Designed by

Rodgers, Aggie Guerard, American, born 1943

Manufactured by

Palace Costume Company, American, founded 1990

Worn by

Goldberg, Whoopi, American, born 1955

Medium

cotton with mother of pearl and plastic buttons

Dimensions

H x W x D (On form): 52 1/4 × 21 1/2 × 14 1/2 in. (132.7 × 54.6 × 36.8 cm)

Type

dresses

Place used

North Carolina, United States, North and Central America

California, United States, North and Central America

Date

1985

Description

White cotton dress with blue trim worn by Whoopi Goldberg as the character Celie Harris Johnson in the film "The Color Purple." The white cotton is printed in black with a small repeating geometric design. The dress has elbow-length sleeves trimmed in blue cotton. The blue cotton is also sewn around the waistband, at the neck, and along the top of a patch pocket with a diagonal opening on the proper right hip of the A-line skirt. The blue band on the front of the neck crosses under the two blue side bands, with four (4) round mother of pearl buttons, one at each pointed end of the bands. The dress closes at the center back bodice with three (3) round buttons, two mother of pearl and one clear plastic. The dress is not lined. There are two labels along the interior proper left button band on the back bodice, the top label is a barcode adhered directly to the fabric with printed text above the barcode reading "PALACE COSTUME CO." and text below the barcode reading "37500868"; the bottom label is an off-white clothing tag with handwritten text in black reading "D113" above printed text reading "Palace Costume Co."

Topic

African American

Actors

Clothing and dress

Costume

Film

Literature

Women

Credit Line

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

Object number

2014.184.2

Restrictions & Rights

No Known Copyright Restrictions

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National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

Classification

Clothing-Costume

Data Source

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Designed by

Rodgers, Aggie Guerard, American, born 1943

Manufactured by

Palace Costume Company, American, founded 1990

Worn by

Goldberg, Whoopi, American, born 1955

Jackson, Desreta, Virgin Islander, born 1975

Medium

cotton, lace, tape, and metal buttons

Dimensions

H x W x D (On form): 53 1/2 × 20 × 16 1/2 in. (135.9 × 50.8 × 41.9 cm)

Type

dresses

Place used

North Carolina, United States, North and Central America

California, United States, North and Central America

Date

1985

Description

Blue floral print dress worn by Whoopi Goldberg as the character Celie Harris Johnson and by Desreta Jackson as Young Celie in the film "The Color Purple." The ankle-length long-sleeved dress is made from a printed cotton with a design of pale green five-petal flowers with pink rose sprigs in the center. The flower run down a cream stripe with a styled geometric motif in brown and are spaced at even intervals that alternate horizontally. The floral stripe is on a dark blue ground with faux ikat elements in cream. The dress closes at the center front with eight (8) round metal buttons with an engraved floral design sewn in a line to a button band made of dark blue twill. There is also one (1) small black snap at the top of the button band just under the collar. The dress has a squared yoke with two wide pleats on each front side and a spread collar with a ruffled edge and a square back. Two parallel lines of brown trim with a cream diamond woven design are sewn around the collar. The same brown trim is sewn around the cuffs of both sleeves, which also end in a ruffle of the blue floral print and are edged with cream cotton with a floral spring cutwork embroidery design and a scalloped edge. The full skirt ends with a wide pleated panel, a band of thin cream woven tape near the hem, and cream embroidered scalloped lace extending below the hem.

The back of the dress has a square yoke and a center double box pleat that is stitched down at the natural waistline so that the pleating continues below the waist. The waist has two parallel lines of stitching spaced approximately one inch apart to create a drawstring casing. A light brown fabric tie is sewn along the interior center back with the ends left loose to be tied around the wearer's waist. The dress is not lined except the yoke, which is backed in the blue floral print fabric. There are three tags at the interior center back neck, two sewn on top of each other and the third is a barcode adhered directly to the dress that reads above the barcode "PALACE COSTUME CO." and below the barcode "37008506". The bottom of the two stacked tags is a white cloth label with black handwritten text reading "D112" above brown printed text that reads "Palace Costume Co."; the top label is a white cloth label with black handwritten text reading "DESIRITA".

