[Peace] Oct. 17: book talk for "The Black Cultural Front" at the Illini Union Bookstore

[Brian Dolinar]

Greetings,

If you missed my book talk at the Urbana Free Library, there's another
chance to catch me at the Illini Union Bookstore on *Wednesday, Oct. 17 at
4:30 p.m.
*
Authors Corner: Brian Dolinar, *The Black Cultural Front: Black Writers and
Artists of the Depression Generation*
Wednesday, October 17
4:30-5:30pm
Illini Union Bookstore (Wright and Daniel St.)

Free and open to the Public

BD


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*The Black Cultural Front* describes how the social and political movements
that grew out of the Depression facilitated the left turn of several
African American artists and writers. The Communist-led John Reed Clubs
brought together black and white writers in writing collectives. The
Congress of Industrial Organizations' effort to recruit black workers
inspired growing interest in the labor movement. One of the most concerted
efforts was made by the National Negro Congress, a coalition of civil
rights and labor organizations, which held cultural panels at its national
conferences, fought segregation in the arts, promoted cultural education,
and involved writers and artists in staging mass rallies during World War
II.

This book examines the formation of a black cultural front by looking at
the works of poet Langston Hughes, novelist Chester Himes, and cartoonist
Ollie Harrington. While none of these writers were card-carrying members of
the Communist Party, they all participated in the Left during their
careers. Interestingly, they all turned to creating popular culture in
order to reach the black masses who were captivated by movies, radio,
newspapers, and detective novels. There are chapters on Hughes's "Simple"
stories, Himes's detective fiction, and Harrington's "Bootsie" cartoons.

Collectively, the experience of these three figures contributes to the
story of a "long" movement for African American freedom that flourished
during the 1930s, 1940s, and 1950s. Yet this book also stresses the impact
that McCarthyism had on dismantling the Black Left and how it affected each
individual involved. Each was radicalized at a different moment and for
different reasons. Each suffered for their past allegiances, whether
fleeing to the haven of the "Black Bank" in Paris, or staying home and
facing the House Un-American Activities Committee. Yet the lasting
influence of the Depression in their work was evident for the rest of their
lives.
-- 
Brian Dolinar, Ph.D.
303 W. Locust St.
Urbana, IL 61801
briandolinar at gmail.com
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