Important Events and Dates in Negro History

Illustrated poster for Carter Godwin Woodson's book The African Background Outlined, c, 1936

This poster showcases the bold illustrations of Lois Mailou Jones (American, 1905–1998), a designer and artist who taught at Howard University. Jones was influenced by the Harlem Renaissance,  extensive travels in Africa, a year in France in 1937 (the year after this image was created), and studying in Boston. Her work in watercolor, oil, pattern design, and illustration is included in major museums.

According to Merrill Berman Collection, “Jones provided many illustrations and dust jacket designs for Woodward’s Associated Publishers from the 1930s to the 1950s.” The poster includes a long list of significant events in history, set in three columns. A decorative border connects the figurative illustration to the text.