospel Benefit]. The content opens with a section entitled [WORD UP] with short blurbs about Arsenio Hall, an Art Against AIDS fundraiser by the American Foundation for AIDS Research (AmFAR), and products by The Mysteria Love Company of Arlington, Texas. This is followed by a calendar of events, titled [BLK BOARD], and a remembrance of the Pat Parker written by Ayofemi Stowe Folayan titled [Pat Parker: Noted black lesbian writer and activist dies following battle with illness]. Pages 8-17 contain an interview with Rev. Carl Bean titled [Rev. Carl Bean Perhaps the most important black gay AIDS activist in the entire world].

In the [Blk Community News] section, the articles include: [Wheaten Killed; Man Sought for Questioning], [Merton Provides Funds BWMT Joins LIFE Lobby], [Women, Minorities Tally Rage Door Policy Bias], [Launch Tanzania Drive], [Name Room for Black Gay AIDS Activist in N.Y.] about Charles Angel, [BLK Plans New Titles for Fall], [Long Beach AIDS Group Quizzes Board Member], [Racists Go on Trial for Slaying Black Gay Men], [Thelma Fraziear Will Leave State AIDS Post], [Hospital Gives Minority Patients Useless Drug], [L.A. Gay Film Festival Includes Black Works], [Slate First ‘Gold Coast’ Model Contest at Catch], [Project Slates ‘Coming Home for Friends II’].

The issue continues with a gossip column titled [Read My Lips] and concludes with a classified ads section titled [BLK MARKET].

There are advertisements throughout, including: [Being Alive / People With AIDS ACTION COALITION], [Unity Fellowship Church / A Church For All People], [The Black Gay Mens’ Exchange], [A DIFFERENT LIGHT] bookstore, [Hot, Horny and Health!] AIDS prevention program, [Visiting Nurse Home Services], [Chris Brownlie Hospice, A Place Where Everyday Counts.], [976-CAMP], [970-WOLF], [976 HUGE], and [MIDTOWNE SPA]. The back cover consists of a full page notice for the [WAR ON AIDS MEMORIAL] being built on the grounds of the Chris Brownlie Hospice. The top of the page reads: [58,000 American Death to AIDS / 57,704 American Deaths in Vietnam / 57 HOURS OF REMEMBRANCE].

Topic

Activism

Communities

Health

Identity

LGBTQ

Mass media

Sexuality

United States--History--1969-2001

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Alan Bell

Object number

2018.108.8

Restrictions & Rights

© BLK Publishing Company, Inc.

BLK Vol. 1 No. 9

Published by

Bell, Alan, American

Edited by

Bell, Alan, American

Subject of

Baldwin, James, American, 1924 - 1987

Minority AIDS Project, American, founded 1985

Professor Griff, American, born 1960

Nkoli, Simon, South African, 1957 - 1998

National Association of Black and White Men Together, American, founded 1980

Jones-Hennin, ABilly S., American, born 1942

Medium

ink on paper (fiber product)

Dimensions

H x W x D: 10 13/16 × 8 1/4 × 1/8 in. (27.4 × 20.9 × 0.3 cm)

Type

magazines (periodicals)

Classification

Documents and Published Materials-Published Works

Place made

Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, California, United States, North and Central America

Date

August 1989

Description

The 9th issue of BLK magazine, published August 1989. The front cover features an image of James Baldwin. Baldwin is pictured from the shoulders up, wearing a plaid shirt, his proper right hand raised to his head. At top left,[BLK] is printed in large, bold, white uppercase letters within a red rectangular textbox with [Number 9] along the bottom. The letters are partially obscured by the image of Baldwin. There are 30 pages in total, with articles, advertisements, classifieds, black and white photographs, and cartoon illustrations throughout.

The inside cover features an ad for the [Minority AIDS Project with a list of services]. The content opens with a section entitled [WORD UP] with short blurbs about the singles scene at a Los Angeles carwash, Brown University funded by slave trade profits, homophobic comments by Prof. Griff of Public Enemy, and a comparison of the costs of bathhouses in various U.S. cities. This is followed by a calendar of events, titled [BLK BOARD] and several letters to the editor titled [BLK MAIL]. Pages 7-11 contain an interview with the South African anti-apartheid and gay rights activist Simon Nkoli along with a copy of his U.S. tour schedule. Within pages 13-16 is a tribute to James Baldwin.

