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The rich contributions of African-Americans to Texas culture are vividly expressed in this new exhibit from the Southwestern Writers Collection. Paths to Justice: African-American Culture in Texas traces how the state's African-American writers, musicians, photographers and artists have created unique and moving portraits of their people, often challenging racist attitudes along the way. The exhibit, which includes a symposium to be held of November 15, 2001, highlights the holdings of the Southwestern Writers Collection, an archival repository established at TxState to collect, preserve, and make available important cultural arts of Texas and the Southwest. On display are notable works of literature by Texans such as Sutton E. Griggs, whose provocative 1899 book, Imperium in Imperio, is now considered the first Black nationalist novel-decades ahead of its time. |
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Left: Angela Shelf Medearis |
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Special attention is given to Angela Shelf Medearis,
a TxState alumnus who is one of Texas' most successful children's
book authors and a major donor to the Southwestern Writers Collection.
Medearis has written nearly 70 books in the past dozen years
and received numerous awards. Her books show African-American
life, history, and culture in a positive way, from the celebration
of Kwaanza to life on a Depression-era farm.
 Blind
Lemon Jefferson |
The rich musical heritage of African-Americans has made Texas a wellspring for influences on American musical forms such as rock and roll, jazz, country, and blues. From Scott Joplin and Blind Lemon Jefferson to Sippie Wallace and T-Bone Walker, Texas' African-American musicians are recognized worldwide for their extensive musical contributions. Even Texas musicians who are not household names have played pivotal roles in American music history. San Marcos native Eddie Durham, for example, created the first electric guitar and made the first-ever recording with an amplified guitar in 1935. Durham was also a legendary jazz arranger, songwriter, and trombonist who was an integral part of bands led by Benny Goodman, Count Basie, and Glenn Miller. |
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Paths to Justice: African-American Culture in Texas also showcases art and photography, including a special display of prints by acclaimed Texas-based photographer Earlie Hudnall. The role of Black Cowboys in Texas is also examined, from historical figures such as Bose Ikard to Hollywood incarnations such as Danny Glover playing Joshua Deets in the celebrated television miniseries Lonesome Dove. The wealth of images, sounds, words and works found in Paths to Justice offers an opportunity to understand the important contributions of Texas' African-Americans and discover the resources available at TxState for African-American studies. Paths to Justice: African-American Culture in Texas will be on display through December 21, 2001. The exhibit was curated by Steve Davis, Assistant Curator of the Southwestern Writers Collection, with additional input from Dr. Dwight Watson, Assistant Professor History at TxState, and Dr. Elvin Holt, Professor of English at TxState. |
Girl With Flag, 1991. Photograph by Earlie Hudnall |
