Written by

Madhubuti, Haki R., American, born 1942

Printed by

Broadside Press, founded 1965

Owned by

Furious Flower Poetry Center, American, founded 1999

Medium

ink on paper

Dimensions

H x W x D: 8 7/16 × 5 1/2 × 3/16 in. (21.5 × 14 × 0.5 cm)

Type

books

Place printed

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

Date

1970

Description

This is a paperback volume of poetry titled "We Walk the Way of the New World" by Don L. Lee. The cover is black, with a large central image against a red, green and yellow mosaic background. Divided into three fields by black borders with brown and yellow triangles, the top field has the title in black letters, followed by a crescent moon and star. The middle field shows a drawing of an individual in profile, flanked by an African sculpture to the right and a large African mask to the left. The bottom field has the words "By Don L. Lee/ Broadside Press Detroit." In the bottom right corner of the cover are the numbers "$1.50."

Topic

African American

African diaspora

Poetry

Race discrimination

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of the Furious Flower Poetry Center, JMU

Object number

2014.254.1

Restrictions & Rights

© 1970 Haki Madhubuti. Permission required for use.

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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

Written by

Gwendolyn Brooks, American, 1917 - 2000

Illustrated by

Donaldson, Jeff, American, 1932 - 2004

Published by

Broadside Press, founded 1965

Owned by

Furious Flower Poetry Center, American, founded 1999

Subject of

AfriCOBRA, founded 1968

Medium

ink on paper

Dimensions

8 7/16 × 5 1/2 × 3/16 in. (21.5 × 14 × 0.4 cm)

Type

paperbacks

Place printed

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

Place made

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

Date

1970

Description

This is a paperback volume of poetry with black cover and the word "RIOT" in red san-serif typeface within a white irregular circle. The name "GWENDOLYN BROOKS" in white serif typeface are centered in the middle of the cover. The words "BROADSIDE PRESS $1.00" are visible in the lower left corner. On the back cover is a large black and white photograph of the author that fills two-thirds of the surface. The photograph depicts a woman with short hair, wearing a button down collared shirt. There is a dark window behind her. The remaining third of the cover shows text that read "RIOT/ is a poem in three parts, only one part of / which has appeared in print before. It arises from/ the disturbances in Chicago after the assassination of Martin Luther King in 1968. / RIOT, BY GWENDOLYN BROOKS, $1.00/ BROADSIDE PRESS/ 12651 Old Mill Place Detroit Michigan 48238." On the frontispiece is a reproduction of a painting by Jeff Donaldson. It depicts two young men, both wearing white shirts and khaki pants. The taller man holds a small African statue in his right hand and presses his left hand up against a clear sheet of glass the stands between the him and the viewer. The younger man stands behind him and also presses his hand against the glass surface. The glass is indicated by a few semi-transparent vertical lines and several iterations of the word "glass" in various sizes across the surface of the painting. Beneath the image are the words ""Allah Shango," by Jeff Donaldson / This painting was the Purchase Award Winner at the exhibit "Black/ Expressions '69" at the Southside Community Art Center, Chicago."

Topic

African American

Civil Rights

Communities

Literature

Poetry

Race discrimination

Violence

Credit Line

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

Object number

2014.255

Restrictions & Rights

© Gwendolyn Brooks. Permission required for use.

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National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

Classification

Documents and Published Materials-Published Works

Exhibition

A Changing America: 1968 and Beyond

On View

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

Data Source

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Printed by

Unidentified

Published by

TriQuarterly Books, American, founded 1992

Northwestern University Press, American, founded 1893

Written by

Nikky Finney, American, born 1957

Medium

ink on paper with adhesive

Dimensions

8 1/2 × 6 3/16 × 3/8 in. (21.6 × 15.7 × 1 cm)

