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Jeff Donaldson papers, 1918-2005, bulk 1960s-2005

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Contents and Arrangement

The collection is arranged as 12 series.

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Series 1: Biographical Material , 1954-2004
0.3 Linear feet
Box 1, OV 14

Biographical material includes Donaldson's school, military, and divorce records, as well as various passports. Certificates include a copy of his birth certificate, two certificates of appointment to the District of Columbia Commission on the Arts and Humanities, and a leadership certificate from the African Heritage Studies Association. Also found is documentation on the renovation of Donaldson's Washington, DC, home and the LeDroit Park community, his daughter's written remarks from his memorial service, and various resumes and biographical summaries written by Donaldson and others.
The bulk of this series has been digitized. Divorce records have not been digitized.
Description Container Select
Biographical Summaries and Resumes, circa 1970s-1990s
1
1
Biographical Summaries and Resumes, 1990s-circa 2001
1
2
Certificates , 1968-1997
Oversized material housed in OV 14
1
3
Divorces, 1987-1988, 1963
1
4
FBI FOIPA Request, 1980
1
5
Home Renovation Project, LeDroit Park, 1979-1982
1
6
LeDroit Park, 1979-1998
1
7
Memorial, "Jam's Remarks", 2004
1
8
Passports, Jeff Donaldson, 1968-1997
1
9
Passports, Jameela Donaldson, 1979, 1987
1
10
School Records, 1954-1964
1
11
Screen Test, Velvet Film Productions, 1967-1968
1
12
Veterans Administration, 1955-1986
1
13
Oversized Certificates from Box 1, folder 3
14
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Series 2: Correspondence , 1957-2004
0.3 Linear feet
Box 1

Correspondence is from universities, arts organizations, committees, and colleagues, detailing Donaldson's professional activities, including workshops, conferences, exhibitions, and publications. Also of note are a few letters from artist Gwendolyn Brooks and editor Hoyt Fuller, including correspondence between Donaldson and the African Studies and Research Center at Cornell University regarding Donaldson's portrait of Fuller. Correspondence from 1979 includes a transcript of a 1979 interview of Donaldson conducted by Kay Brown in January, 1979. A substantial amount of additional correspondence is included in Series 7: Professional Files.
General correspondence is primarily incoming. Outgoing correspondence consists primarily of copies of Donaldson's outgoing letters with some replies.
The series has been digitized in entirety.
Description Container Select
Brooks, Gwendolyn , circa 1969-1997
1
14
Fuller, Hoyt, 1968-1983
1
15
Jackson, Angela , circa 1978-1981
1
16
Letters of Congratulations on Wedding, 1971
1
17
General Correspondence, 1957-1969
1
18
General Correspondence, 1970-1980
1
19
General Correspondence, 1981
1
20
General Correspondence, 1982
1
21
General Correspondence, 1983
1
22
General Correspondence, 1984-1985
1
23
General Correspondence, 1987-1989
1
24
General Correspondence, 1990-1999
1
25
General Correspondence, 2000-2004
1
26
Undated General Correspondence, circa 1990s
1
27
Outgoing Correspondence, 1969-1973
1
28
Outgoing Correspondence, 1977-1978
1
29
Outgoing Correspondence, 1980-1981
1
30
Outgoing Correspondence, 1982-1985
1
31
Outgoing Correspondence, 1986-1989
1
32
Outgoing Correspondence, 1990-1993
1
33
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Series 3: Interviews , 1959-1997
1.7 Linear feet
Boxes1-3

