Black Print Culture collection, 1854-1997
Manuscript Collection No. 921

Collection, 1854-1997; 5.5 linear feet

The Black print culture collection (1854-1997) includes printed matter pertaining to religion and music, items published by the black press, publications relating to fraternities and sororities, to organizations, education, business and professional matters, and to arts and entertainment, as well as broadsides and posters. The largest part of the collection is comprised of ephemera relating to the church, (1889-1989), including souvenir programs, church and funeral service programs, and conference programs. The collection also consists of sheet music and music books from 1888-1964 as well as newspapers, newsletters, and periodicals from the black press (1880-1997). Included among the newspapers are examples of the products of amateur presses: The Kentuckian and Nequidem. Present in the collection are yearbooks, programs, handbooks, and other printed materials relating to various fraternal organizations, clubs and societies from 1940-1988, including clubs for African-American women. Also present are leaflets, pamphlets, and other printed materials concerning various organizations (1907-1977); programs, yearbooks, and invitations relating to education (1920-1990); and a small group of biographical materials.

The items represented here focus on religious culture, advertisements, and beauty culture, and include an advertisement for Sweet Georgia Brown skin bleach cream (pictured above), a palm card for "Mother Baggett, ordained evangelist," and a pamphlet advertisement for Paradise Park, a Florida resort for African-Americans.

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