BLACK MEMORABILIA ITEMS FOR SALE

 

Booklet

The Pennsylvania Freeman’s Bulletin.  1865.

This little booklet discusses the Negroes love of land and has an article on how the Negro is not vindictive.  It describes good deeds done by the Negro to assist his former master.  It also describes the cruelty of some slave masters.  It tells the story of how one slave owner poured hot wax from a candle into the eye of a sleeping slave and blinded him.  30 pages.  5 ½” x 9”.  Fair condition. 

Document

Adam Clayton Powell.  Document.  Congressional Record:  Proceedings and Debates of the 87th Congress, Second Session. 1962.

The Hon. Adam Clayton Powell discusses how he, Dr. Martin Luther King and others waged war against discrimination and racism in America .  Powell discusses the various bills that he passed  in congress through the years.  It is an excellent overview of Adam Clayton Powell’s accomplishments as of October 1962.  Adam Clayton Powell was one of the foremost leaders of the Civil Rights Movement.  4 pages.  Very good condition.  8 ½” x 11”. 

Book

Walter Mosley.  Always Outnumbered, Always Outgunned.  1998.  Signed.  First Edition.

Walter Mosley, President Bill Clinton’s favorite mystery writer, stepped out of his tradition of writing mystery novels to write about the plight of the Black man in America .  This interesting short novel was made into an HBO movie.  Mint condition. 

Book

Sidney Poiter.  Book.  This Life – Sidney Poiter.  1980. 

This is the first edition of Sidney Potier’s first autobiography.  Poiter is “the first Black actor to break through the stereotyping and racism of Hollywood and emerge as a great star…..”  This Academy Award winning actor details his fascinating journey.  Good condition. 

Book

Donald B. King & Charles W. Quick. Legal Aspects of The Civil Rights Movement. Wayne State University Press.  Detroit .  1965.

This is an interesting book written on the Civil Rights Movement.  It is a clear picture of the issues and attitudes of the early sixties.  Fair condition.  Cover slightly stained.  Cover page torn out. 

Book

Earl E. Thorpe.  The Central Theme of Black History. 1969. 

The topics in this book include:  The Why and What of Afro-American Historiography, The Philosophy of Black History, The Father of Negro History, Black and White Tribalism, etc.  Good condition. 

Book

Carl E. Akeley.  In Brightest Africa . 1923.

In Bright Africa is the diary of “……..an African sculptor and an African biographer, whose observations we hope may be preserved in imperishable form, so that when the animal life of Africa has vanished, future generations may realize in some degree the beauty and grandeur which the world has lost…..”  Excellent condition. 

Book

Walt Frazier.  Walt Frazier:  One Magic Season and A Basketball Life.  1988.  First edition.  Excellent condition. 

 

Book

Toni Morrison.  Paradise .  Signed.  First edition.

Toni Morrison, one of the foremost African-American writers of out time, is highly acclaimed and a recipient of the envied Pulitzer Prize.  Author of “Beloved,” “Song of Solomon” and numerous other critically acclaimed works.  Excellent condition. 

 

Document

Ralph J. Bunche.  Signature. Check. 

This one of a kind document is a check to Saks Fifth Avenue written on  August 10, 1949.  Reference is made to this check in a recent published book on Black memorabilia.  Ralph Bunche was born in 1904 and died 1971. He was the United Nations Under Secretary for Special Political Affairs in 1955.  He distinguished himself by becoming the first African American to win the Nobel Peace Prize in 1950. 

Booklet

Pro-Slavery Booklet. Anti-Abolition Tracts – No. 2:  Free Negroism or Results of Emancipation in The North and the West India Islands, with Statistics of The Decay of Commerce – Idleness of the Negro – his Return of Savageism, and the Effect of Emancipation Upon The farming, Mechanical and Laboring Classes.  1868.  This document explains why ending Slavery in North America was a bad idea.  Its importants lies in its racist images and its determination to convince its readers how free Negroes are problematic for society.  This document lays the foundation for the birth of organizations such as the Ku Klux Klan.  Good condition.  Slightly torn on edge.  30 pages.  5 ¾” x 9”. 