Type

paperbacks

Place printed

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

Date

2011

Description

First edition, first printing, paperback of Head Off & Split: Poems by Nikky Finney. The book has white front and back covers with a white spine. On the front cover, centered in the upper half, is an image of a pair of fish wrapped in a newspaper. In the upper left corner is a gold, round sticker with black text that reads [NATIONAL BOOK AWARD / WINNER] above and below a black graphic of an open book. In the lower half of the front cover, also centered, is the book title and author, listed in red and black text that reads [HEAD / OFF & / SPLIT / POEMS / NIKKY FINNEY]. The back cover of the book features a small black-and-white photograph of the author in frontal view, with her chin resting on her fist in the bottom left corner. To the right of the photograph is some biographical data about the author, photo credits and a cover design credit. Above the photograph are five endorsements of Head Off & Split and Nikky Finney. There is a barcode sticker in the bottom right corner of the back cover. The top third of the book spine is the last name of the author, [FINNEY], in red text, followed by the title of the book in black and red text that reads [HEAD OFF & SPLIT]. The bottom third of the spine is the publisher’s information and logo in black type. There are ninety-seven (97) interior pages that are white with black type as well as an addition section entitled, [Nikky Finney’s Acceptance / Speech for the National / Book Award for Poetry / November 16, 2011 · Cipriani’s, New York].

Topic

African American

Poetry

Women

Credit Line

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

Object number

2014.266

Restrictions & Rights

Unknown - Restrictions Possible

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National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

Classification

Documents and Published Materials-Published Works

Exhibition

Cultural Expressions

On View

NMAAHC (1400 Constitution Ave NW), National Mall Location, Culture/Fourth Floor, 4 050

Data Source

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Written by

Sanchez, Sonia, American, born 1934

Published by

Broadside Press, founded 1965

Illustrated by

Olugebefola, Ademola, American, born 1941

Medium

ink on paper

Dimensions

H x W x D: 8 1/2 x 5 3/8 x 1/4 in. (21.6 x 13.7 x 0.6 cm)

Type

poems

Date

1970

Description

A compilation of poems written by Sonia Sanchez and published in 1970. The book is divided into three sections: Survival Poems, Love/Songs/Chants, and TCB/EN Poems. The font cover features a black and white illustration by Ademola Olugebefola. Text at the top reads: [Broadside Press $ 1.50 / We A BaddDDD People / -Sonia Sanchez]. Below the header is black and white drawing. This copy has a note from Sanchez in 1972. The back of the cover has a black and white photograph of Sanchez.

Topic

African American

Identity

Language

Literature

Poetry

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Dr. Bertha Maxwell Roddey

Object number

2012.22.12

Restrictions & Rights

©1970 by Sonia Sanchez Knight. Permission required for use.

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National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

Classification

Documents and Published Materials-Published Works

Exhibition

A Changing America: 1968 and Beyond

On View

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

Data Source

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Written by

Weaver, Afaa Michael, born 1951

Printed by

University of Pittsburgh Press, American, founded 1936

Medium

ink on paper

Dimensions

9 × 6 × 1/4 in. (22.9 × 15.2 × 0.6 cm)

Type

paperbacks

Place printed

Pittsburgh, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, United States, North and Central America

Date

2013

Description

This is a small, paperback book of poetry. The book's front cover has a photograph of a single mist covered tree in the distance, framed by a grouping of clearer trees in the foreground. The photograph is featured in the lower half of the cover and is bordered in a narrow green line. Down the left side is a narrow green line, dividing the front cover background into two different colors. The left third is off-white and the right two-third is a light tan. Above the image, on the tan background, centered in the upper half, is the title in green text that reads "The/ Government/ of Nature." Below the image on the tan background, centered along the bottom, is the author, written in green text "Afaa Michael Weaver." In the upper left quadrant on the off-white background is a vertical line of Chinese characters.