In the [Blk Community News] section, the articles include: [African Americans Win at Gay Physique Contest], [N.Y. Poet Releases Book], [‘Coming Home’ Concert May Turn Profit for MAP], [NABWMT Holds Ninth Annual Convention in Florida], [Rage Faces More Woes], Superstars Raise Funds in N.Y.C. to Combat AIDS], [Billy Jones to Head Minority AIDS Program in D.C.], [Gay Alumni Organize], [Hughes Estate Protests Movie Exhibition in U.S.], [Black Hustler Guilty in Stabbing of Eye Doctor], and [Rue’s House to Get $]. The issue continues with a gossip column titled [Read My Lips] and concludes with a classified ads section titled [BLK MARKET].

There are advertisements throughout, including: [LAPIS PRESENTS A WOMEN’S EVENT: CARIBBEAN NIGHTS], [Being Alive / People With AIDS ACTION COALITION], [Visiting Nurse Home Services], [BWMT/LA Hot, Horny and Healthy!], [CHRIS BROWNLIE HOSPICE: A Place Where Everyday Counts], [APOLLO DESIGNS], [Unity Fellowship Church / A Church For All People], [National Black Gay and Lesbian Leadership Forum], [A DIFFERENT LIGHT] bookstore, [976-CAMP], [970-WOLF], [976 HUGE], and [MIDTOWNE SPA]. The back cover consists of a full page advertisement for [LABOR DAY GALA] in Oakland by [Something Special Productions].

Topic

Activism

Communities

Health

Identity

LGBTQ

Mass media

Sexuality

United States--History--1969-2001

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Alan Bell

Object number

2018.108.9

Restrictions & Rights

© BLK Publishing Company, Inc.

The Angolite, November/December 1979

Edited by

Rideau, Wilbert, American, born 1942

Written by

Sinclair, Billy, American, born 1945

Illustrated by

Bridges, R. Troy

Subject of

Louisiana State Penitentiary at Angola, American, founded 1835

Medium

ink on paper

Dimensions

H x W x D (closed): 11 1/8 × 8 11/16 × 1/2 in. (28.3 × 22.1 × 1.3 cm)

Type

magazines (periodicals)

Classification

Documents and Published Materials-Published Works

Place made

West Feliciana Parish, Louisiana, United States, North and Central America

Date

November/December 1979

Description

This November/December 1979 issue of The Angolite has a burgundy colored background cover with white text. A black-and-white photograph below the masthead depicts incarcerated men standing and digging in a waist-deep ditch. Two (2) men on horseback, one armed with a long gun, oversee the workers. Below the photograph is white text reading "IN THIS ISSUE / 'PRISON: The Sexual Jungle' / LOUISIANA STATE PENITENTIARY." The cover story deals with problems of sexual slavery at Angola prison and includes interviews with prisoners who were raped as well as discrimination and violence against homosexual and transgendered prisoners. Other content includes personnel changes of prison administration, articles on new legal changes and legal assistance, a review of the October 1979 Rodeo featuring several event photographs and a story on an inmate who was paralyzed after an injury during a bull riding event, a story about a local vocational school available to prisoners, and information about health care in prison. The text is supplemented with illustrations and photographs throughout the ninety-eight (98) interior pages. Information for subscribing and a mail-in card are included on the final interior page. The back cover has the same burgundy colored background with an illustration at the center of a line of men in shadow with shovel and hoes slung over their shoulders. The magazine is bound with two (2) metal staples.

Topic

Education

Gender

Health

Identity

Journalism

Justice

LGBTQ

Men

Prisons

Sexuality

Slavery

Violence

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Wilbert Rideau and Linda LaBranche

Object number

2016.139.1.2

Restrictions & Rights

© Wilbert Rideau. Permission required for use.

What Can I Do?

