From the Sterling Memorial Library exhibit: A photo of influential jazz composer and arranger Fletcher Henderson (1897-1952) playing the piano with his band in 1924.

Sterling Library show celebrates 'Blacks in the Arts'

The contribution of African-Americans to dance, music, literature, art, architecture, theater and film are celebrated in an exhibit now on display at the Sterling Memorial Library, 120 High St. "Blacks in the Arts: An Unearthed Sanctuary of Black Achievement, Courage, Strength and Pride" was organized by Nicole Becks, librarian-in-residence, in honor of Black History Month. It will be on view in the library's corridor cases through April. By putting together the exhibit, Becks sought to create "a powerful, visual experience that allows viewers to traverse into a dimension of inspiration and enlighten- ment, and embark on a journey through an undulating landscape of powerful images torn from the grips of darkness." The exhibit, she adds, "offers both a threshold into a panoramic realm revealing the accomplishments of blacks, and a view into a mesmerizing world of distinguished figures resurrected from the unknown depths of black history." The "constellation" of notable individuals on view, she notes, ranges from "icons" such as rock musician Jimi Hendrix and dancer/choreographer Alvin Ailey to "the more obscure, but equally accomplished figures" such as African-American architects Julian Francis Abele and Paul R. Williams, and actors Lorenzo Tucker and Ira Aldridge. The books and photographs on display were taken from the University's many library collections, including the Arts of the Book Collection and other Sterling Memorial Library holdings, as well as collections at the Arts, Divinity, Drama and Music Libraries; the Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library; Cross Campus Library; and the Yale Film Study Center. T H I SW E E K ' SS T O R I E S Yale's global health program inspires doctors to continue serving the needy Show marks retirement of noted curator Sterling Library show celebrates 'Blacks in the Arts' 'Dino-snore!' will bring public to Peabody for the ultimate sleepover Clinic aims to bring relief to compulsive gamblers Yale 'bakers' show off their talents at benefit event Yale-donated microscope inspires 'next generation of scientists' University lends support to help New Haven become a 'city of readers' Attorney for Abner Louima to speak at 'Rebellious Lawyering' event Study finds similarities in U.S. and Nazi eugenics efforts Retrospective exhibit showcases the work of the once 'most talked about artist' in Britain Black History Month celebration Pioneering alumna to discuss use of math in real world Research on extremophiles may lead to better antibiotics Symposium explores artists' special bond Gifts make Peabody's collections more accessible Yale Scoreboard Campus Notes Standing, Special and Appointments Committees In the News Former European Commission official to present talks Bulletin Home|Visiting on Campus| Calendar of Events|Bulletin Board Classified Ads|Search Archives|Production Schedule|Bulletin Staff Public Affairs Home|News Releases| E-Mail Us|Yale Home Page