Topic

African American

Identity

Poetry

Spirituality

Credit Line

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

Object number

2014.267

Restrictions & Rights

Unknown - Restrictions Possible

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National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

Classification

Documents and Published Materials-Published Works

Exhibition

Cultural Expressions

On View

NMAAHC (1400 Constitution Ave NW), National Mall Location, Culture/Fourth Floor, 4 050

Data Source

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Published by

Johnson Publishing Company, American, founded 1942

Subject of

Negro Digest, American, 1942 - 1976

Medium

ink on paper (fiber product) with metal

Dimensions

H x W x D: 7 5/8 × 5 5/16 × 3/16 in. (19.4 × 13.5 × 0.5 cm)

H x W x D (Open): 7 5/8 × 10 5/8 × 3/16 in. (19.4 × 27 × 0.5 cm)

Type

magazines (periodicals)

Place made

1820 S. Michigan Avenue, Chicago, Cook County, Illinois, United States, North and Central America

Date

1968

Description

An issue of Negro Digest magazine. The front cover is black and green with white type that reads: [Negro Digest / Sept./Oct. 1968 A Johnson Publication 50¢ / The Annual Poetry Issue / Black Poets and Their Publications].The content of the magazine runs from page three to ninety-eight. Publications include works by Gwendolyn Brooks, Dudley Randall, Sonia Sanchez, Leroi Jones (Amiri Baraka), Mari Evans, Michael Harper, Jay Wright, Etheridge Knight and many others. There are also articles by Don L. Lee and Keorapetse Kgositsile.

Topic

African American

Literature

Mass media

Poetry

Credit Line

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

Object number

2014.76.13

Restrictions & Rights

© 1968 by the Johnson Publishing Company, Inc. Permission required for use.

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National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

Classification

Documents and Published Materials-Published Works

Exhibition

Making a Way Out of No Way

On View

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

Data Source

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Written by

Sanchez, Sonia, American, born 1934

Published by

Thunder's Mouth Press, American, 2007

Illustrated by

Li, Loretta

Photograph by

Addicks, Rich, American

Medium

ink on paper with adhesive

Dimensions

H x W x D (Closed): 8 1/2 × 5 3/8 × 5/16 in. (21.6 × 13.7 × 0.8 cm)

H x W x D (Open (on cradle)): 2 × 10 3/8 × 8 1/2 in. (5.1 × 26.4 × 21.6 cm)

Type

paperbacks

Place printed

United States, North and Central America

Date

April 1988

Description

A paperback, signed, first edition, seventh printing of Homegirls & Handgrenades by Sonia Sanchez. The front cover of the book is red with a centrally-featured illustration of an encircled magenta and black floral pattern. Surrounding the circle is a darker red border. Above and below the circle is black text that reads [SONIA / SANCHEZ / homegirls / & / handgrenades]. The back cover of the book is red and features in the center a small black-and-white photograph of the author in profile view, holding her fingers to her lips. Above and below the photograph are three endorsements of Homegirls & Handgrenades and Sonia Sanchez. Along the spine is the author’s name and book title written in black text, oriented sideways, [SONIA SANCHEZ homegirls & handgrenades], and the publisher’s initials written in white text, oriented sideways, [TMP]. A handwritten inscription in black ink on the first flyleaf reads, [to Sister Barbara- / Walk Beautifully! / In love/struggle,- / Sonia Sanchez / 1990]. There are seventy-seven (77) interior pages that are white with black type and thirty-two (32) poems and prose pieces, divided into four parts.

Topic

African American

Identity

Language

Poetry

Resistance

Credit Line

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

Object number

2016.17

Restrictions & Rights

© 1987 Sonia Sanchez. Permission required for use.

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National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

Classification

Documents and Published Materials-Published Works

Exhibition

Cultural Expressions

On View

NMAAHC (1400 Constitution Ave NW), National Mall Location, Culture/Fourth Floor, 4 050

Data Source

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Edited by

Locke, Alain LeRoy, American, 1885 - 1954

Illustrated by

Reiss, F. Winold, German American, 1886 - 1953

Published by

Albert and Charles Boni, Inc., American, 1914 - 1974

Medium

cloth on cardboard , paper with ink

Dimensions

H x W x D: 8 7/8 x 6 1/4 x 1 5/8 in. (22.5 x 15.9 x 4.1 cm)