Document

Jackie Robinson.  Fundraising letter for the Congress of Racial Equality. (CORE) 1962.

This letter details Black America’s struggle for human dignity.  Jackie Robinson vividly describes the struggle to end segregation and tear down the WHITE’S ONLY signs.  He tells of the brutal attacks on those brave enough to fight for the cause.  The letter is important because it describes the movement and because it shows how African American celebrities such as Jackie Robinson actively participated in the movement.  It shows how he was not afraid to stand up against the indignities that were waged upon his people.  Mint Condition.  Includes stamped envelope.  8 ½”x 11”. 

Post Card

Charles Evers.  1971. Rally during Gubernatorial Campaign of Mayor Charles Evers.  Mississippi .

After the death of his brother, the slain Civil Rights leader Medgar Evers, Mayor Charles Evers ran for office in Mississippi .  This failed campaign was very volatile and highly publicized.  This card documents the African American’s attempt to gain political power once they had the right to vote.  This is the first time an African-American man ran for governor of Mississippi .  3 ¾” x 5 ½”. 

Post Card

Slave huts in Savannah , Georgia . 1910

Booklet

Angela Davis.  1984.

This program/journal celebrates the Civil Rights Activist’s 40th birthday.  It details her accomplishments and her fight against racism.  The booklet is done in Spanish and English.  It includes photographs of her journey and describes her importance to the struggle. 52 pages.  6”x 9”.  Good condition. 

Document

Booker T. Washington.  Excerpts from his forth-coming book: The Story of The Negro.  The Outlook Magazine. 1909. 

This is the first in a series of articles written by Booker T. Washington which are excerpts from his forthcoming book.  The contributing editor of this magazine was Theodore Roosevelt.  Condition fair.  Back and front cover separated from magazine.  6 ½” x 9 ¾”. 

Publication

The Journal of Negro History.  1941.

This quarterly journal was edited by Carter G. Woodson whom many consider to be the father of African American history.  Many interesting articles includes an article by Ralph J. Bunche about the people of Kenya .  6 ¾”x 9 ¾”.  139 pages.  Good condition

Document

Title:  Letter from the Secretary of War.  1868.

This 132-year-old report details the status of the freemen and their struggle to survive in Kentucky and Tennessee .  It gives specific details about what occurred in each county.  It also reports on the vicious and illegal activities of the Ku Klux Klan.  It reports on the conflicts between the whites and the Negroes and how the Negroes were quickly arrested when they took up arms to fight back.  Fair condition.  No cover.  50 pages.  6”x 9”. 

Document

Slavery And The Race Problem In The South with Special Reference to The State of Georgia . 1906. Address of Hon. Wm. H. Fleming before The Alumni Society of the State University .

This is a fascinating speech which outlines and discusses the history of slavery and why American slavery was different.  This speech was highly acclaimed at the time and praised by the then President, Theodore Roosevelt. This booklet includes correspondence between the publisher and President Roosevelt.  It discusses the philosophy of Alexander Stephens, Vice President of the Southern confederacy, who justifies slavery by stating that Negroes are an inferior race.  His Speech Chronicles. Slavery, the Elimination of Slavery and it discusses the Thirteenth, Fourteenth and Fifteenth Amendments of the Constitution.  The Hon. William H. Fleming while giving a moving speech against slavery makes comments which clearly show that he believed the white race has been contaminated by the Negro race.  He states that it was important that the emancipation happened in 1865 because another one hundred years would have meant that the Negro would have out numbered whites in many states;  therefore, creating a situation which the whites could not have control.  The brutal honesty of the document and clear depiction of early 20th century thought is a must read for a collector of slavery related materials.  66 pages. 5 ¼”x 8”.  Very legible.  Cover torn and disconnected. 