This series includes two transcripts of interviews of Jeff Donaldson as well as sound recordings of at least forty artist interviews conducted by Donaldson.
The 1979 interview of Donaldson, conducted by Peter Mark, focuses on AfriCOBRA, and includes related letters from Mark. The 1997 interview with Donaldson was conducted for a public television series on 20th century visual and performing arts, entitled I'll Make Me A World: Stories of African American Art, Artists, and Community.
Interviews with Charles Alston, Romare Bearden, Bob Blackburn, Aaron Douglas, Norman Lewis, Hale Woodruff, and others were conducted in 1972 as research for Donaldson's dissertation: "Generation '306' – Harlem, New York." These interviews detail each artists' experiences in the New York arts community during the Harlem Renaissance, and their memories of other African American artists working during that time. Interviews found at the end of the series possibly duplicate or supplement some of these interviews, although interviewees are not directly identified on the recordings or on the media.
Additional interviews found here were conducted primarily in 1980 and 1986-1987 as part of Donaldson's research on contemporary visual artists, and for various unspecified projects.
Following transcripts of Jeff Donaldson interviews, interviews are arranged in alphabetical order by interviewee. Some box and folder numbers appear out of order if they contain more than one interview on a single cassette.
A portion of this series has been digitized including paper records, such as transcripts, and some of the interviews.
Description Container Select
Interview of Jeff Donaldson, Transcript, 1978-1979
Transcript only.
1
34
Interview of Jeff Donaldson for "I'll Make Me a World," Transcript, 1997
Transcript only.
1
35
Tina Allen, undated
1 sound cassette
1
36
Charles Alston, circa 1972
2 sound cassettes
incomplete copies of original recording
1 sound cassette
original
1
37
Kwasi Asantey, Inkster, MI, 1986 October 17
1 sound cassette
1
38
Ellsworth Ausby, circa 1972-circa 1987
1 sound cassette
Ausby cassette is blank.
1
38
Romare Bearden Statement on 306 West 141st Street, circa 1972
2 sound cassettes
1 cassette is possibly a duplicate
1
39
Romare Bearden, circa 1972
1 sound cassette
Handwritten note on original cassette: "Bearden-reaction to outline"
Bearden interview is on one side of one sound cassette; found on second side of Bob Blackburn interview tape 2.
1
40
Phoebe Beasley, circa 1972-circa 1987
1 sound cassette
1
41
Bob Blackburn, circa 1972
1 sound cassette
Blackburn interview is on two sides of two separate cassettes. Second cassette contains interview with Romare Bearden on its second side.
1
40
David Bradford, Oakland, CA, 1987 May 30
1 sound cassette
1
42
Nathaniel Bustion, 1987
Nathaniel Bustion interview is on second side of Mahler Ryder cassette.
3
6
Nancy Cox, 1987
1 sound cassette
Cox interviews is on cassette with Nengudi and Westmoreland.
2
10
Dewey Crumpler, Berkeley, CA, 1987 May 31
1 sound cassette
1
42
Louis Delsarte, circa 1972-circa 1987
1 sound cassette
1
43
Milton Derr, Boston, MA, 1987 June 10
1 sound cassette
1
43
Robert Dillworth, Chicago, 1987 May 17
1 sound cassette
1
43
Aaron Douglas, circa 1972
4 sound cassettes
2
1
Jeffrey Gaddy, 1987
1 sound cassette
Jeffrey Gaddy interview is on cassette with Rochelle Nickolas.
2
11
Tyrone Geter, Boston, MA, 1987 June 18
1 sound cassette
2
2
Ron Griffin, Los Angeles, CA., 1987 June 3
1 sound cassette
2
2
Maren Hassenger, circa 1987
1 sound cassette
Cassette is blank
2
3
Freida High, 1959 June 28
1 sound cassette
Donaldson introduces High and she states her name, address, and telephone number. The interview then cuts off and the rest of the cassette is blank.
2
2
Ray Holbert, Berkeley, CA, 1987 May 31
1 sound cassette
2
3
Varnett Honeywood, Transcript of Interview; Mildred Howard, Berkeley, CA, 1990, 1987 May 30
1 sound cassette
2
4
Suzanne Jackson, Oakland, CA, 1987 May 31
1 sound cassette
2
5
Wadsworth Jarrell, 1987
Wadsworth Jarrell cassette also contains Joe Sam interview on its second.
3
3
Lester Johnson, 1986 October 15
1 sound cassette
2
5
Donald Joyce, 1980 May 18
1 sound cassette
2
5
Norman Lewis, 1972 August 4
3 sound cassettes
2
6
Jon Lockard, 1986 October 15
2 sound cassettes
2
7
Lymos Medlock, circa 1987
1 sound cassette
2
8
Lev Mills, Atlanta, GA, 1987 May 20
1 sound cassette
Includes transcript.
2
8
Lev Mills, 1987 May 20
1 sound cassettes (microcassette)
Probably duplicate recording. Lev Mills interview is on second side of James Phillips cassette.
3
4
Arthur Monroe, Oakland, CA, 1987 May 30
2 sound cassettes
2
9
Senga Nengudi, 1987
1 sound cassette
Handwritten note on original cassette: "Los Angeles Artists. 1. Senga Nengudi 2. Lamonte Westmoreland 3. Nancy Cox
Cassette with Senga Nengudi interview also contains inteviews with Lamonte Westmoreland (16 minutes) and Nancy Cox (37 minutes)
2
10
Rochelle Nickolas, 1987
1 sound cassette
Nickolas cassette also contains interview with Jeffrey Gaddy.
2
11
Ademola Olugebefol, circa 1987
1 sound cassette
2
12
Mary Lovelace O'Neal, Oakland, CA, 1987 May 31
1 sound cassette
2
12
Curtis Patterson, Atlanta, GA, 1987 May 2
1 sound cassette
Includes transcript.
2
13
James Phillips, Oakland, CA, 1987 May 29
2 sound cassettes
2
14
James Phillips, 1987 May 29
1 sound cassettes (microcassette)
Probably duplicate recording. Cassette contains interview with Lev Mills on its second side.
3
3
W. Pickett, circa 1972-circa 1987
1 sound cassette
2
15
Elliott Pinkney, 1987
Pinkney interview is on second side of Matthew Thomas cassette.
3
5
R. Pious, circa 1972-circa 1987
1 sound cassette
2
15
Arnold Prince, Providence, RI, circa 1987
1 sound cassette
Arnold Prince cassette also contains Claudia Widdis interview on its second side.
2
18
David Ross, Chicago, IL, 1980 May 18
2 sound cassettes
2
16
Mahler Ryder, 1987
Matthew Ryder cassette contains inteview with Nathaniel Bustion on its second side.
3
6
Joe Sam, 1987
Cassette with Joe Sam also contains interview with Wadsworth Jarrell.
3
3
Earl Sweeting, undated
2 sound cassettes
2
17
Matthew Thomas, 1987
Cassette contains interview with Elliott Pinkney on its second side.
3
5
Lamonte Westmoreland, 1987
1 sound cassette
Westmoreland interview is on cassette with Cox and Nengudi interviews
2
10
Claudia Widdis, Providence, RI, 1987 June 17
1 sound cassette
Widdis interview is on second side of Arnold Prince cassette.
2
18
Shirley Woodson Reid, Detroit, MI, 1986 October 17
1 sound cassette
Includes transcript.
2
19
Hale Woodruff, circa 1972
3 sound cassettes
2
19
Interviews for "Generation '306' - Harlem, New York", circa 1972
3 sound cassettes
2
20
Interviews for "Generation '306' - Harlem, New York", circa 1972
2 sound cassettes
3
1
Interviews for "Generation '306' - Harlem, New York", circa 1972
2 sound cassettes
3
2
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Series 4: Writings , 1963-2003
0.5 Linear feet
Box 3

Writings are arranged as two subseries.
  • 4.1: Writings by Donaldson, 1963-2003
  • 4.2: Writings by Others, circa 1969-2002
4.1: Writings by Donaldson, 1963-2003
Donaldson's writings include drafts of articles, essays, and speeches written by Donaldson as well as notes, an outline, and excerpts of Donaldson's dissertation entitled "Generation '306' – Harlem, New York." Researchers should note that a complete version of the dissertation is not included in the collection.
Description Container
Article, "John A. Kendrick: A Salute," The Black Collegian, 1982-1983
3
7
Article, "The Trans-African Art," The Black Collegian, circa 1980-1996
3
8
Article, "The Trans-African Art," The Black Collegian, circa 1980-1996
3
9
Catalog Essay for Ethiopian Passages: Dialogues in the Diaspora (2003), 2000-2003
3
10
Catalog Essay for Ethiopian Passages: Dialogues in the Diaspora (2003), 2000-2003
3
11
Catalog Essay for Ethiopian Passages: Dialogues in the Diaspora (2003), 2000-2003
3
12
Dissertation, Final Preliminary Outline, 1968
3
13
Dissertation, Notes and Research, circa 1960s
3
14
Draft Excerpts, "Generation '306' - Harlem, New York", circa 1974
3
15
Draft Excerpts, "Generation '306' - Harlem, New York", circa 1974
3
16
Exhibition Review and Research Material, B-CAUSE, circa 1992-1996
3
17
Masters Degree Thesis, 1963
3
18
Notes and Draft Lectures on TransAfrican Art, circa 1990s
3
19
Notes and Draft Lectures on TransAfrican Art, circa 1990s
3
20
Speeches, circa 1970s-1990s
3
21
Speeches, circa 1970s-1990s
3
22
4.2: Writings by Others, circa 1969-2002
Description Container
Essay by Tuliza K. Fleming, 1997, 2002
3
23
Essays by Allan M. Gordon, circa 1970s-circa 1990s
3
24
Essay by Moyo Okediji, 1995
3
25
Essay by Edsel Reid, 1997
3
26
Essays by A. B. Spellman, circa 1978
3
27
Essays by Various Authors, circa 1969-1990s
3
28
Poetry, circa 1970s
3
29
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Series 5: Artist Files , 1928-2003
1.1 Linear feet
Boxes 3-4