Type

hardcover books

Date

1925

Description

A dark green hard covered book with cloth covered spine. The front cover has a central white square with block text and three (3) triangles on either side of the first two (2) rows. The text inside the block, in black type, reads: [THE / NEW / NEGRO]. The spine has dark green triangles along the top and bottom. The title and editor are listed on the top half of the spine in black type: [THE / NEW / NEGRO / EDITED / BY / ALAIN / LOCKE]. The publisher is listed on the bottom spine in black type: [ALBERT / AND / CHARLES / BONI]. The inside covers are covered in pink paper, and are stylized with geometric shapes, figures, birds, animals, and foliage. The inside front cover has an inscription at the top of the right side writing by hand in ink: [Sam (or George) / From David. / Your need is greater than mine!]. The title page features the title, author, artist, publisher, and publication date in black type: [THE NEW NEGRO / AN INTERPRETATION / EDITED BY ALAIN LOCKE / BOOK / DECORATION / AND / PORTRAITS / BY / WINOLD / REISS / ALBERT AND CHARLES BONI / NEW YORK 1925]. Geometric triangles adorn the page at the top and bottom as well as in the center of the title. The frontispiece to the left of the title page features a color image of a woman and child. The woman wears a blue shirt and holds a baby in her proper left arm. The child wears a pink outfit and lies across the woman’s lap. The caption underneath the image in black type reads: [The Brown Madonna]. The interior pages, 452 in total, are white paper with black type and black-and-white and color illustrations throughout. The inside back cover has a stamp in black ink on the lower right that reads: [SMITHSONIAN / CURATORIAL]. The back cover features a small, central white rectangle with a stylized, geometric design.

Topic

African American

Art

Education

Literature

Poetry

Credit Line

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

Object number

2013.21

Restrictions & Rights

Cover: No Known Copyright Restrictions Content: ©1925 by Albert & Charles Boni, Inc. Permission required for use.

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National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

Classification

Documents and Published Materials-Published Works

Memorabilia and Ephemera

Exhibition

Defending Freedom, Defining Freedom: The Era of Segregation, 1876-1968

On View

NMAAHC (1400 Constitution Ave NW), National Mall Location, Concourse 2, C 2053

Data Source

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Published by

Harper & Brothers, American, 1817 - 1962

Written by

Gwendolyn Brooks, American, 1917 - 2000

Medium

paper, ink, cardboard, plastic

Dimensions

H x W x D: 7 9/16 × 5 3/8 × 5/8 in. (19.2 × 13.7 × 1.6 cm)

Type

hardcover books

Place printed

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

Date

1949

Description

A first edition hardcover copy of Annie Allen by Gwendolyn Brooks, with printed dust jacket; it is 60 pages in length. The book details different aspects of Annie's (a young African American girl) interior and exterior life as she matures into womanhood. The dust jacket is a dark russet shade with a large salmon-colored central rectangle on the front cover. Within the rectangle are eight lines of white and russet text of varying sizes [Annie /Allen / POEMS BY / Gwendolyn Brooks / Author of A STREET IN BRONZEVILLE / "She is mature in her craft . . . She is / distinctive as an artist." / -Rackham Holt]. Along the bottom in the center of the russet border is additional text in white [HARPER & BROTHERS]. On the back of the dust jacket is an illustration of the author. The author is seen in profile with her proper left side facing the viewer; she is depicted from the neck up.

Topic

African American

Children

Literature

Poetry

Women

Credit Line

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

Object number

2014.281

Restrictions & Rights

Public domain

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National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

Classification

Documents and Published Materials-Published Works

Exhibition

Cultural Expressions

On View

NMAAHC (1400 Constitution Ave NW), National Mall Location, Culture/Fourth Floor, 4 050

Data Source

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Created by

Williams, Saul, American, born 1972

Medium

ink on paper, burlap

Dimensions

H x W x D: 10 7/8 × 8 1/2 × 1 1/2 in. (27.6 × 21.6 × 3.8 cm)

Type

journals (accounts)

Date

2001 - 2002

Description

Bound journal of notes and poetry. Journal is olive green with red binding on the spine. Adhered to the red binding on the front cover, spine, and back cover are portions of cut burlap. A mixed media collage is adhered to the inside of the front cover. Pages made of recycled dark yellow paper with inserted pages of various paper materials. An additional mixed media collage is also adhered to the inside back cover.