 

Document

Memorial of A Committee Appointed at A Meeting of Colored Citizens of Frankfort , Kentucky and Vicinity, Praying the Enactment of Laws for The Better Protection of Life.  1871.

This well written document prepared by colored citizens of Kentucky details 116 atrocities committed against colored citizens of the state.  It speaks of how colored people were denied their constitutional rights and how the Ku Klux Klan traveled from county to county lynching, maiming, killing and robbing colored citizens.  It makes you cringe.  The document includes dates of the crimes committed against colored people.  4 pages. 5 ½” x 9”.  Edges torn.  Very legible. 

 

Booklet

Negro Suffrage In the Senate of Pennsylvania . 1866.  Complied from The Official Records.

This little booklet documents excerpts from Congressional speeches after the emancipation.  It discusses the fears of the white man now that the colored man can read and understand his rights.  The politicians discuss how they should deal with the coloreds and the whites.  It suggests that when the colored people read the words of Patrick Henry (Example:  Give me Liberty or give me death), they will be headed on a course of collision with the white man. This is an interesting look into the minds of the men who voted for and against the Emancipation Proclamation.  16 pages.  6” x 9 ½”.  Fair condition.  Torn on edge.  Very legible. 

 

Document

Receipt for 18 year old Negro.  Texas ,1963.  Very good condition.  Dimensions: 4”x7.” 

 

Booklet. 

The Fugitive Slave Bill:  It’s History of Unconstitutionality with an account of the Seizure and Enslavement of James Hamlet, and his Subsequent Restoration to Liberty .  New York , 1860.  This is a chilling story of a free man living in New York who was accused of being a run-a-way slave.  It details his arrest and the New York citizen’s outrage of the violation of his civil liberties.  This document give one goose bumps and brings tears to the eyes. Fair condition.  Water stained.  36 page booklet.  Dimensions:  4 ½” x 7 ½”.  

 

Document. 

State of the Union speech of Hon. Sherrard Clemens, of Virginia , In the House of Representatives, January 22, 1861.  A passionate speech about the conflict between the north and the south.  This speech expresses the diversity of the opinion of the period in rich language of the day.  Dimensions:  6” x 9 ½.”  8 pages. 

 

Document. 

Slavocracy Against Democracy – The Great Course of Rebellion: Remarks of the Hon. Lorenzo Sherwood, Ex-member of the Texas Legislature, on the course of The Slaveholder’s Conspiracy Against Democratic Government.  A fascinating look into the conflict between the north and south and how American Democracy was being ripped apart at the seams and threatened in the 19 century.  Includes references to a speech made by the Hon. Lorenzo Sherwood.  It discusses the Origin of the Slaveholder’s Rebellion.  Good condition. 8 pages.  Dimensions:  5 ¾” x 9.” 

 

Poster

U.S. Treasury Poster. 1945.  World War II.  Printed by U.S. Government printing office.  Promotional material for U.S. Savings Bonds.  Features a Black man.  Quotes George Washington Carver:  “Without Vision There Is No Hope.  Protect Your Country…..and Your Future.  Good condition.  Slightly torn edge.  Color poster.  Dimensions:  18 ½” x 26.” 

 

Document

June 30, 1964.  Montgomery Alabama .  Governor George Wallace, best known for his anti Civil Rights activities, sent out a letter to his supporters expressing his determination to fight for the rights he felt he was losing as a white man.  Letter appears to be the type that was customized, duplicated and sent to his supporters.  Excellent condition. 

 

Advertisement

Joe Louis.  An advertisement for Chesterfield cigarettes.  A young handsome Joe Louis promotes Chesterfield cigarettes.  Excellent condition.  Black and white photo.  Dimensions:  3 ½” x 5 ½.” 

