Black History Month: 28 hidden gems from the Charles L. Blockson Afro-American Collection
From magazines to posters and instruments, here are some of the collection’s most unusual items.
If you’re seeking to learn more about Black cultural heritage, check out the Charles L. Blockson Afro-American Collection’s unique artifacts.
Founded by author and historian Charles L. Blockson, the collection housed at Temple University’s Sullivan Hall encompasses more than 700,000 items from 1581 to the present day. The Blockson is one of country’s most prestigious collections of African American artifacts, featuring books, instruments, manuscripts, sheet music, pamphlets, journals, newspapers, posters, photographs and rare ephemera.
Diane Turner, curator of the Blockson Collection, encourages people to visit the collection “to gain an understanding, an appreciation and the truth about Black history.”
In recognition of the 28 days of Black History Month, Turner selected 28 gems from the collection including rare edition publications, vintage posters, photos and sculptures. Travel through history as you view these images.
1.) A Color magazine cover
Color magazine was founded in 1944 by Ira Wells, a pioneer in education and journalism. Color is regarded as the nation’s first African American pictorial magazine.
2.) Poster promoting historic fight between Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier
Joe Frazier and Muhammad Ali fought for the boxing heavyweight championship on March 8, 1971. The bout held at the Madison Square Garden was dubbed “the fight of the century.”
3.) Soldier of the Fighting 369th
This sculpture created by Phil Sumpter depicts a soldier from 369th Infantry Regiment, also known as the as Harlem Hellfighters, who fought in World War I Battle of Argonne Muse.
4.) Photo of the Negro League Baseball team, Philadelphia Stars
Members of the Negro League Baseball team, the Philadelphia Stars, are pictured with manager and co-owner Ed Bolden (center). Top row: (left to right) Henry Miller, Spoon Carter, Bill Perkins, Henry McHenry, Ed Bolden, Chet Brewer, Sam Thompson, Harry Simpson, Tom Evans [second to last], Rocky Ellis [last]; Front row: (left to right) Webster McDonald, Clyde Spearman, Jud Wilson, Jake Dunn [fifth from the left], Gene Benson [seventh from the left], Roy Parnell [second to last). This photo is part of the John W. Mosley Photography Collection.
5.) An original copy of The Underground Railroad book
Written by abolitionist leader William Still in 1872, The Underground Railroad recounts the stories of Africans who escaped slavery and made the dangerous journey north to freedom.
6.) A transcript of the Dred Scott decision
In its 1857 decision of Dred Scott v. Sandford, the United States Supreme Court upheld slavery in United States territories and denied the legality of Black citizenship in America.
7.) Black Opals magazine
Published in Philadelphia from Spring 1927 through July 1928, Black Opals was an African American literary magazine, which showcased the work of writers of the Harlem Renaissance Movement. The editorial staff included Nellie R. Bright, Arthur Huff Fauset, Allan Randall Freelon and James H. Young.
8.) Black Panther Party poster
This poster highlights the Revolutionary Intercommunal Day of Solidarity held on March 17, 1971, for Bobby Seale, chair of the Black Panther Party; political prisoners Ericka Huggins, Angela Davis and Ruchell Magee; and the post-birthday celebration for Huey P. Newton.
9.) Images of America: Philadelphia Jazz
Images of America: Philadelphia Jazz was written by Suzanne Cloud and Diane Turner. The book highlights the evolution of jazz in Philadelphia from its roots in 19th-century Black orchestras to its pivotal role in shaping 20th-century American jazz.
10.) Cover of the 40th anniversary edition of the Philadelphia Tribune
A copy of the 40th anniversary edition of the Philadelphia Tribune. Founded in 1884 by Christopher J. Perry, the Tribune is the nation’s oldest continuously published African American newspaper.
11.) Tuskegee Army Flying School and AAF 66TH FTD Tuskegee, Alabama
Originally published by the University of Pennsylvania Press in 1899, it was the first comprehensive sociological study of an African American community, examining family, health, education, the role of the church, and interracial relationships.
12.) Scenes in the Life of Harriet Tubman
Scenes in the Life of Harriet Tubman was written by Sarah Hopkins Bradford. First published in 1869 at the request of Tubman to raise money for her elderly parents, the book is comprised of compelling stories that Harriet Tubman told Bradford about her life. Tubman was a noted abolitionist and leader of the Underground Railroad, who helped other enslaved people escape to freedom.
