BMA: Black Media Archive

This episode is a short silent film titled, "A Study of Negro Artists" (c. 1932). The documentary covers some important visual artists during the Harlem Renaissance: Richmond Barthe, noted sculptor (in particular, large outdoor work); James Latimer Allen, noted portrait photographer (known particularly for documenting the Harlem Renaissance); Aaron Douglas, one the major painters of the era; Palmer Hayden, another prolific painter; and Augusta Savage, the leading female sculptor of the movement. While this film doesn't tell much about them, many African American artists made their living during the day, mostly working blue collar jobs, while working on their art in their off hours. We do however get to see them in their studios and examples of their work.

This episode is a short silent film titled, "A Study of Negro Artists" (c. 1932). The documentary covers some important visual artists during the Harlem Renaissance: Richmond Barthe, noted sculptor (in particular, large outdoor work); James Latimer Allen, noted portrait photographer (known particularly for documenting the Harlem Renaissance); Aaron Douglas, one the major painters of the era; Palmer Hayden, another prolific painter; and Augusta Savage, the leading female sculptor of the movement. While this film doesn't tell much about them, many African American artists made their living during the day, mostly working blue collar jobs, while working on their art in their off hours. We do however get to see them in their studios and examples of their work.

This episode is an old short from the silent film series "Queerosities" titled "A Negro Baptism" (date unknown).

This episode is an old short from the silent film series "Queerosities" titled "A Negro Baptism" (date unknown).

This episode is the short book "The Core of America's Race Problem" (1945) edited by civil rights pioneer Dorothy I. Height. This 'pamphlet' discusses the causes and effects of segregation in American society, and was offered as a guide for study and action.

This episode is the short book "The Core of America's Race Problem" (1945) edited by civil rights pioneer Dorothy I. Height. This 'pamphlet' discusses the causes and effects of segregation in American society, and was offered as a guide for study and action.

Aimed at African Americans and shot at Tuskegee University, this film instructs viewers in the prevention and treatment of tuberculosis by focusing on a pair of sympathetic siblings, George and Mary, whose lives are altered by the disease. Starring Rex Ingram as Dr. Gordon, the film suggests that organized religion is an important defensive location in this particular community, and warns of the dangers of the previous generation’s superstitions and its fear of medicine. The Health Department prominently featured the film at the 1939 World’s Fair. Directed by Edgar Ulmer.

Aimed at African Americans and shot at Tuskegee University, this film instructs viewers in the prevention and treatment of tuberculosis by focusing on a pair of sympathetic siblings, George and Mary, whose lives are altered by the disease. Starring Rex Ingram as Dr. Gordon, the film suggests that organized religion is an important defensive location in this particular community, and warns of the dangers of the previous generation’s superstitions and its fear of medicine. The Health Department prominently featured the film at the 1939 World’s Fair. Directed by Edgar Ulmer.

This episode is the short documentary titled, "Negro Pilots" (1943) produced by the U.S. Army Air Forces. Featuring the first class of Tuskegee Airmen, the 99th Pursuit Squadron — world’s first Negro aerial fighting unit, girding for its opening sky-joust with the enemy.

This episode is the short documentary titled, "Negro Pilots" (1943) produced by the U.S. Army Air Forces. Featuring the first class of Tuskegee Airmen, the 99th Pursuit Squadron — world’s first Negro aerial fighting unit, girding for its opening sky-joust with the enemy.

"Wings for this Man" is a short propaganda film produced in 1945 by the U.S. Army Air Forces First Motion Picture Unit about the Tuskegee Airmen, the first unit of African-American pilots in the US military. The film is narrated by none other than Ronald Reagan.

"Wings for this Man" is a short propaganda film produced in 1945 by the U.S. Army Air Forces First Motion Picture Unit about the Tuskegee Airmen, the first unit of African-American pilots in the US military. The film is narrated by none other than Ronald Reagan.

This episode is a sermon given by Reverend Jasper Williams, founder and builder of Lane Avenue Baptist Church in Memphis. In this recording, Rev. Williams delivers a sermon on the subject of "Jesus' Funeral" (1968).

This episode is a sermon given by Reverend Jasper Williams, founder and builder of Lane Avenue Baptist Church in Memphis. In this recording, Rev. Williams delivers a sermon on the subject of "Jesus' Funeral" (1968).

This episode is a recording of two gospel songs, "I've Been Buked And I've Been Scorned" and "Most Done Travelling" by the Tuskegee Institute Singers Quartet. This 78RPM selection was undated, but the choir made several recordings from 1914-1930.