Schomburg Center's Centennial Celebrates Black History and Culture

Founding Father: Arturo Schomburg

In the late 19th century, Arturo Alfonso Schomburg was born in Puerto Rico. Educated by a teacher who dismissed Black history, Schomburg dedicated his life to collecting and validating the contributions of Black people globally. His collection grew significantly after he moved to New York City at age 17.

Harlem Renaissance and Beyond

The Harlem Renaissance era saw an increased demand for materials about Black culture and history, leading the Schomburg Center’s establishment in 1926 with a purchase of Schomburg’s personal library. Today, the center houses over 11 million items including works by celebrated authors like Maya Angelou and historical documents such as Harriet Jacobs’ Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl.

Centennial Celebrations

To mark its 100th anniversary, the Schomburg Center is hosting two exhibitions: one at its own center showcasing 100 years of collections and community contributions, while another, Declaring America: 1776 and Beyond, highlights items from the Schomburg’s collection at the New York Public Library. Items include a manuscript of Angelou’s autobiography and a commemorative print from the March on Washington.

Digital Transformation and Legacy

The Schomburg Center continues to evolve with digitization efforts, making its vast collection more accessible. Reflecting this mission, staff curated a playlist of 100 songs for the centennial celebration. The center’s current curator, Tammi Lawson, emphasizes the importance of representation, securing funds to expand the collection with works by Black women artists like Augusta Savage.

The Schomburg Center remains an essential institution in preserving and promoting Black history and culture, ensuring that future generations continue to benefit from its extensive holdings. Its legacy is a testament to Arturo Schomburg’s visionary collecting and the dedication of its current staff to uphold his mission.

Source: The Guardian