Topic

African American

Actors

Clothing and dress

Costume

Film

Literature

Women

Credit Line

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

Object number

2014.184.3

Restrictions & Rights

No Known Copyright Restrictions

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National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

Classification

Clothing-Costume

Data Source

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Designed by

Rodgers, Aggie Guerard, American, born 1943

Manufactured by

Palace Costume Company, American, founded 1990

Worn by

Goldberg, Whoopi, American, born 1955

Medium

cotton with mother of pearl buttons and metal closures

Dimensions

H x W x D (On form): 50 3/4 × 19 1/4 × 15 in. (128.9 × 48.9 × 38.1 cm)

Type

dresses

Place used

North Carolina, United States, North and Central America

California, United States, North and Central America

Date

1985

Description

Light pink dress worn by Whoopi Goldberg as the character Celie Harris Johnson in the film "The Color Purple." The ankle-length dress with three-quarter length tapered sleeves, gathered waist, and full skirt is made from a pale pink cotton with details in a pink, white, and gray woven striped check. The spread collar with a long square back, the cuffs of the sleeves, the waist band, the two (2) patch pockets on each front side hip of the skirt, and a center panel on the front skirt are all made of the striped check fabric. The collar is trimmed with cream floral lace with a scalloped edge. The dress closes down the center front with two (2) small round mother of pearl buttons with a star design and one (1) metal hook-and-eye fastener at the neck, and at the front waistband with one (1) metal hook-and-eye fastener, two (2) medium round mother of pearl buttons, and four (4) metal snaps. A slit is left open below the waistband closure on the proper left side of the skirt. The dress is not lined. Two labels are sewn at the interior center back neck; the bottom is a white cloth label with illegible black handwritten text above brown printed text reading "Palace Costume Co."; the top label is a white cloth label with a barcode adhered to the front of it and printed text above the barcode reading "PALACE COSTUME CO." and text below the barcode reading "37005001".

Topic

African American

Actors

Clothing and dress

Costume

Film

Literature

Women

Credit Line

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

Object number

2014.184.4

Restrictions & Rights

No Known Copyright Restrictions

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National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

Classification

Clothing-Costume

Data Source

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Written by

Davis, Ossie, American, 1917 - 2005

Perl, Arnold, American, 1914 - 1971

Published by

Davis and Lee Film Continuity Service, American

Subject of

Himes, Chester, American, 1909 - 1984

United Artists Corporation, founded 1919

Medium

ink on paper with metal on pressboard

Type

continuities

Place depicted

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

Date

June 1, 1970

Description

This folio continuity script for "Cotton Comes to Harlem" is from the 1970 film based on the Chester Himes' novel of the same name. The pages are mimeographed leaves bound in a black pressboard binder with a metal prong clasp. The front cover has a central white rectangular label with rounded edges that reads [COTTON COMES TO HARLEM / United Artists - 1970 / A.Perl, O.Davis/O.Davis]. There is an adhesive label on the upper spine that reads [COTTON COMES TO HARLEM]. The reverse of the binder has two anchoring holes for the interior metal prong. The script is held to the binder with a metal prong on the center left side and the 143 pages are connected together by a separate top center metal clasp.

Topic

African American

Actors

Blaxploitation films

Literature

Credit Line

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

Object number

2016.26.4

Restrictions & Rights

Unknown - Restrictions Possible

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National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

Classification

Documents and Published Materials

Data Source

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Written by

Sims, Guy A.

Subject of

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

Medium

ink on paper (fiber product), metal

Dimensions

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

Type

scripts (documents)

Place used

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

Date

October 31, 1992

Description

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

Topic

African American

Comics and graphic novels

Language

Literature

Credit Line

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

Object number

2017.116.2

Restrictions & Rights

© Big City Entertainment, Inc.

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National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

Classification

Memorabilia and Ephemera

Data Source

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Published by

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

Illustrated by

Anyabwile, Dawud

Written by

Sims, Guy A.

Distributed by

Sims, Jason E.

Medium

ink on paper

Dimensions

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

Type

comic books

Place made

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

Date

April 1990

Description

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

Topic

African American

Art

Comics and graphic novels

Graphic design

Literature

Credit Line

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

Object number

2017.116.4.1

Restrictions & Rights

© Big City Entertainment, Inc.