 

Monthly periodical 

The Genius of Universal Emancipation.  July, 1830.  Baltimore , Maryland .  Devoted to the subject of African Slavery.  Edited and published by Benjamin Lundy.  Fascinating picturesque articles about the Slave Trade with two painful illustrations.  One illustration depicts Africans being separated from their family.  This publication is edited by the pioneer abolitionist, Benjamin Lundy.  It was last published July 26, 1839.  It was probably the last issue edited by Lundy who died August 22, 1839.    Another issue was printed August 16, 1839, but this was not published until after his death because it included his obituary.  In 1939  there was a 100 year commemorative celebration of the life and work of Lundy.  At this time the earliest known copy of this publication available was an 1839 addition. Fair condition.  Excellent content.  Edges frayed.  Some water damage.  Very delicate.  Dimensions:  6” x 10.” 

 

Brochure

1940.  Bicentennial Celebration of the Boston Massacre, Blood In The Street:  The Boston Massacre.  A publication of the Revolutionary Wars Bicentennial Commission and the Trustees of the Boston Public Library.  Excellent condition. 29 pages. Excellent condition.  Dimensions:  8 ½” x ll.” .

Banner

Adam Clayton Powell Banner.  Keep The Faith Baby.  The well-known words of one of Americans most controversial Civil Rights leaders. Fair Condition. 

Button

Johnson for President. 

 

Newspaper 

June 28, 1833.  Boston .  Christian Watchman.  An interesting look into slavery and African Colonization from a Christian perspective.  Discussion.  The missionaries preparing to sail to save the heathens. 4 pages.  Fair condition.  Very legible. 

Booklet

The Mother of George Washington: Titles of Papers for Program Four.  1931.  Mary Ball Washington (1708-1789).  This little booklet about Mary Ball Washington details her life and family history.  Therefore, it documents the history of the first president of the U.S. , George Washington.  Included in this booklet are the details of Mary Ball Washington ’s will in which she leaves her prosperity to the family.  This property includes Negroes.  It also details what she receives in her mother’s will which includes a female Negro.  Interesting reading.  Cover page separated from back of booklet and torn.  22 pages.  5 ¾”x18 ¾.” 

 

Booklet

A collection of the Rights and Privileges of Parliament: Together With The True and Just Prerogative of the Kings of England .  1642.  This 363-year-old document written in the language of the day reveals the philosophical thoughts of the period.  An interesting document for any collection.  Pages cut of at the bottom.  Very legible.  Fair condition.  13 pages. 6 ¼”x 7 ¾.” 

 

Booklet

A True Copy of Mr. Jefferson’s Original Draft of the Declaration of Independence .  1857.  This booklet was printed 81 years after the Declaration of Independence was adopted by Congress.  It includes original contents which were not included in the final declaration.  An amazing look at why the colonists were declaring their independence.  One of the reasons given which did not make the final draft was that the King “……has waged cruel war against human nature itself, violating its most sacred rights of life and liberty on the persons of a distant people who never offended him; captivating and carrying them into slavery on an other hemisphere…..”  This and other passages were deleted out of the original draft of the Declaration of Independence.   This 148-year-old document reveals that the inhumanity inflicted on people of African decent was a riveting part of America ’s philosophical foundation.  It dispels the common belief of African invisibility during the birth of this nation.  8 pages.  4 ¼”x6 ½.”  Very good condition. 

Booklet. 

Upham’s Speech on the Extension of Slavery Together With The Ordiance of 1787.  Published 1849.  This 156-year-old document is an educational look into the anti-slavery sentiment of the day.  It is a clear condemnation of the slave holding states and their attempt to extend an inhuman institution.  40 pages.  5 ½”x9.”  Excellent condition. 

Booklet

State Library Bulletin History No. 4.  Slavery In New York .  1900.  This 105-year-old periodical is a superb synopsis of the history of slavery, specifically in New York . “The compiled histories of Negro slavery in the United States have dealt mainly with its existence in the southern states, where it assumed its largest proportions as an institution and wrought out its greatest moral, economical and political results.  It has been intently considered as a sectional issue, till the fact is well nigh forgotten that for a long period in the early history of our country slavery was, in some sense, a “national institution;” and that it existed in all the 13 original colonies at the time of the revolution, and for some time in nearly all of them after the establishment of the republic. Indian slavery also existed at an early day in New England and in some if not all of the other colonies.  It is said to have prevailed from an early period in New York .  It doubtless was among the influences which paved the way for the easy entrance of African slavery.  The introduction of Negroes as slaves into this country, as is well known, took place in Virginia , in the latter part of August 1619.”  An excellent periodical for any research library.  313 pages.  6 ¾”x 10.”  Good condition.  Delicate spine. 