Artist files were compiled by Donaldson for his dissertation research, course lectures, FESTAC, and other projects. Files may include handwritten notes, resumes, photographs of the artists and their artwork, press clippings, and exhibition publications; many also include "preliminary information sheets" compiled for his dissertation, and information collected for his study of contemporary visual artists during the 1980s. Only a few files include correspondence with the artist. Of note are a few letters from artist Romare Bearden and two letters from Jacob Lawrence. The Barry (Edmund) Gaither file includes the volume 1, number 1 issue of ABA: A Journal of Affairs of Black Artists, as well as correspondence regarding establishing the journal. The file on Archibald J. Motley, Jr., includes a handwritten manuscript entitled "How I Solve My Painting Problems," describing his artistic process and his detailed thoughts on depictions of African Americans in art. The file also includes a letter signed by seven artists protesting the method of selection for muralists for an exposition in Chicago at the Coliseum, and a 1928 photograph of Motley, Jr.
Artist files are arranged alphabetically by artist name. Within folders, records are arranged by type rather than chronologically.
The bulk of this series has been digitized.
Description Container Select
Alston, Charles, circa 1969-1976
3
30
Alston, Charles, 1969-1976
3
31
Auld, Michael, circa 1976-circa 1982
3
32
Auld, Rose, circa 1979
3
33
Bannarn, Henry, circa 1972
3
34
Bates, Add, undated
3
35
Bath, Youssouf, 1988-1996
3
36
Bearden, Romare, circa 1968-1991
3
37
Blackburn, Robert, circa 1970s
3
38
Boghossian, Skunder, 1997-2003
3
39
Bradford, David, circa 1970s
3
40
Burke, Selma, circa 1970s
3
41
Burroughs, Margaret, 1969-1976
3
42
Byard, Carole, circa 1970s
3
43
Carter, Willie, circa 1980s
3
44
Cortor, Eldzier, circa 1970s
3
45
Crichlow, Ernest, circa 1970s
3
46
Dawson, Charles, circa 1960s-circa 1970s
3
47
Delaney, Joseph, circa 1970s
3
48
Delsarte, Louis, 1970s-1989
3
49
Douglas, Aaron, circa 1970s
3
50
Fax, Elton, undated
3
51
Feelings, Tom, circa 1972
4
1
Gaither, Barry (Edmund), 1970-1971
4
2
Hayden, Palmer, circa 1969-1970s
4
3
Hooks, Earl, 1966-1976
4
4
Howard, John, 1950-1987
4
5
Howard, John, Correspondence, circa 1968-1982
4
6
Jackson, Suzanne, 1971-1986
4
7
Johnson, Lester, circa 1974-1990
4
8
Johnson, Malvin Gray, circa 1970s
4
9
Johnson, Marie, circa 1970s
4
10
Johnson, Sargent, 1970s
4
11
Johnson, William H., circa 1969-1971
4
12
Jones, Lawrence, circa 1970s
4
13
Jones, Lois Mailou, circa 1949-1979
4
14
Joseph, Ronald, circa 1970s
4
15
Keene, Paul, 1970s
4
16
Lawrence, Jacob, 1940-1987
4
17
Lee-Smith, Hughie, 1969-1970s
4
18
Lewis, Norman, circa 1969-1970s
4
19
McGee, Charles, 1965-1987
4
20
Middleton, Sam, circa 1980s
4
21
Motley, Archibald, 1928-1987
4
22
Navarro, Eduardo, 1990s
4
23
Navarro, Eduardo, 1990s
4
24
Phillips, James, 1977-1998
4
25
Phillips, James, 1977-1998
4
26
Pierce, Delilah, 1976
4
27
Porter, James A., circa 1953-circa 1970
4
28
Powell, Georgette, 1970s
4
29
Prince, Arnold, circa 1987
4
30
Purifoy, Noah, circa 1976
4
31
Richardson, Earle, circa 1970s
4
32
Rivers, Haywood, 1970s
4
33
Roberts, Lucille, 1968-1984
4
34
Ross, David, 1976-1980
4
35
Scott, William, circa 1968-1970
4
36
Sebree, Charles, circa 1970s-1985
4
37
Smith, Vincent, 1967-1976
4
38
Spriggs, Ed, circa 1979
4
39
Sweeting, Earl, circa 1970s
4
40
Tanner, Henry Ossawa, 1969-1970s
4
41
Thomas, Alma, 1971-1979
4
42
Wells, James, 1970s
4
43
Weusi Artists, circa 1970s
4
44
Williams, Walter, circa 1967-1969
4
45
Wilson, John, 1970s
4
46
Wilson, Wendy, circa 1970s
4
47
Woodruff, Hale, 1949-1980
4
48
Woodruff, Hale, 1949-1980
4
49
A-M, Miscellaneous, circa 1960s-1990s
4
50
N-W, Miscellaneous, circa 1960s-2000
4
51
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Series 6: Exhibition Files , circa 1966-2000
1.3 Linear feet
Boxes 4-6