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National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

Classification

Documents and Published Materials-Published Works

Data Source

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Published by

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

Illustrated by

Anyabwile, Dawud

Written by

Sims, Guy A.

Distributed by

Sims, Jason E.

Medium

ink on paper

Dimensions

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

Type

comic books

Place made

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

Date

June 1994

Description

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

Topic

African American

Art

Comics and graphic novels

Graphic design

Literature

Credit Line

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

Object number

2017.116.4.10

Restrictions & Rights

© Big City Entertainment, Inc.

See more items in

National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

Classification

Documents and Published Materials-Published Works

Data Source

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Published by

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

Illustrated by

Anyabwile, Dawud

Written by

Sims, Guy A.

Distributed by

Sims, Jason E.

Medium

ink on paper

Dimensions

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

Type

comic books

Place made

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

Date

July 1996

Description

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

Topic

African American

Art

Comics and graphic novels

Graphic design

Literature

Credit Line

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

Object number

2017.116.4.11

Restrictions & Rights

© Big City Entertainment, Inc.

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National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

Classification

Documents and Published Materials-Published Works

Data Source

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Published by

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

Illustrated by

Anyabwile, Dawud

Written by

Sims, Guy A.

Distributed by

Sims, Jason E.

Medium

ink on paper

Dimensions

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

Type

comic books

Place made

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

Date

September 1990

Description

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

Topic

African American

Art

Comics and graphic novels

Graphic design

Literature

Credit Line

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

Object number

2017.116.4.2

Restrictions & Rights

© Big City Entertainment, Inc.

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National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

Classification

Documents and Published Materials-Published Works

Data Source

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Published by

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

Illustrated by

Anyabwile, Dawud

Written by

Sims, Guy A.

Distributed by

Sims, Jason E.

Medium

ink on paper

Dimensions

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

Type

comic books

Place made

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

Date

March 1991

Description

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

Topic

African American

Art

Comics and graphic novels

Graphic design

Literature

Credit Line

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

Object number

2017.116.4.3

Restrictions & Rights

© Big City Entertainment, Inc.

See more items in

National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

Classification

Documents and Published Materials-Published Works

Data Source

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Published by

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

Illustrated by

Anyabwile, Dawud

Written by

Sims, Guy A.

Distributed by

Sims, Jason E.

Medium

ink on paper

Dimensions

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

Type

comic books

Place made

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

Date

September 1991

Description

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

Topic

African American

Art

Comics and graphic novels

Graphic design

Literature

Credit Line

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

Object number

2017.116.4.4

Restrictions & Rights

© Big City Entertainment, Inc.

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National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

Classification

Documents and Published Materials-Published Works

Data Source

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Published by

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

Illustrated by

Anyabwile, Dawud

Written by

Sims, Guy A.

Distributed by

Sims, Jason E.

Medium

ink on paper

Dimensions

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

Type

comic books

Place made

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

Date

February 1992

Description

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

Topic

African American

Art

Comics and graphic novels

Graphic design

Literature

Credit Line

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

Object number

2017.116.4.5

Restrictions & Rights

© Big City Entertainment, Inc.

See more items in

National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

Classification

Documents and Published Materials-Published Works

Data Source

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Published by

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

Illustrated by

Anyabwile, Dawud

Written by

Sims, Guy A.

Distributed by

Sims, Jason E.

Medium

ink on paper

Dimensions

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

Type

comic books

Place made

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

Date

June 1992

Description

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

Topic

African American

Art

Comics and graphic novels

Graphic design

Literature

Credit Line

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

Object number

2017.116.4.6

Restrictions & Rights

© Big City Entertainment, Inc.

See more items in

National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

Classification

Documents and Published Materials-Published Works

Data Source

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Published by

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

Illustrated by

Anyabwile, Dawud

Written by

Sims, Guy A.

Distributed by

Sims, Jason E.

Medium

ink on paper

Dimensions

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

Type

comic books

Place made

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

Date

October 1992

Description

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

Topic

African American

Art

Comics and graphic novels

Graphic design

Literature

Credit Line

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

Object number

2017.116.4.7

Restrictions & Rights

© Big City Entertainment, Inc.