Topic

African American

Identity

Language

Poetry

Singers (Musicians)

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Saul Williams

Object number

2014.188.2ab

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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

Written by

Cullen, Countee, American, 1903 - 1946

Published by

Harper & Brothers, American, 1817 - 1962

Medium

ink on book paper

Dimensions

H x W: 7 5/8 x 5 3/8 x 3/4 in. (19.4 x 13.7 x 1.9 cm)

Type

books

Date

1925

Description

A hardcover book titled Color, written by Countee Cullen. The cover is off white and black. The image on the front depicts a man wearing a headdress with his arms extended above his head. He appears to be holding fire.

Topic

African American

Art

Identity

Poetry

Race relations

Credit Line

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

Object number

2010.1.277

Restrictions & Rights

© 1925, by Harper & Brothers. Permission required for use.

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National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

Classification

Documents and Published Materials-Published Works

Exhibition

Cultural Expressions

On View

NMAAHC (1400 Constitution Ave NW), National Mall Location, Culture/Fourth Floor, 4 050

Data Source

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Created by

Mary B's Fashion, American

Owned by

Oyewole, Abiodun, American, born 1948

Medium

leather, canvas, and satin

Dimensions

H x W: 3 1/2 x 8 in. (8.9 x 20.3 cm)

Type

hats

Place used

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

Date

1968-2011

Description

A round, brimless hat with leather top and trim worn by Abiodun Oyewole. The hat has patterned cloth on all sides. Inside, a tag reads " GENUINE LEATHER / Tender Loving Care / by Mary B's Fashion / 212 866-6011."

Topic

African American

Clothing and dress

Spoken word (Poetry)

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Abiodun and Last Poets Memorabilia

Object number

2011.46.1

Restrictions & Rights

No Known Copyright Restrictions

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National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

Classification

Clothing-Fashion

Data Source

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Manufactured by

Jos. A. Bank, founded 1905

Worn by

Gil Scott-Heron, American, 1949 - 2011

Medium

leather, polyester, acrylic, and wool with metal closures

Dimensions

H x W (flat): 30 1/4 × 21 in. (76.8 × 53.3 cm)

Type

jackets

Date

late 20th century

Description

A black leather bomber style jacket worn by Gil Scott-Heron. The jacket zips at the center front. The cuffs, hem, and neck are all made from a black ribbed double knit synthetic fiber with elasticity. There are two (2) welted inset pockets, one at each exterior waist. The jacket is fully lined with black synthetic fabric. There are two (2) interior inset pockets, one at each breast. The pocket at the interior proper left breast closes with one (1) metal snap. There is one (1) interior patch pocket made from black leather sewn at the proper left waist, with the words "Jos. A. / Bank" stamped on the leather. A black manufacturer's tag is sewn at the interior center back with white embroidered text reading "Jos. A. / BANK / ESTABLISHED 1905 / L / REG / MADE IN / CHINA". A care and fiber content tag is sewn at the interior proper left waist side seam. Two dry cleaner's paper tag are safety pinned to the interior proper right waist. A braided leather hanger loop is attached at the interior center back neck.

Topic

African American

Clothing and dress

Musicians

Spoken word (Poetry)

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Rumal Rackley

Object number

2015.52.1

Restrictions & Rights

No Known Copyright Restrictions

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National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

Classification

Clothing-Historical

Exhibition

Musical Crossroads

On View

NMAAHC (1400 Constitution Ave NW), National Mall Location, Culture/Fourth Floor, 4 053

Data Source

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Published by

John A. Lee Recreation Center, American, founded 1961

Subject of

Giovanni, Nikki, American, born 1943

Mayfield, Julian Hudson, American, 1928 - 1984

Medium

ink on paper

Dimensions

H x W: 16 9/16 × 11 15/16 in. (42.1 × 30.4 cm)

Type

posters

Place used

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States, North and Central America

Date

April 1969

Description

This poster is an advertisement for a lectures series. It is made up of densely-spaced decorative script in letters of black and off-white. In the center is a black rectangle filled with off-white text that reads "Anatomy of / the Black Aesthetic; / an Examination." Surrounding the center black rectangle is black text on an off-white background. Across the top text reads "Lee Cultural Center/ 440 Haverford Ave." Down the sides of the black rectangle is text that reads "Presents/ A Lecture Series." Across the bottom the text reads "Friday, April 18. 8:00PM / Nikki Giovanni - Poet+Critic / Friday, April 25. 8:00PM / Julian Mayfield - of the film "Uptight"/ Admission Free /w Ticket. BA-29041."

