Tag: African American

Three Millionth Volume Added to Libraries’ Collection: Iola Leroy by Frances Ellen Watkins Harper

The University Libraries’ three millionth volume, now available in Special Collections, is a unique copy of Frances Ellen Watkins Harper’s Iola Leroy, or, Shadows Uplifted. One of the extraordinarily rare 1892 first printings of the groundbreaking novel, this inscribed gift copy from the renowned African American orator, activist, and poet also includes an important ex libris stamp from the Anti-Slavery and Aborigines Protection Society. …Continue Reading Three Millionth Volume Added to Libraries’ Collection: Iola Leroy by Frances Ellen Watkins Harper

A New Voice: African American Legislators during Reconstruction in Arkansas

Arkansas African American legislators

Special Collections intern Craig Huddleston explores the impact of African American legislators who served in the Arkansas General Assembly during Reconstruction, the decades just after the Civil War when federal intervention allowed a brief period of civil and political opportunity for African American leaders in the American South. …Continue Reading A New Voice: African American Legislators during Reconstruction in Arkansas

Celebrating Black History Month with the Ozark Folksong Collection

Charlotte Stephens

Among the more than 4600 recordings available digitally through the Ozark Folksong Collection—the largest collection of Ozark folksongs available anywhere—there are several examples of folk songs and stories from the African American tradition in Arkansas. We have highlighted the work of remarkable Arkansans such as Charlotte Stephens and others included in the collection in celebration of Black History Month….Continue Reading Celebrating Black History Month with the Ozark Folksong Collection