Exhibition files include detailed records of the TransAfrican Art Invitational Exhibition, curated by Donaldson in 1997 at the Orlando Museum of Art, and records of the solo and group exhibition of Donaldson's artwork from the late 1960s to 2000.
This series is arranged as 2 subseries.
  • 9.1: TransAfrican Art Invitational Exhibition Files, 1980s-1998
  • 9.2: Other Exhibitions, circa 1966-2000
6.1: TransAfrican Art Invitational Exhibition (1997-1998), 1980s-1998
Records of the TransAfrican Art Invitational Exhibition, curated by Donaldson at the Orlando Museum of Art in 1997, include biographical information about the participating artists, general records, and draft materials for the exhibition catalog. Information about the participating artists may include photographs and slides of the artists and their artworks, resumes, artist statements, exhibition publications, and press clippings. General records primarily include correspondence with the Orlando Museum of Art and others, planning documents, checklists, agreements, and a few photographs. Materials for the exhibition catalog include draft essays by several art historians, photographs of exhibited works, artist bios, and catalog proposals. Researchers should note that this exhibition coincides with Donaldson's guest editorship of a TransAfrican themed issue of the International Review of African American Art. Documentation about this publication (in subseries 10.5), may overlap with the documentation for the TransAfrican Art Invitational Exhibition catalog, which was never published.
Description Container
Artist Bios, A-B, circa 1980s-1998
4
52
Artist Bios, C, circa 1980s-1998
4
53
Artist Bios, D, circa 1986-1999
4
54
Artist Bios, E-K, circa 1980s-1997
4
55
Artist Bios, L, circa 1994-circa 1997
5
1
Artist Bios, M, circa 1980s-1998
5
2
Artist Bios, N, 1990s
5
3
Artist Bios, P-R, 1990s
5
4
Artist Bios, S-Th, 1990s
5
5
Artist Bios, Tucker, 1995-1997
5
6
Artist Bios, W, circa 1980s-1998
5
7
Artist Bios, Unidentified, 1998
5
8
Catalog and Exhibition Proposals, circa 1997-1998
Includes 1 3.5 inch floppy disk.
Handwritten note on original disk: "TRANSAF articles"
5
9
Catalog Printing, 1997-1998
5
10
Checklists, circa 1997-1998
5
11
Essay Notes, circa 1997-1998
5
12
Essay Notes, circa 1997-1998
5
13
Essay, Benjamin, Tritobia Hayes, 1998
5
14
Essay, Cancelier, Simone , 1997-1998
5
15
Essay, Coleman, Floyd , 1998
5
16
Essay, Harris, Carlisle, circa 1997
5
17
Essay, Hassan, Salah , 1997
5
18
Essay, Long, Richard A. , 1997
5
19
Essay, Louise, René, circa 1997
5
20
Essay, Ofori-Ansa, Kwaku, 1997
5
21
Essay, Sims, Lowery Stokes , 1996-1997
5
22
Essay, Yearwood, Gladstone , 1997
Includes 1 3.5 inch floppy disk
Handwritten note on original disk: "Bajanart.wpd"
5
23
Essays, Final Drafts, 1998
5
24
General Correspondence, 1997
5
25
General Correspondence, 1997-1998
5
26
General Correspondence, Zora Neale Hurston Festival of the Arts, 1996-1997
5
27
General Records, 1997-1998
5
28
Notebook, circa 1997
5
29
Printed Material, 1997-1998
5
30
Statements By and About Artists, circa 1997-1998
5
31
Statements By and About Artists, A-D, circa 1996-1998
5
32
Statements By and About Artists, E-K, circa 1997-1998
5
33
Statements By and About Artists, L-W, circa 1997-1998
5
34
Photographs of Exhibition, circa 1997
5
35
Photographs of Exhibition, Slides, circa 1997
5
36
Photographs of Exhibition, Duplicates, 1997
5
37
Photographs of Opening Reception, 1997
5
38
Photographs of Artwork and Artists, A-B, circa 1997
5
39
Photographs of Artwork and Artists, C-D, circa 1997
5
40
Photographs of Artwork and Artists, E-K, circa 1997
5
41
Photographs of Artwork and Artists, L-O, circa 1997
5
42
Photographs of Artwork and Artists, P-W, circa 1997
5
43
6.2: Other Exhibitions, circa 1966-2000
Records of group and solo exhibitions of Donaldson's artwork primarily date from 1980 to 2000 with a few documents from the late 1960s. Documentation found within the exhibition files may include correspondence, agreements, price lists, publications, press clippings, and photographs.
Description Container
Jeff Donaldson, University of Arkansas (1980), circa 1980
5
44
Jeff Donaldson, Howard University (1981-1982), 1981
5
45
Jeff Donaldson: Mixed-Media Paintings, 1970-1980, Cynthia Tilson Galleries (1990), 1990-1991
6
1
Jeff Donaldson: Thirty Years of Painting, Hammonds House Galleries (1993-1994), 1979, 1993
6
2
Art in Chicago, 1945-1995, Museum of Contemporary Art (1996-1997), 1996
6
3
Panafest International Art Exhibition (1997), Ghana, 1997
6
4
Jeff Donaldson: A TransAfrican Aesthetic, Dillard University (1998), 1998
6
5
A TransAfrican Aesthetic: Paintings by Jeff Donaldson, Akus Gallery (1999), 1998-1999
6
6
A TransAfrican Aesthetic: Paintings by Jeff Donaldson, Akus Gallery (1999), Photographs of Opening, 1999
6
7
Echoes of Africa, Mattye Reed African Heritage Center (1999), 1999
6
8
Transatlantic Dialogue: Contemporary Art In and Out of Africa, Ackland Art Museum (2000-2001), 1999-2000
6
9
Exhibition at Cornell University (2000), 2000
6
10
Miscellaneous Exhibition Documents, circa 1966-1969
6
11
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Series 7: Professional Files , 1960s-2005
5.2 Linear feet
Boxes 6-11, OV 14

