In celebration of Black History Month, we’re excited to draw attention to a number of our unique and inspiring databases which focus upon Black scholarship, arts, and heritage.
Black Thought and Culture
Offers an explosive 100,000 pages worth of engaging readings in non-fiction by and about Black leaders drawn from across a range of disciplines and eras. For instance, there’s the ever astute Michael Eric Dyson on Marvin Gaye: Mercy, Mercy Me: The Art, Loves, and Demons of Marvin Gaye along with, in its entirety, 2024 presidential candidate Cornel West’s Restoring Hope: Conversations on the Future of Black America.
Black Studies in Video
Brings together an abundance of archival footage, making much of it available for the first time in digital format. There’s the full-length documentary on journalist, activist, suffragist and anti-lynching crusader of the post-Reconstruction period: Ida B. Wells: A Passion For Justice along with the brief yet sensational 1972 conversation on Black Power: Angela Davis: Interview from Jail.
ProQuest Historical Newspapers: Chicago Defender
An ideal resource for those interested in a deep, specific locale-oriented dive. Includes the full content of one of the nation’s most important Black newspapers, covering the years 1909-2010.
To link to articles, ebooks, and articles see Linking to Library Resources. To link to content in Black Culture and Thought and Black Studies in Video, see instructions for Alexander Street resources.
These and many more databases are gathered together on our Databases A to Z: African-American Studies page. There are always further surprises!
Black American Collection (Independent Voices)
Delves into smaller community-oriented magazines arising from out various scenes of Black Identity during the decades following the landmark Civil Rights Act of 1964. For instance, the above image is taken from the cover of Black Dialogue, July-August 1965. Other publications, ranging from Muhammad Speaks to Freedomways and well beyond, give direct access to critical social voices from the era. There are many layers of stored up knowledge for intrepid adventurers to sift their way through. Enjoy!
(Feature image: cover of Black Dialogue, Vol. 1, No. 3,4 (1966) courtesy of Independent Voices)