Topic

African American

Activism

Graphic design

Literature

Poetry

Credit Line

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

Object number

2015.97.21

Restrictions & Rights

No Known Copyright Restrictions

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National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

Classification

Memorabilia and Ephemera-Advertisements

Data Source

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Issued by

The Colored American Magazine, American, 1900 - 1909

Edited by

Moore, Frederick Randolph, 1857 - 1943

Published by

The Colored American Publishing Company, American, founded 1900

Printed by

Moore Publishing and Printing Company

Illustrated by

Hanné, Theodore R. M.

Subject of

Hackley, Emma Azalia, 1867 - 1922

Medium

ink on paper (fiber product)

Dimensions

H x W x D: 9 3/4 × 6 15/16 × 3/16 in. (24.8 × 17.6 × 0.5 cm)

Type

magazines (periodicals)

Place printed

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

Date

March 1909

Description

An issue of the Colored American Magazine with staples removed. The cover is printed in red ink and features a decorative design of roses by Theodore R. M. Hanné. The frontispiece is an image of E. Azalia Hackley. The issue features several poems but largely focuses on a celebration of industriousness and business success. The issue also includes illustrations and descriptions, including ones of Dr. Henry McKee Minton, President William Howard Taft, and the faculty and students of Georgia State College. The pages of this issue are numbered 134 to 185, for a total of 52 numbered pages. There are two pages of unnumbered advertisements at the beginning of the issue, and there are seven pages of unnumbered advertisements at the end of the issue.

Transcription Center Status

Transcription Available

Topic

African American

Business

Mass media

Poetry

United States--History--1865-1921

Credit Line

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

Object number

2014.63.64.5

Restrictions & Rights

No Known Copyright Restrictions

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National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

Classification

Documents and Published Materials

Exhibition

Making a Way Out of No Way

On View

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

Data Source

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Created by

Williams, Saul, American, born 1972

Medium

ink on paper, burlap, plant material

Dimensions

H x W x D: 10 7/8 × 8 1/2 × 105 in. (27.6 × 21.6 × 266.7 cm)

Type

journals (accounts)

Date

2000

Description

Bound journal of notes and poetry (.3a). Journal is white with brown binding on the spine. On the front on the left side is a portion of cut burlap with a black stipe pattern on the left and right edges. Underneath the burlap in the lower third and lower right corner is a piece of reddish-brown paper. Inside pages are made of dark brown paper, with inserted brown burlap as the end pages. A yellow paper pocket in the lower half of the inside front cover holds additional pages of poetry. On the right edge of the pocket is an adhered light pink dried flower. Back cover has a strip of reddish-brown paper attached under the brown binding of the spine that covers the white cover in the lower third.

There are six loose scraps of paper with handwritten poems:

(.3b) Blue ticket stub with poem written in black ink

(.3c) Oval grey scrap paper with poem written in black ink

(.3d) Oval white scrap paper with poem written in black ink

(.3e) Elongated oval black scrap paper with poem written in white ink

(.3f) Elongated oval black scrap paper with poem written in white ink

(.3g) Retangular white scrap paper with poem written in red ink

Topic

African American

Identity

Language

Poetry

Singers (Musicians)

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Saul Williams

Object number

2014.188.3a-g

Restrictions & Rights

© Saul Williams

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National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

Classification

Memorabilia and Ephemera

Exhibition

Musical Crossroads

On View

NMAAHC (1400 Constitution Ave NW), National Mall Location, Culture/Fourth Floor, 4 053