This series is arranged as 5 subseries.
  • 7.1: AfriCOBRA, 1962-1999 (0.9 linear feet; Boxes 6-7)
  • 7.2: CONFABA, circa 1960s-1970s (0.3 linear feet; Box 7)
  • 7.3: FESTAC, circa 1963-1981 (3.4 linear feet; Boxes 7-10, OV 14)
  • 7.4: Organization of Black American Culture, circa 1967-1987, 1997 (0.2 linear feet; Box 10)
  • 7.5: Other Committees and Conferences, circa 1973-2005 (0.4 linear feet; Box 11)
7.1: AfriCOBRA, 1962-1999
0.9 Linear feet
Boxes 6-7
Records of the African Commune of Bad Relevant Artists (AfriCOBRA) include documentation on the group's history, exhibitions, scattered meeting and financial records, photographs of the artists' work, and member files. General records include founding documents such as the group's articles of incorporation. Photographs include images of Donaldson and other members of the group, AfriCOBRA events, and the organization's emblem.
Member files include biographical information sheets, press clippings, photographs of the artists and artworks, and correspondence between the artist and Donaldson. One sound recording contains a conversation with member Frank Smith.
Slides are primarily of artwork, but also include some images of artists.
Description Container
10 in Search of A Nation Exhibition, 1970
6
12
AfriCOBRA II, 1971-1989
6
13
AfriCOBRA III, 1973
6
14
AfriCOBRA: The First Twenty Years (1990), 1989-1990
6
15
AfriCOBRA-FWOMAJE Collaboration, 1987-circa 1997
6
16
AfriCOBRA-FWOMAJE Collaboration, 1994-circa 1997
6
17
Exhibitions, 1979
6
18
Exhibitions (1980), 1979-1980
6
19
Financial Records, Bank Statements, 1973, 1980-1985
6
20
Financial Records, Financial Reports, 1973-1983
6
21
Financial Records, Receipts, circa 1979-1984
6
22
Financial Records, Telephone Bills, 1979-1986
6
23
Form Letters, circa 1970s
6
24
General Records, circa 1970-1973
6
25
General Records, 1975-1985
6
26
General Records , circa 1986-1989
6
27
Insurance, 1979-1981
6
28
Meeting Minutes, 1971
6
29
Meeting Minutes, 1972-1980
6
30
Members, Amabenemu, Akili , 1970s-1985
6
31
Members, Beck, Sherman , circa 1970s
6
32
Members, Cowans, Adger , 1970s-1986
6
33
Members, DePillars, Murray , circa 1985
6
34
Members, Harris, Michael , circa 1980s
6
35
Members, Harris, Michael, 1979-1985
6
36
Members, Harris, Michael, 1996-1999
6
37
Members, Haynes, Helen , 1979-1982
6
38
Members, Jarrell, Jae, circa 1970s
6
39
Members, Jarrell, Wadsworth , 1972-1986
6
40
Members, Jones, Barbara , circa 1970
6
41
Members, Jones-Henderson, Napoleon , circa 1979-circa 1985
6
42
Members, Lama, Omar , circa 1970s
6
43
Members, Lawrence, Carolyn , circa 1962-circa 1972
6
44
Members, Phillips, James , circa 1974-1985, 1998
6
45
Members, Smith, Frank, circa 1975-circa 1984
6
46
Members, Smith, Frank, AFRICOBRA Discussion Sound Recording, 1978
1 sound cassette
Handwritten note on original cassette: "4-24-78 Frank Smith AfriCOBRA Discussion."
6
47
Members, Stevens, Nelson , 1970-1985
6
48
Members, Williams, Gerald , circa 1970-circa 1980
6
49
Members, Wilson, Wendy, circa 1970s
6
50
Membership Lists, Biographies, 1971-1981
6
51
Printed Material, circa 1968-1988
6
52
Printed Material, Miscellaneous, circa 1980s
6
53
Photographs, circa 1970s
6
54
Photographs, circa 1980s
6
55
Photographs, circa 1980s
6
56
Slides, Exhibitions and Other Events, circa 1969-circa 1997
7
1
Slides, Akili, Ron Anderson, circa 1970s-1990s
7
2
Slides, Auld, Rose; Beck, Sherman, circa 1970s-1990s
7
3
Slides, Cowans, Adger; DePillars, Murry, circa 1970s-circa 1990s
7
4
Slides, Harris, Michael, circa 1970s-1999
7
5
Slides, Haynes, Helen; Henderson, Napoleon Jones; Lama, Omar, circa 1970s-1990s
7
6
Slides, Jarrell, Wadsworth, circa 1967-circa 1996
7
7
Slides, Phillips, James, 1970s-1990s
7
8
Slides, Smith, Frank; Stevens, Nelson, circa 1970s
7
9
Slides, Wilson, Wendy, circa 1970s
7
10
7.2: CONFABA, circa 1960s-1970s
0.3 Linear feet
Box 7
CONFABA (Conference on the Functional Aspects of Black Art) was a conference held at Northwestern University in 1970. As an organizer of this event, Donaldson's records include correspondence, and general records, as well as post-conference feedback. General records include draft programs, lists of participants, press releases, and copies of presentations. Of note are sketches created during the event by several participants, including Margaret Burroughs, Eugenia V. Dunn, Tom Feelings,and Leatrice Y. Tucker.
Also found are photographs of the event and participants. Photographs by Box/Thomas Burroughs include photos of Ben Bey, Charlie Burroughs, Paul Keene, Omar Lama, Hughie Lee Smith, and Edsel Reid.
Description Container
Artist Statements, 1970, 1973
7
11
Correspondence, 1968-1969
7
12
Correspondence, circa 1970 January April
7
13
Correspondence, 1970 May-1972
7
14
General Records, circa 1970
7
15
Post-CONFABA Questionnaires and Artist Submissions, circa 1960s-1972
7
16
Post-CONFABA Questionnaires and Artist Submissions, circa 1960s-1972
7
17
Sketches by Artists, 1970
7
18
Task-Forces 1-2, 4-6, 1970
7
19
Task Force 3 Report, circa 1970
7
20
Photographs, circa 1970-1972
7
21
Photographs by Box/Thomas Burroughs, 1970-1972
7
22
Negatives, circa 1970
7
23
7.3: FESTAC, circa 1963-1981
3.4 Linear feet
Boxes 7-10, OV 14
FESTAC, also known as the Second World Black and African Festival of Arts and Culture, was a major international festival held in Lagos, Nigeria, from January 15 to February 12, 1977. Donaldson was an event organizer and chairman of the United States Zonal Committee and his extensive records include planning documents, correspondence, reports, records of eleven planning meetings, including minutes and notes and a sound recording related to the first meeting, copies of all event colloquiums, lists of participants, entry forms, and press materials. Also found are drafts of his "documemoir" detailing the event. Correspondence includes that between board members, and with the Director of International Coordination, Professor Chike Onwauchi. Also found are records documenting various grants and other funding sources for FESTAC.
Photographs document festival performers in all of the arts represented at FESTAC, including press photos of performers, as well as some photographs taken at festival events and meetings. Photographs by Hoyt Fuller include photos of Ossie Davis, Alioune Diop, Chief Anthony Enahoro, Katherine Dunham, Barbara Ann Teer, and Milton Martin.
Description Container
Agreement, Canada Zone, 1976
7
24
Articles of Incorporation, 1973-1976
7
25
Artists' Post FESTAC Surveys, circa 1977
7
26
Board Members, Biographies and Resumes, circa 1970s
7
27
Board Members, Correspondence, circa 1974-1977
7
28
Board Members, Photographs, circa 1970s
7
29
Catalog, 1976-1977
7
30
Catalog, 1976-1977
7
31
Certificates of Recognition, 1975-1977
Oversized material housed in OV 14
7
32
Chronology of United States Zones, circa 1977
7
33