Digital download file offered by Andrea Pippins

Created by

Pippins, Andrea, American

Medium

digital

Type

sketches

digital media - born digital

Classification

Decorative Arts, Craft, and Design

Place made

United States, North and Central America

Date

2016

Description

Digital downloadable pdf file offered by Andrea Pippins, based on her original hand-drawn sketch titled "What Can I Do?" (2018.51.2). The illustration appears in black on a white background. The sketch consists of suggestions for how a person can become involved in social justice done in different types of hand-lettering surrounded by illustrations. Along the top is [equality!] , an illustration of a voting box with an arrow pointing to the slot, [serve] with a palm-up hand next to it, [Make art not war] in script. Along the left side is an illustration of a peace sign on a protest placard, [PEACE] and [ENOUGH!] in a circle, followed by [USE YOU VOICE] in large block letters, an illustration of a hand making the peace sign gesture, [freedom] in large script and [KNOW THE FACTS] in block letters within a bubble cloud. In the center is an illustration of a television with [STOP WATCHING THE NW], an illustrated power fist, a speech bubble with [what can I DO?], [protest] and a drawing a piece of paper and a pencil with [WRITE A / write a / letter to / your local / civil leaders]. At the right side is [BE EMPATHETIC], [vote] wiht an equals symbol, [BOYCOTT] in large block letters above an illustrated dollar sign, [SPEAKOUT] in a speech bubble coming from an illustrated mouth, [DESIGN POSTERS] in large bubble letters, and [SAY IT LOUD] on an illustrated protest placard. All of the illustrations are oriented horizontally except for along the right edge, which has illustrations of prayer hands, an angel wing, and a figure in meditative stance with the words [MEDITATE] and [pray] oriented vertically.

Topic

Activism

Art

Freedom

Graphic design

Health

Justice

Resistance

United States--History--2001-

Violence

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Andrea Pippins

Object number

2018.51.4

Restrictions & Rights

© Andrea Pippins

Photographic print of children receiving shots

Photograph by

Charles "Teenie" Harris, American, 1908 - 1998

Subject of

Unidentified Child or Children

Unidentified Man or Men

Unidentified Woman or Women

Medium

silver and photographic gelatin on photographic paper

Dimensions

H x W (Image): 16 × 19 7/8 in. (40.6 × 50.5 cm)

H x W (Sheet): 13 × 16 in. (33 × 40.6 cm)

Type

gelatin silver prints

Classification

Media Arts-Photography

Date

ca. 1955

Description

A black and white photograph of a group of children receiving vaccinations. The children are formed in a line. Three unidentified women stand with the children. An unidentified man sits at a wooden table covered in white cloth with two columns of syringes on top. The man sits with his back away from the camera and sticks a syringe into the proper left arm of a girl at the front of the line while the woman standing to the girl's proper right rests a hand on her proper left shoulder. There is an imprint of a palm tree in the bottom right corner of the border on the front of the photograph. The back of the photograph has an inscription, by hand, of the numbers: [531], [531.01], and a photographer's stamp.

Topic

Children

Health

Medicine

Photography

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift from Charles A. Harris and Beatrice Harris in memory of Charles "Teenie" Harris

Object number

2014.302.6

Restrictions & Rights

© Carnegie Museum of Art, Charles "Teenie" Harris Archive

Freedom

Original sketch by Andrea Pippins

Created by

Pippins, Andrea, American

Medium

ink on paper

Dimensions

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

Type

sketches

Classification

Decorative Arts, Craft, and Design

Place made

United States, North and Central America

Date

2016

Caption

This original sketch by graphic designer and illustrator Andrea Pippins was created directly in response to the violence that bombarded the newscycle in the summer of 2016, which saw incidents ranging from the rampant killings of unarmed black men by U.S. police officers; attacks on and killings of police officers; terrorism in public spaces; and violence across the United States and overseas. As a designer, Pippins sought a way to help alleviate the pain and what she called the "ugliness going on in the world." She used the sketch to create a free, downloadable, doodle/coloring page sheet that she hoped could offer a productive outlet for processing emotions and empowering individuals who were feeling affected by the events.