Data Source

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Recorded by

The Last Poets, American, founded 1968

Owned by

El-Hadi, Suliaman, American, 1936 - 1995

Medium

plastic and tape

Dimensions

H x W x D: 2 9/16 × 4 × 1/2 in. (6.5 × 10.2 × 1.3 cm)

Type

audio cassettes

Place depicted

Auburn, Cayuga County, New York, United States, North and Central America

Date

April 29, 1978

Description

Black cassette tape with white and pink label. Handwritten information appears on both sides of cassette tape. Side 1 of cassette tape has handwritten information reading, [THE Last PoEts & M.P.C. At/AubuRn CoRRECtional Facility/#2/4-29-78]. Side 2 of cassette tape has handwritten information reading, [PoEts & M.P.C.].

Topic

African American

Hip hop (Music)

Prisons

Spoken word (Poetry)

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Qaddafi El-Hadi in memory of Suliaman El-Hadi

Object number

2014.40.6

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National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

Classification

Media Arts-Audio Recordings

Data Source

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Written by

El-Hadi, Suliaman, American, 1936 - 1995

Printed by

Spoet Publishing Corp.

Medium

ink on paper (fiber product)

Dimensions

H x W (Folded): 12 1/2 × 9 5/8 in. (31.8 × 24.4 cm)

H x W (Unfolded): 12 1/2 × 19 in. (31.8 × 48.3 cm)

Type

sheet music

Date

1972

Description

Handwritten sheet music for the piece "Hands Off". Handwritten at top of sheet music is, [HANDS OFF / Written by / Suliaman El-Hadi]. Handwritten on bottom of sheet music is, [© Spoet Publishing Corp. 1972 Copyright]. Handwriting appears on front and back of paper, with folded inside being blank.

Topic

African American

Hip hop (Music)

Resistance

Spoken word (Poetry)

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Qaddafi El-Hadi in memory of Suliaman El-Hadi

Object number

2014.40.8.2

Restrictions & Rights

© 1972 Spoet Publishing Corp.. Permission required for use.

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National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

Classification

Documents and Published Materials-Sheet music

Data Source

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Designed by

Dearing, Judy, American, 1940 - 1995

Worn by

Beverley, Trezana, American, born 1945

Subject of

Dr. Shange, Ntozake, American, born 1948

Black Fashion Museum, American, 1979 - 2007

Medium

synthetic satin and crepe with metal closures

Dimensions

H x W x D (on form): 61 × 26 1/4 × 17 in. (154.9 × 66.7 × 43.2 cm)

Type

dresses

Place used

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

Date

1976-1978

Description

Sleeveless dress costume for the character Lady in Red from the original Broadway production of Ntozake Shange's choreopoem "for colored girls who have considered suicide / when the rainbow is enuf." The dress is made from red satin synthetic fabric with the crepe finished wrong side facing. The bodice has a sweetheart neckline, scooped back, and front shaping with princess darts, ending at the natural waistline. The neckline and armholes are edged with the red satin, with the shiny satin side facing. There is a length of self-fabric piping around the waist, again with the shiny satin side facing. The full circle skirt falls at the knee and is hemmed with serged stitching in black thread. The dress closes at the center back with a metal zipper, with two (2) small metal hook-and-eye fasteners, one at the top of the back and the second at the waist. There is a length of black grosgrain ribbon sewn to the interior proper right waist with a large metal eye on the end, which closes with a large metal hook sewn to the interior proper left waist just inside the zipper. The bodice is lined with red synthetic satin, while the skirt is not lined.

Topic

African American

Broadway Theatre

Clothing and dress

Costume

Poetry

Women

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of the Black Fashion Museum founded by Lois K. Alexander-Lane

Object number

2007.3.35

Restrictions & Rights

No Known Copyright Restrictions

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National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

Collection title

Black Fashion Museum Collection

Classification

Clothing-Costume

Exhibition

Taking the Stage

On View

NMAAHC (1400 Constitution Ave NW), National Mall Location, Culture/Fourth Floor, 4 054

Data Source

National Museum of African American History and Culture