Colloquium, African Governments, 1977
7
34
Colloquium, African Languages, 1977
7
35
Colloquium, African Languages, 1977
7
36
Colloquium, African Languages, 1977
7
37
Colloquium, The Arts, 1977
7
38
Colloquium, The Arts, 1977
7
39
Colloquium, The Arts, 1977
8
1
Colloquium, The Arts, 1977
8
2
Colloquium, Historical Awareness, 1977
8
3
Colloquium, Historical Awareness, 1977
8
4
Colloquium, Historical Awareness, 1977
8
5
Colloquium, Literature, 1977
8
6
Colloquium, Literature, 1977
8
7
Colloquium, Literature, 1977
8
8
Colloquium, Literature, 1977
8
9
Colloquium, Mass Media, 1976-1977
8
10
Colloquium, Pedagogy, 1977
8
11
Colloquium, Pedagogy, 1977
8
12
Colloquium, Pedagogy, 1977
8
13
Colloquium, Pedagogy, 1977
8
14
Colloquium, Pedagogy, 1977
8
15
Colloquium, Philosophy, 1977
8
16
Colloquium, Religion, 1977
8
17
Colloquium Sub-Committee, 1976
8
18
Congressional Black Caucus, 1973-1976
8
19
Documemoir, Original Draft, 1978
8
20
Documemoir, Original Draft, 1978
8
21
Documemoir, Original Draft, 1978
8
22
Documemoir, Draft 1, 1978
8
23
Documemoir, Draft 2, 1977-1980
8
24
Documemoir, Draft 3, circa 1977
8
25
Entry Forms and Rules (Blank), circa 1975-1976
8
26
Entry Forms, Music, circa 1970-circa 1976
8
27
Entry Forms, Music, circa 1970-circa 1976
9
1
Entry Forms, Music, circa 1970-circa 1976
9
2
Entry Forms, Performers, circa 1974-1976
9
3
Entry Forms, Popular Dress, circa 1976
9
4
Final Report and Follow-Up, circa 1977-circa 1981
9
5
Final Report and Follow-Up, 1977-1981
9
6
Financial Records, Statements, 1973-1976
9
7
Financial Records, Taxes, 1970s
9
8
Fundraising, Walker A. Williams & Company, 1975-1977
9
9
Fundraising, Marketing, Zebra Associates, Inc., circa 1973-circa 1976
9
10
Fundraising, Marketing, Zebra Associates, Inc., 1974-1975
9
11
Fundraising, Marketing, Zebra Associates, Inc., 1975-1976
9
12
General Programme for FESTAC, 1977
9
13
General Records, circa 1963-circa 1977
9
14
General Records , circa 1973-1974
9
15
General Records , circa 1975
9
16
General Records, 1976
9
17
General Records, 1977-1983
9
18
Invited Guests, circa 1975-circa 1977
9
19
Invited Guests and Responses, 1975-1976
9
20
List of Bon FESTAC Audio Tape Recordings, circa 1977
9
21
List of Bon FESTAC Video Tape Recordings, circa 1977
9
22
List of Participants, circa 1977
9
23
List of Participants, circa 1977
9
24
Meeting Records
First Meeting, 1972
Includes 1 sound cassette.
Handwritten note on original cassette: "Opening of Meeting African Exhibition Com 1"
9
25
Second Meeting, 1973
9
26
Third Meeting, 1973-1974
9
27
Third Meeting, 1973-1974
9
28
Fourth Meeting, 1974
9
29
Fifth Meeting, 1974
9
30
Sixth Meeting, 1975
9
31
Sixth Meeting, 1975
9
32
Seventh Meeting, 1975
9
33
Seventh Meeting, 1975
9
34
Eighth Meeting, 1976
9
35
Eighth Meeting, 1976
9
36
Ninth Meeting, 1976
10
1
Ninth Meeting, 1976
10
2
Tenth Meeting, 1976
10
3
Tenth Meeting, 1976
10
4
Eleventh Meeting, 1977
10
5
Monroe, Arthur, circa 1976-1977
10
6
Monroe, Arthur, 1978-1980
10
7
National Endowment for the Humanities Grant Report, 1981
10
8
Nigerian Coup, 1966-1975, 1966
10
9
Nigerian Visit, 1978-1980
10
10
North American Zone Documents, circa 1973-1976
10
11
Onwauchi, Professor Chike, Director of International Coordination, 1975-1977
10
12
Press Release Mailing List, circa 1976-1977
10
13
Report, First World Festival of Negro Arts (1966), circa 1966
10
14
Report and Summary of Accounts, circa 1977
10
15
Science and Technology Commission, 1973-1975
10
16
Science and Technology Commission, 1975-1976
10
17
Senegal (Leopold Senghor), 1966, 1976
10
18
Sixth Pan-African Congress, 1973-1974
10
19
Status Reports, 1976-1977
10
20
USA/FESTAC Region Director's Special Recommendation, 1976
10
21
Printed Materials, 1975-1977
10
22
Printed Material, Clippings, 1975-1977
10
23
Printed Material, Press Releases, 1975
10
24
Photographs, Artwork, circa 1970s
10
25
Photographs, Board in Session and Nigerian Ambassador Reception, 1970s
10
26
Photographs, Cinema, 1970s
10
27
Photographs, Dance, 1970s
10
28
Photographs, Extra Photos, circa 1970s
10
29
Photographs, Hoyt Fuller Photos, 1970s
10
30
Photographs, Lagos, 1970s
10
31
Photographs, Literature, circa 1970s
10
32
Photographs, Music, A-M, circa 1970s
10
33
Photographs, Music, O-Y, circa 1970s
10
34
Photographs, Nigeria and Nigerian Officials, circa 1970s
10
35
Photographs, Personalities, 1970s
10
36
Photographs, Popular Dress, 1970s
10
37
Photographs, Theater, circa 1970s
10
38
Photographs, Visual Artists, A-C, circa 1970s
10
39
Photographs, Visual Artists, D-J, circa 1970s
10
40
Photographs, Visual Artists, K-P, circa 1970s
10
41
Photographs, Visual Artists, R, circa 1970s
10
42
Photographs, Visual Artists, S-Y, circa 1970s
10
43
Oversized Certificates from Box 7, Folder 32, 1975-1997
14
7.4: Organization of Black American Culture, circa 1967-1987, 1997
0.2 Linear feet
Box 10
The Organization of Black American Culture (OBAC) records compiled by Donaldson include administrative documentation on the formation of the group and the planning for its famous public artwork The Wall of Respect. Included are planning documents, press materials, and two photographs, including one of The Wall of Respect.
Description Container
General Records, circa 1967-1970s
10
44
General Records, circa 1967-1970s
10
45
General Records, 1967-1979
10
46
Printed Material, 1967-1987
10
47
Printed Material , 1997
10
48
Photographs, circa 1967
10
49
7.5: Other Committees and Conferences, circa 1973-2005
0.4 Linear feet
Box 11
Records of Donaldson's participation in other professional committees and conferences include planning documents, correspondence, photographs, draft writings for the events, and event publications. Researchers should note that files regarding his role as guest editor for an issue of the International Review of African American Art coincided with his curatorship of the TransAfrican Art Invitational Exhibition in 1997 (Series 6.1) and documentation on these activities may be found in both sets of records.
Description Container
Conference, "Africa 95", 1995
11
1
First World Commemorative Issue Committee, 1981-1984
11
2
Fundraiser for New Hebrides Islands, 1976
11
3
Guest Editor, International Review of African American Art, circa 1973-1997
11
4
Guest Editor, International Review of African American Art, 1997
Includes 1 3.5 inch floppy disk
Handwritten note on original disk: "Dr. Lisa E. Farrington. Feminism and Black Power."
11
5
Guest Editor, International Review of African American Art, 1997-1998
11
6
Kennedy Center "African Odyssey" Festival Advisory Conference, 1998-1999
11
7
National Center of Afro-American Artists, 1997-2005
11
8
Nominations for Sara Lee Frontrunner Awards, 1999
11
9
Professional Activities, 1984-1986
11
10
Symposium, University of Virgin Islands, 1999-2000
11
11
Teacher's Workshop, National Museum of African Art, 2000
11
12
Back to Top

