Wednesday, February 18, 2009

BRONZEVILLE: Black Chicago in Pictures 1941-1943


BRONZEVILLE: Black Chicago in Pictures 1941-1943
By Maren Stange
"This wondrous collection of photographs and writing evokes the rich spirit of Bronzeville, Chicago's black community of the early '40s. Though we are aware of the Harlem Renaissance, it was in Bronzeville that the Deep South's migrants found their northern home. These visual images truly capture life in black Chicago--the prosperity and poverty, the lush and ludicrous, the creative and corrupt. Photographers Russell Lee, Edwin Rosskam, John Vachon, and Jack Delano were employed by the New Deal to photograph black Chicago in a pivotal era. Over 100 full-page b&w historical photos."
Publisher: New Press, 2003


Bronzeville Boys and Girls
by Gwendolyn Brooks
"In 1956, Pulitzer Prize winner Gwendolyn Brooks created a collection of poems that celebrated the joy, beauty, imagination, and freedom of childhood. She reminded us that whether we live in the Bronzeville section of Chicago or any other neighborhood, childhood is universal in its richness of emotions and experiences. And now a brand-new generation of readers will savor Ms. Brooks's poems in this stunning reillustrated edition that features vibrant paintings by Caldecott Honor artist Faith Ringgold."
Publisher: Harpercollins Childrens Books
"Gwendolyn Brooks (1917-2000) is the Pulitzer Prize-winning author of Annie Allenand one of the most celebrated African American poets. She was Poet Laureate for the state of Illinois, a National Women's Hall of Fame inductee, and a recipient of a lifetime achievement award from the National Endowment for the Arts. She received fifty honorary degrees. Her other books include a Street in Bronzeville, In the Mecca, The Bean Eaters, and Maud Martha."
Source: Barnes & Nobles
search.barnesandnoble.com/Bronzeville-Boys-and-Girls/Gwendolyn-Brooks/e/9780060295059

Movies for Black History Month

Chicago Neighborhood Tour: Bronzeville
Produced by TurnHere Internet Video
"Stroll down Muddy Waters Street, sing along to the soulful sounds of Otis Clay, and be sure to sink your teeth into some of Harold's Chicken. Take a tour of Chicago's Bronzeville."
This short doc includes scenes from the Harold Washington Cultural Center, Liberty Baptist Church with musician, Otis Clay and Bronzeville's Negro League Cafe with the Tuesday night Jazz Jam hosted by Theodis Rodgers and Aki Antonia. It is narrated by former 3rd Ward alderman, Dorothy Tillman.
Go to: Chicago Neighborhood Tour: Bronzeville

Let's go to the Movies for Black History Month!