Description

An original hand-drawn sketch by graphic designer Andrea Pippins entitled Freedom. The sketch is made with brown ink on a sheet of white paper. It is in the style of a worksheet for the user to color in and complete with additional words and drawings. The word [FREEDOM] appears in large block letters in the center. Along the left edge is written [DOODLE, COLOR, WRITE: Self-reflection and empowerment for change]. At the top left is a section for the user to put in their information with [Your name] and an arrow, followed by [YOUR FACE] and a sketch of a picture frame with [SELF-PORTRAIT] above it. Next to the frame is a sketch of a globe and beneath the name section is a bubble pointing at the globe with [How will you change the world???]. At the top right is a speech bubble with [SPEAK YOUR MIND: Write about something you stand for] above it. Beneath this, is a speach bubble with [What can I DO?] and a space with the instructions [USE THIS SPACE TO BRAINSTORM SOME IDEAS TO GET INVOLVED IN YOUR COMMUNITY]. [WHAT DO YOU BELIEVE?] is written vertically along the right edge of the sheet. At bottom center, below [FREEDOM], is written [WHAT DOES IT MEAN?] in a speech bubble with [Write what freedom means to you...] in script below with lines for writing. At the bottom left corner is a circle with [GOOD NEWS / WRITE ABOUT SOME GOOD NEWS IN YOUR COMMUNITY] with lines beneath for writing. At the left side center is a rectangular speech bubble with [Today I feel...] followed by lines for writing.

Topic

Activism

Art

Freedom

Graphic design

Health

Justice

Resistance

United States--History--2001-

Violence

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Andrea Pippins

Object number

2018.51.1

Restrictions & Rights

© Andrea Pippins

Scrapbook compiled by Louise Alexander Gunn

Created by

Gunn, Louise Alexander, American

Subject of

Gunn, Bill, American, 1934 - 1989

Leon Sullivan, American, 1922 - 2001

Lincoln University, American, founded 1866

Waters, Ethel, American, 1896 - 1977

Baker, Josephine, American, 1906 - 1975

Waymon, Sam, American, born 1944

Medium

newsprint , ink on photographic paper , cardboard , metal and synthetic fiber

Dimensions

11 x 9 1/2 x 1 1/4 in. (27.9 x 24.1 x 3.2 cm)

Type

scrapbooks

Classification

Memorabilia and Ephemera

Place made

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States, North and Central America

Date

1950s - 1970s

Description

Cloth bound purple and green floral print spiral bound scrapbook containing black-and-white and color photographs along with newspaper clippings and other ephemera dating from the late 1950s to the late 1970s documenting the life of Louise Jackson Gunn in the Philadelphia area. Louise Gunn was an actress, beauty queen, and community activist. The contents of the scrapbook include newspaper clippings and photographs related to Gunn's church groups and activities, including the Zion Drama Workshop; her friendships with other women in the community and from her vaudeville past; and her travels to the Bahamas and Paris, France.

A large portion of the scrapbook is devoted to Gunn’s community work, including scholarship fundraising for Lincoln University, adult education programs, and volunteering at Philadelphia General Hospital. Gunn also documents work with Rev. Leon H. Sullivan and the Opportunities Industrialization Center (OIC), including efforts to provide school children with free breakfast and to fight housing discrimination.

There are several clippings, photographs, and programs related to her son, the actor and playwright Bill Gunn, including a performance with Ethel Waters and collaborations with musician Sam Waymon. There are also clippings related to performances by Alberta Hunter and Josephine Baker.

Topic

Activism

Actors

Blues (Music)

Civil rights

Communities

Education

Entertainers

Families

Film

Health

Housing

Jazz (Music)

Motherhood

Musicians

Religious groups

Social life and customs

Social reform

Theatre

Travel

Vaudeville

Credit Line

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

Object number

2012.46.65.1

Restrictions & Rights

Unknown - Restrictions Possible

Sliding caliper used by Dr. Montague Cobb

Manufactured by

Unidentified

Owned by

Cobb, William Montague M.D., American, 1904 - 1990

Medium

metal

Dimensions

H x W x D: 5 3/8 × 10 1/4 × 7/16 in. (13.7 × 26 × 1.1 cm)

Type

graduates

Classification

Tools and Equipment-Medical

Exhibition

Making a Way Out of No Way

On View

NMAAHC (1400 Constitution Ave NW), National Mall Location, Community/Third Floor, 3 050

Place used

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

Date

mid 20th century

Description

This is a metal caliper with a sliding scale. The head has pointed edges. The top section is fixed in place, while the lower section moves up and down the ruler. A small screw is present at the side of the lower section.