Series 8: Research Files , 1930-2001
0.4 Linear feet
Box 11

Research files were compiled by Donaldson for his dissertation research, published essays, and course lectures. Files may include photocopied articles, handwritten notes, bibliographies, and other lists. Also of note are research files on the Harmon Foundation which includes original correspondence from the 1940s-1950s between the Harmon Foundation and the Department of Art at Howard University.
In the Works Progress Administration file is a photograph labeled "Photo at 306-C" of a group of artists including Charles Alston, Ad Bates, Fred Coleman, Selma Day, Edgar Evans, Cecil Gaylord, Silas Glen, Vertis Hayes, Ronald Joseph, Gwen Knight, Elba Lightfoot, Francisco Lord, O. Richard Reid, Gette Seabrook, and James Yaeargens. The group is pictured outside the Harlem Renaissance hub on West 41st Street where Alston taught art classes.
This series has been digitized in its entirety.
Description Container Select
John Henry Adams, circa 1970s
11
13
Ancient Egypt, circa 1995
11
14
Articles and Books, Miscellaneous , circa 1960s-circa 1990s
11
15
Articles and Books, Miscellaneous, circa 1960s-circa 1990s
11
16
Bibliographies, circa 1950s-circa 1960s
11
17
Bibliographies, circa 1970s-1980s
11
18
Bibliographies, circa 1970s-circa 1990s
11
19
Bogolan, circa 1990
11
20
Burke, Edmund, circa 1970s-circa 1990s
11
21
Coleman, Floyd, circa 1975-1991
11
22
DuBois, W. E. B., circa 1970s-circa 1990s
11
23
Exhibitions (Historical, 1926-1941), circa 1980s
11
24
Father Divine, circa 1970s-circa 1990s
11
25
Garvey, Marcus, 1970s-1980s
11
26
Ghent, Henri, circa 1968-1974
11
27
Harlem, circa 1971-circa 1980s
11
28
Harmon Foundation, 1930s
11
29
Harmon Foundation , 1930-1956
11
30
Harmon Foundation , 1953-1970s
11
31
Harmon Foundation , circa 1970s
11
32
Locke, Alain, circa 1957-circa 1998
11
33
Research Resource Lists, 1942, 1986
11
34
Slavery, circa 2001
11
35
Works Progress Administration , circa 1935-1980
11
36
Back to Top

Series 9: Teaching Files , 1961-2002
0.6 Linear feet
Boxes 11-12

Teaching files include Donaldson's lecture notebooks, and a few course documents from his professorship at Howard University. Also found are other employment records, correspondence, and committee files documenting his role as chairman of the Art Department and later dean of the College of Fine Arts at Howard University. An interview with J. Weldon Norris from the Howard University music department is recorded on two microcassettes. One file documents Donaldson's earlier teaching appointment at John Marshall High School in Chicago and includes photographs of Donaldson appearing in a production of Purlie Victorious at the school.
The bulk of this series has been digitized.
Description Container Select
CICS Africana Studies Proposal Preparation Committee, 2002
11
37
Course Documents, African American Art, circa 1995
11
38
Employment Agreements, 1965-1983
11
39
Howard University, Correspondence Regarding Appointments, 1970-1985
11
40
Howard University, Dean Appointment, 1991-1992
11
41
Howard University, Department of Music, 1991-1996
11
42
Howard University, Department of Music, 1994-1996
11
43
Howard University, Department of Music, Interview with J. Weldon Norris and Chairmanship Review, 1995
2 sound cassettes (microcassette)
11
44
Howard University, Honorary Degree Nominees, 1991-1992
11
45
John Marshall High School, circa 1961-1965
12
1
John Marshall High School, 1961-1967
12
2
Lecture Notebook, American Art, 1968-circa 1984
12
3
Lecture Notebook, Art Appreciation, circa 1970s
12
4
Lecture Notebook, circa 1979
12
5
Lecture Notebook, circa 1980s
12
6
Lecture Notebook, circa 1991
12
7
Back to Top