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National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

Classification

Documents and Published Materials-Published Works

Data Source

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Published by

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

Illustrated by

Anyabwile, Dawud

Written by

Sims, Guy A.

Distributed by

Sims, Jason E.

Medium

ink on paper

Dimensions

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

Type

comic books

Place made

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

Date

March 1993

Description

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

Topic

African American

Art

Comics and graphic novels

Graphic design

Literature

Credit Line

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

Object number

2017.116.4.8

Restrictions & Rights

© Big City Entertainment, Inc.

See more items in

National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

Classification

Documents and Published Materials-Published Works

Data Source

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Published by

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

Illustrated by

Anyabwile, Dawud

Written by

Sims, Guy A.

Distributed by

Sims, Jason E.

Medium

ink on paper

Dimensions

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

Type

comic books

Place made

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

Date

September 1993

Description

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

Topic

African American

Art

Comics and graphic novels

Graphic design

Literature

Credit Line

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

Object number

2017.116.4.9

Restrictions & Rights

© Big City Entertainment, Inc.

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National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

Classification

Documents and Published Materials-Published Works

Data Source

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Created by

Bowser, Pearl, American, born 1931

Directed by

Oscar Micheaux, American, 1884 - 1951

Owned by

Bowser, Pearl, American, born 1931

Medium

16mm Film (a): acetate film;

16mm Film (b): acetate film;

16mm Film (c): acetate film;

Dimensions

Duration (Reel 1): 32 Minutes

Length (Film): 1140 Feet

Duration (Reel 2): 28 Minutes

Length (Film): 1000 Feet

Duration (Reel 3): 19 Minutes

Length (Film): 700 Feet

Type

motion pictures (information artifacts)

Place filmed

Greenwich Village, New York City, New York County, New York, United States, North and Central America

Place depicted

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

South Dakota, United States, North and Central America

Date

1931

Description

This 16mm black and white feature film, "The Exile", was Oscar Micheaux's first "talkie" (a feature film with a synchronized audio/dialogue track). The film was based on his novel "The Conquest, The Story of a Negro Pioneer" (1913).

Consists of: 16mm Film (a), 16mm Film (b), 16mm Film (c), Original Film Reel (d)

2012.79.1.30.1a: Reel 1, 2012.79.1.30.1b: Reel 2, 2012.79.1.30.1c: Reel 3: 16mm film.

Edith Duval, a former maid, occupies a Southside Chicago mansion after it is abandoned by its wealthy meat packer owner. She is part of a wild crowd that likes to gamble, dance and have a good time. One night, when she throws a huge party for her friends, Jean Baptiste, a sincere young black man, draws her away from the crowd and confesses his love for her. Edith is delighted and tells Jean her plans to turn the house into a gambling club. Outraged by the suggestion, Jean declares his desire to take her away to a farm in South Dakota to earn an honest living. Edith, however, scornfully sends him away. Five years later, Jean has become such a successful farmer that he needs a hand with the chores and asks his new neighbors for help. Jean and the head of the family agree that the son will work for him. Meanwhile, Agnes, the daughter, is very attracted to Jean and, although he returns her love, he breaks off the romance because she is white and he is afraid that she will face a difficult life if they marry. Brokenhearted, Jean returns to Chicago. There, he visits Edith's nightclub, and determined to put Agnes behind him, he proposes to Edith again. This time she happily accepts. Unfortunately, an old lover of Edith shoots her in a jealous rage and Jean is accused of her murder. Upon seeing his name in the paper, Agnes decides to go to his aid. Her father agrees, and before she goes, he tells her that her mother was of Ethiopian descent, so it is all right for her to marry Jean. Just as she arrives in Chicago, she meets Jean, who has been completely cleared of the crime. The two set off for a happy married life in South Dakota.

Topic

African American

American West

Film

Literature

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Pearl Bowser

Object number

2012.79.1.30.1abc

Restrictions & Rights

Public Domain

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National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

Collection title

Pearl Bowser Collection

Classification

Media Arts-Film and Video

Data Source

National Museum of African American History and Culture