Topic

Activism

Education

Health

Local and regional

Medicine

Race discrimination

Science

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Dr. Michael L. Blakey

Object number

2014.308.2

Restrictions & Rights

No Known Copyright Restrictions

The Angolite, Vol. 9, No. 3

Edited by

Rideau, Wilbert, American, born 1942

Sinclair, Billy, American, born 1945

Written by

Mason, Tommy

Illustrated by

Stegall, Larry

Subject of

Louisiana State Penitentiary at Angola, American, founded 1835

Medium

ink on paper

Dimensions

H x W x D (closed): 11 1/8 × 8 3/4 × 3/8 in. (28.3 × 22.2 × 1 cm)

Type

magazines (periodicals)

Classification

Documents and Published Materials-Published Works

Place made

West Feliciana Parish, Louisiana, United States, North and Central America

Date

May/June 1984

Description

This issue of The Angolite, Vol. 9, No. 3, has a large black-and-white cover photograph behind the black text of the masthead. The photo shows several men at a funeral underneath a barren tree. Grave markers are visible in the foreground and around the men's feet. Black text over the photograph at the bottom reads "Feature: / DYING IN PRISON." The cover story includes information about the prison graveyard and has interviews with some elderly and unwell prisoners. Other articles in the issue deal with information about the pardon system, a committee set up to keep track of those with long-term sentences seeking clemency, a book review, and regular features such as sports coverage and poetry. The final interior page includes subscription information. The back cover has a line drawing of two men in a horse-drawn cart filled with cotton. There are 102 interior pages and the magazine is bound with two (2) metal staples.

Topic

Funeral customs and rites

Health

Journalism

Justice

Men

Prisons

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Wilbert Rideau and Linda LaBranche

Object number

2016.139.1.4

Restrictions & Rights

© Wilbert Rideau. Permission required for use.

Pinback button promoting the American Red Cross HIV/AIDS program

Manufactured by

Unidentified

Attributed to

American Red Cross, American, founded 1881

Owned by

Bailey, Jan, American, 1942 - 2010

Medium

metal

Dimensions

H x W: 2 3/4 × 1 3/4 × 3/8 in. (7 × 4.4 × 1 cm)

Type

buttons (information artifacts)

Classification

Memorabilia and Ephemera-Political and Activist Ephemera

Date

ca. 1985

Description

Rectangular pin-back button featuring a red, green, and gold outline of Africa, set against a black background. Black type appears within outline of Africa and reads, [RESPECT/YOURSELF/PROTECT/YOURSELF]. Gold type appears above and below Africa outline and reads, [American Red Cross/HIV/AIDS PROGRAM].

Topic

Associations and institutions

Health

Politics (Practical)

Credit Line

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

Object number

2013.201.1.43

Restrictions & Rights

No Known Copyright Restrictions

Prototype of a digital heart rhythm monitor developed by Dr. L. Julian Haywood

Created by

Haywood, L. Julian, M.D., American, born 1927

Manufactured by

Harvey, George A., American

Kirk, William L. Jr., American

Medium

wood, plastic, metal, silicon, electric conductor, glass and adhesive

Dimensions

H x W x D: 8 × 23 × 15 in. (20.3 × 58.4 × 38.1 cm)

H x W x D (With Cord): 8 × 41 3/4 × 15 in. (20.3 × 106.1 × 38.1 cm)

Type

monitors (data processing equipment)

Classification

Tools and Equipment-Medical

Place made

Los Angeles, California, United States, North and Central America

Date

1966-1969

Caption

Digital heart rhythm monitoring was developed for the purpose of detecting heart rhythm abnormalities in heart attack patients by pioneering African American cardiologist L. Julian Haywood, M.D., and his associates. The technology was developed and first implemented in 1969 in the Coronary Care Unit at L.A. County General Hospital, the first such facility on the west coast, established by Dr. Haywood in 1966. The physical console and related software were developed on-site to Dr. Haywood’s specifications.