Series 10: Personal Business Records , 1966-2001
0.2 Linear feet
Box 12

Personal business records include records of a scholarship from the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, an appraisal ledger and other documentation regarding Donaldson's art collection, expenses, legal agreements, and scattered records on the sale and consignment of his paintings. Also found are a few documents regarding Donaldson's small business, Art and Culture Enterprises, and agreements to design album covers for Jazz American Marketing.
The bulk of this series has been digitized. Routine expense records, such as miscellaneous receipts, have not been digitized.
Description Container Select
Alumni Scholarship Endowment, 1986-1998
12
8
Appraisal Ledger, circa 1984-1987
12
9
Art and Culture Enterprises Consignment Form, circa 1980
12
10
Art Collection, 1966-1972
12
11
Art Collection, circa 1972-1999
12
12
Artwork Sales and Consignments, 1985-1994
12
13
Business Cards and Contacts, circa 1990s
12
14
Collection of Sidney F. Donaldson II, circa 1998
12
15
Expenses, August-September, 2001
12
16
Jazz American Marketing, 1981, 1986
12
17
Legal Services, National Endowment for Humanities Grant, 1979-1980
12
18
Loss of Souleymane Keita Painting, "Un Voyage Sans Retour", 1978
12
19
Printing Agreement, 1986
12
20
Small Business Planning Documents, circa 1970s
12
21
Back to Top

Series 11: Printed Material , 1918-2003
0.5 Linear feet
Box 12

Printed material includes programs, brochures, announcements, and catalogs for exhibitions and other events that Donaldson participated in during his career, including an invitation from the White House to attend an April 1980 National Conference of Artists event to honor African American artists. Also included are a few catalogs and announcements for exhibitions of works by other artists. News clippings and articles about Donaldson include some from New Art Examiner documenting his professional activities. Also found are news clippings compiled by Donaldson on topics of interest to him, and a folder of some of Donaldson's school alumni publications.
The bulk of this series has been digitized.
Description Container Select
Announcements and Catalogs for Donaldson , circa 1968-1981
12
22
Announcements and Catalogs for Donaldson, 1991-1999
12
23
Announcements and Catalogs for Others, circa 1968-circa 1984
12
24
Announcements and Catalogs for Others, circa 1987-1988
12
25
Announcements and Catalogs for Donaldson, 1993-2000
12
26
Articles About Donaldson, 1969-2001
12
27
Event Programs and Brochures, circa 1967-1979
12
28
Event Programs and Brochures, 1980-1984
12
29
Event Programs and Brochures, 1985-2003
12
30
Miscellaneous Printed Material, 1968-1995, 1918
12
31
News Clippings, Africa, circa 1990s
12
32
News Clippings, Art, 1948-1999
12
33
News Clippings, Black Art, circa 1969-1971
12
34
News Clippings, Black Art, 1981-2003
12
35
News Clippings, Black Panther Party, circa 1969-1971
12
36
News Clippings, "Blacks In America" Series, Christian Science Monitor, 1969
12
37
News Clippings, Civil Rights, 1984, 2000
12
38
News Clippings, Editorial Cartoons, circa 1969-circa 1970
12
39
News Clippings, General, circa 1970s-2003
12
40
News Clippings, General, circa 1970s-2003
12
41
News Clippings, Prisons, circa 1998-2000
12
42
School Alumni Publications, 1993, 1976-1979
12
43
Back to Top

Series 12: Photographs and Personal Sound Recordings , circa 1970s-circa 2000
0.4 Linear feet
Box 13

Photographs depict Donaldson with his wife Arnicia, a visit to Uganda in 1974, an Arizona State University symposium, and late-career professional portraits. Photographs taken in Uganda include photos of Donaldson's group with Idi Amin and some related memorabilia such as a menu inscribed with a message from Amin to Donaldson. Photographs of others include a copy of a photograph taken of a Sunday School class in Arkansas, possibly including Donaldson. Other individuals pictured include Linda Council, and musicologist Eileen Southern.
Also found are a few photographs of family members, and friends, as well as photographs and slides of Donaldson's artwork and the artwork of others.
Three personal sound recordings are found at the end of the series: a recording of a household with a baby girl, probably Jameela Donaldson, in the background with her caregiver; a recording of Miles Davis's 1986 release Tutu; and a 1987 recording that appears to have been made from radio of an interview with Romare Bearden, possibly one conducted by Charlayne Hunter-Gault in 1986, followed by news items.
This bulk of this series has been digitized.
Description Container Select
Of Jeff Donaldson, 2003, 1960-1990s
13
1
Of Jeff Donaldson, Portraits, 1960-2003
13
2
Of Jeff and Arnicia Donaldson, circa 1971-circa 1974, circa 1971
13
3
Of Family, circa 1990s
13
4
Of Others , circa 1970s-1990s
13
5
Of Arizona State Symposium, 1985
13
6
Of Visit to Uganda, circa 1974
13
7
Of Visit to Uganda, circa 1974
13
8
Of Visit to Uganda, With Idi Amin, circa 1974
13
9
Of Artwork by Jeff Donaldson, Slides, 1956-1962
13
10
Of Artwork by Jeff Donaldson, Slides, 1963-1967
13
11
Of Artwork by Jeff Donaldson, Slides, 1967-1986
13
12
Of Artwork by Jeff Donaldson, Slides, 1987-2002
13
13
Of Artwork by Jeff Donaldson, Slides, circa 1960s-circa 2000
13
14
Of Artwork by Others, circa 1970s-circa 1990s
13
15
Personal Sound Recording, 1974
2 sound cassettes
1 cassette appears to be a duplicate
13
16
Personal Sound Recording, circa 1986
1 sound cassette
13
16
Personal Sound Recording, 1987 May 17
1 sound cassettes (microcassette)
Personal recording of Romare Bearden interview probably from radio.
13
16

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