Publication

Time Magazine.  August 2000.  Tiger Woods on the cover.  Details of Tiger Woods  rise to fame. Excellent condition. 

Envelope

U.S. Postal Service Black History Collectible. Envelope with picture and two-page biographical sketch of Joe Louis, “The Brown Bomber.”  Cover cancelled on his 62nd birthday.  Stamped May 13, 1976.   Excellent condition. 

Envelope

U.S. Postal Service Black History Collectible. Envelope.  Jackie Robinson.  First Day of Issue.  August 2,1982.  Photo on envelop plus 4 stamps with Jackie Robinson’s picture.   Excellent condition. 

Envelope

U.S. Postal Service Black History collectible. Envelope and two page biographical sketch on Jessie Owens.  Photo printed on envelop.  The biographical sketch details his historical significance.  May 25, 1978. 

Newspaper 

The New York Day Book.  July 29, 1871. Includes an article about a Negro man who was beaten because he allegedly attached a white family.  Fair condition. 

Envelope

U.S. Postal Service Black History Collectible.  Envelope.  Jessie Owens. This salutes the 45th Anniversary of Jessie Owens Olympic Win.  Chicago . 1981. 

Envelope

U. S. Postal Service Black History Collectible.  Envelope.  Patricia Roberts Harris.  Hand painted by Julian Pugh.  Only 93 made..  First Day of Issue.  Photo of Harris on Envelop and stamp.  January 27, 2000.  

Document

Negro Masses and Leaders:  An Analysis of Current Trends.  By Hugh H. Smythe.  Sept.-Oct. 1950.  A racist 1950’s view of the Negro in America .  Printed from Sociology and Social Research.  6 pages.  6”x9 ½.” 

Book

Edward A. Johnson, LL.B.  A School History of The Negro Race In America From 1619 to 1890 Combined With The History of The Negro Soldiers In The Spanish–American War, Also A Short Sketch of Liberia .  1911.  This book was first published in 1891 and revised in 1911.  It was written by a Teacher/Historian who documented the history of the Negro in order for the children of the race to have pride in their history.  It details the accomplishments of the Negro after slavery and their growing economic power.  It discusses late 19-century Negro culture and the attitudes of the Negro people.   A valuable historical record of early Negro history.  Damage spine. 

Button

Jessie Jackson for President. Follow The Rainbow.  1984. 

Button. 

Jackson for President. ’88. 

Magazine. 

The Saturday Evening Post.  The Little Known of Our Negro  Aristocracy.  January 13, 1962.  Title is self-explanatory. 

Photograph 

Walter Mosley.  1995. 5”x7.”  Publicity photo.  President Bill Clinton’s favorite mystery writer.  Author of Devil and a Blue Dress, Always Out Numbered, Always Out Gunned and numerous other works.  His books have been made into movies featuring Denzel Washington and Lawrence Fishburne.  

Photograph 

Betty Shabazz with Congressman Major Owens.  The late widow of Malcolm X stands with Congressman Major Owens who replaced the Honorable Shirley Chisolm in the 12th Congressional District in New York.  Rare photo of two Civil Rights icons. 8”x10. 

Program

Joe Louis vs. Jersey Joe Walcott for the Heavyweight Championship of the World.  1948.  Yankee Stadium. 

This is a special collectors program of the Joe Louis vs. Jersey Joe Walcott fight which took place June 23, 1948 at Yankee Stadium.  It is a 48-page program with wonderful photos of the legendary Joe Louis and his opponent.  48 pages. Very good condition. Slightly torn edge on last eight pages.