Posts from Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture

This homemade book stands as a beautiful tribute to a wonderful teacher and a vibrant learning environment in the Harlem community. It also illustrates the critical role of libraries and archives in collecting and preserving materials that document the history and culture of people of African descent throughout the world for long-term access.

We hope to see you at the programs happening (virtually and in-person) at the Schomburg Center in the upcoming months.

Many people of Hispanic descent also have African roots. Explore the Schomburg Center’s collections and Livestream archive to learn of the rich history, deep ties, and political challenges between both communities. Plus, learn more about materials once owned by Arturo Schomburg, which highlight his Puerto Rican and African heritages.

Inspired by the US Open to learn more about tennis champions Althea Gibson and Arthur Ashe? They both have collections at the Schomburg Center. Consider making a research appointment to explore their materials.

Explore Schomburg Center collections and exhibitions which highlight the history, artists, leaders and events that have shaped Harlem and influenced the world.

Check out these suggestions of music-related materials you can see in-person when you make a research appointment at one of our five divisions, plus explore our exhibitions.

Throughout American history, law enforcement and those with racial prejudices have weaponized the law in attempts to imprison, punish, and silence Black people. Using the Schomburg Center’s resources, learn about past court cases that have impacted the Black community and activists, and how they responded.

Use Schomburg Center materials to continue the conversations on the concepts of freedom, which were raised during panel discussion during the 2021 Schomburg Center Literary Festival.

Entitled 'Til We Free, the day reflected students' yearlong exploration of African diasporic history, politics, literature, and art.

Recently published biographies and memoirs that tell the stories of some of the legendary figures, iconic personalities, and influential activists who have shaped hip-hop music and culture from its early years through the present day.

You may not associate people of African descent with country music, but the music genre that was once called “hillbilly music”—which evolved from European music and African influences—benefited from the cultural exchange of Blacks and whites in the American south.

Considered to be the voice of the people, and rooted in the tradition of storytelling, folk music echoes with the everyday experiences and struggles of ordinary people.

Lewis was a pioneer of development economics and was awarded the Nobel Prize in Economic Sciences, among many other accolades.

These books highlight artists who have made a significant impact on the world stage as well as those who have produced hits behind the scenes. They also examine the ways in which Caribbean music has been created, enjoyed, performed, and studied.

June is Black Music Month and we begin our celebration with Prince whose boundary-pushing music provided the soundtrack to the lives of so many.

In honor of the many battles faced by Black LGBTQIA+ individuals and communities, we're spotlighting archival materials that document some of the battles won and those that are still being fought for equity, inclusion, and respect.

Throughout American history, law enforcement and those with racial prejudices have weaponized the law in attempts to imprison, punish, and silence Black people. Using the Schomburg Center’s resources, learn about past court cases that have impacted the Black community and activists, and how they responded.

In this episode, Bridgett Pride and Kadiatou Tubman of the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture discussed ways that they have used zines and zine-making projects to help students of all ages explore historical research, express their creativity, and envision themselves as historians.

Police killings of Black people are painful reminders of not only our history in this nation but, all too often, our present.