Description

This is a prototype display console of a heart rhythm monitor, used in conjunction with a Control Data computer running software. The console is in the shape of a right trapezoid. The front panel is laminated wood comprised of metal and plastic buttons, switches, and dials. The top right is made of four switches with a black toggles in the center. Beneath the switches are columns labeled [CH1], [CH2], [CH3], and [CH4]. On the left of the columns are two black push buttons labeled [START] and [STOP]. In the columns are green, orange, red, and clear lights, black plastic and metal push buttons. The lights are labeled on the right, green: [MONITOR], orange: [EVENT], red: [ALARM], clear: [SELECTED], and black buttons: [SELECT]. This area is encompassed by a black line and three vertical black lines. To the right, are three black metal and plastic push buttons that read, [CLEAR], [DISPLAY], and [PLOT ON/OFF]. To the right, is a black switch labeled [DATA], and a metal key hole. On the right of the panel, is another black lined box with four columns and three rows. Each row is made up of a black push button and four black dials that go from 1-10. The rows are named, [EVENTS/MIN], [SENSITIVITY], and [RR INTERVAL]. The columns are labeled at the bottom, [CH 1], [CH 2], [CH 3], and [CH 4]. There are small pieces of brown tape and residue of tape throughout. The rest of the object is covered with a darker color laminated wood than the front panel. On the right side of the panel, a text printed on a white sticker in red reads [PATENT EQUIPTION INSPECTION / Control No. / Due Date / Tested By / CLINICAL ENGINEERING / LAC, USC Medical Center / EXT. 5053]. Written diagonally covering the red text is [O/S] in black marker. The back of the prototype machine is plain wood opening panel connected by a metal hinge. A large amount of medical tape is covering a bump on the back of the wood. A circular opening in the center is used to lift the wood panel. Housed within the internal compartment are large and small computer chips with multiple connecting wires, metals pieces, and batteries. Three long grey wires come out of the back of the prototype through a cut out in the wooden panel on the bottom left. One of the long wires ends in a dual internal angle connector. The end plug is wrapped in white medical tape. The next wire has a black switch in the center with a [ON / OFF] switch and ends in a large metal connector plug. The third longest cable has a plug connection to an outlet.

Topic

Health

Medicine

Science

Technology

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of L. Julian Haywood, M.D.

Object number

2017.42

Restrictions & Rights

No Known Copyright Restrictions

Doctor Examines Baby at Health Clinic Run by the Black Panther Party, Chicago, Illinois, 1970

Photograph by

Shames, Stephen, American, born 1947

Subject of

Unidentified Man or Men

Unidentified Child or Children

Black Panther Party, American, 1966 - 1982

Medium

silver and photographic gelatin on photographic paper

Dimensions

H x W (Sheet): 16 × 19 7/8 in. (40.6 × 50.5 cm)

H x W (Image): 12 1/2 × 18 5/8 in. (31.8 × 47.3 cm)

Type

gelatin silver prints

portraits

Classification

Media Arts-Photography

Place depicted

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

Date

1970, printed 2014

Description

A black-and-white photograph of a baby being examined by a doctor at a health clinic run by the Black Panther Party in Chicago, Illinois. The baby is at the center of the photograph, being held by a young woman who has lifted up his shirt for the doctor. The doctor is at the proper right side of the photograph, leaning down towards the baby and holding a stethoscope on the baby's chest. The young woman has short hair and is wearing a dark-colored button-down shirt. The young woman and baby are sitting next to an examination table.

Topic

Black power

Health

Medicine

Photography

Politics (Practical)

Resistance

Social reform

United States--History--1969-2001

Credit Line

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

Object number

2014.123.7

Restrictions & Rights

© Stephen Shames