Freedomways: A Quarterly Review of the Freedom Movement, 1979, Vol. 19, No. 4

New York, New York: Freedomways Associates, Inc., 1979. Soft cover. Very Good. Published quarterly by Freedomways Associates, Inc. from 1961-1985, this journal was one of the preeminent publications for African-American politics & culture during the years leading up to & traversing the civil rights movement in the US. It was founded by some of the most prominent figures in the movement--Louis Burnham, Edward Strong, & W.E.B. DuBois & edited by Shirley Graham DuBois, with other rising Black stars serving as contributing editors. Freedomways represented a revival of sorts for the earlier Black monthly newspaper, Freedom, created by the same founders in 1950 & lasting till 1955. The quarterly journal maintained that publication's battle against colonialism, imperialism, & Jim Crow laws, while also supporting Black culture & feminist concerns. This issue (edited by Black author & activist Jean Carey Bond, with Alice Walker on board as a contributing editor) was a special one entitled: "Lorraine Hansberry: Art of Thunder, Vision of Light." It was entirely dedicated to this pioneering playwright & author (1930-1965), who had also worked with the founders on the newspaper Freedom back in the 1950s. She was first African-American woman to have a play performed on Broadway ("A Raisin in the Sun," 1959). At the age of 29, she became the first African-American dramatist, the fifth woman, and the youngest playwright to win the New York Drama Critics' Circle Award (for that same play, which starred Sidney Poitier, who would reprise his leading role in the 1961 movie of the same name). The 18 essays & tributes in this special issue-including contributions by James Baldwin, Alex Haley, Julian Mayfield, Nikki Giovanni, Adrienne Rich, Margaret G. Burroughs, Steven R. Carter, & Woodie King, Jr.--highlight Hansberry's accomplishments & celebrate her pioneering contributions as a lesbian playwright of color. She died tragically at age 34 of pancreatic cancer in 1965. Magazine, 8vo (6" x 9") has purple/black/white decorative stiff wrappers, stapled binding. [3], 180-304 pgs. Condition is VG: mild-moderate page tanning. A bit of tearing by staples, ¼" split at head of spine, modest edgewear, light soil. Our photos depict the exact book you will receive, never "stock" images of books we don't actually have! Same day shipping on all orders received by 2 pm Weekdays (Pacific time); later orders, Weekends, & holidays ship very next business day.