Exploring the Rich History of the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture

The Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture is a research library and cultural center located in New York City. It is a division of the New York Public Library and is known for its extensive collection of materials related to the history and culture of people of African descent.

History

The Schomburg Center was founded in 1925 by Arturo Schomburg, a Puerto Rican-born bibliophile and collector of African-American literature and art. Schomburg’s personal collection was the foundation of the center’s collection, which has since grown to include over 10 million items.

In the early years, the center was known as the “Division of Negro Literature, History and Prints,” and was housed in the Harlem branch of the New York Public Library. The center was renamed in honor of Schomburg after his death in 1938.

Collections

The Schomburg Center’s collections include books, manuscripts, photographs, artwork, and audiovisual materials related to the history and culture of people of African descent. The collections cover a wide range of topics, including slavery, the Civil Rights Movement, Black feminism, and Black intellectualism.

One of the center’s most famous holdings is the personal papers of Malcolm X. The papers include manuscripts, speeches, and correspondence documenting Malcolm X’s life and work. The center also houses the papers of other notable figures, including Langston Hughes, James Baldwin, and Maya Angelou.

Programs and Events

The Schomburg Center hosts a variety of programs and events throughout the year, including lectures, workshops, and film screenings. These events are open to the public and cover a range of topics related to the center’s collections and mission.

One of the center’s signature programs is the Black Power! exhibit, which examines the history of the Black Power Movement through archival materials and multimedia displays. The exhibit is a permanent installation at the center and is free to the public.

Conclusion

The Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture is an invaluable resource for scholars, researchers, and anyone interested in the history and culture of people of African descent. Its collections, programs, and events represent a wealth of knowledge and insight into the Black experience in America and beyond.