13.) W.E.B. (William Edward Burghardt) DuBois
In this photo, W.E.B. DuBois is captured speaking at Tindley Temple United Methodist Church on Feb. 4, 1945. DuBois was a sociologist, socialist, historian and civil rights activist. This photo is a part of the John W. Mosley Photograph Collection.
14.) First edition: A Social Study: The Philadelphia Negro by W.E.B. DuBois
Originally published by the University of Pennsylvania Press in 1899, it was the first comprehensive sociological study of an African American community, examining family, health, education, the role of the church, and interracial relationships.
15.) Photo of Father Paul M. Washington
The rector of the Church of the Advocate, Washington is pictured speaking at a rally circa 1970s. Father Washington was a major voice for social justice in the Philadelphia area and beyond. He championed civil and human rights throughout his life.
16.) Photo of the Alexander family
Raymond Pace Alexander and Sadie T.M. Alexander are pictured with their daughters Mary Elizabeth Alexander and Rae Pace Alexander. Raymond Pace Alexander was a lawyer, judge and civil rights advocate. Sadie T.M. Alexander was the first Black woman to graduate from the University of Pennsylvania’s law school. This photo is part of the John W. Mosley Photograph Collection.
17.) Minutes of the Musicians’ Protection Union Local 274, American Federation of Musicians executive committee
This journal contains minutes of the executive committee, beginning July 7, 1936. The Musicians’ Protective Union Local 274, American Federation of Musicians, was chartered on Jan. 2, 1935, by Black musicians. Local 274 was one of more than fifty Black musicians’ unions established in the American Federation of Musicians.
18.) Cover of the first Ebony magazine
Published monthly in print editions from 1945-2021 and now available digitally, Ebony Magazine is a successful national magazine, highlighting news, politics, fashion, culture, and entertainment primarily for its African American audience.
19.) U.S. Marine Corps—Montford Point, Camp Lejeune
This book features photos of the Montford Point Marines, the first African American marines in the United States, serving from 1942 to 1949. They trained at the segregated Montford Point facility, which was located next to Camp Lejeune in North Carolina.
20.) Billie Holiday
Billy Eckstine and Billie Holiday are pictured at the Earle Theatre on April 20, 1946. Born in Philadelphia, Holiday was considered one of America’s most famous jazz singers. This photo is part of the John W. Mosley Photograph Collection.
21.) Joseph Cinque
Born in Sierra Leone, Joseph Cinque was a rice farmer and trader when he was kidnapped and enslaved in 1839. On July 1, 1839, he led a revolt on the slave ship Amistad.
22.) Guitar owned by Howard Carroll, lead guitarist for the Dixie Hummingbirds
This guitar owned by Howard Carroll of the Dixie Hummingbirds was donated to the collection by Rev. Joseph Williams. Founded in 1928, the Dixie Hummingbirds were regarded as one of the most influential Black gospel groups.
23.) Scarlet Letter 1920 Rutgers College yearbook
Paul Roberson is pictured in this yearbook. He is a famous athlete, actor, singer, cultural scholar, author and political activist.
24.) Lena Horne movie poster
This vintage poster promotes The Bronze Venus movie starring Lena Horne. Horne was an actress, singer, dancer and civil rights activist. She was the first African American to sign a contract with a major studio.
25.) The publication Negroes and the War
This publication was written by Chandler Owen and published by the U.S. Office of War Information to encourage African American support for the war effort in 1942.
26.) A Brief narrative of the Struggle for the rights of Colored People of Philadelphia in the City Railway Cars
William Still, an African America abolitionist, wrote this document highlighting the discrimination and segregation faced by African Americans on public transportation in Philadelphia.
27.) Poems on Various Subjects, Religious and Moral
Phyllis Wheatley wrote the book Poems on Various Subjects, Religious and Moral while she was enslaved to John Wheatley. She is considered the first African American and the second woman in America to publish a book.
28.) Poster highlighting the book Fight for Freedom: The story of the NAACP
This poster is promoting the book Fight for Freedom: The story of the NAACP written by Langston Hughes. Published in 1962, Hughes’ book traces the history of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People to its role in the Civil Rights Movement.
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