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Harlem: A Forum of Negro Life, Vol. 1 Cover

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This is the cover of the first volume of Harlem, A Forum of Negro Life, Illustrated by Aaron Douglas and edited by Wallace Thurman. Harlem ran for only two issues, however. 

Aaron Douglas arrived in Harlem, New York just a few years before the publication of this periodical. He would go on to have an incredible career as an artist/designer, and many view him today as being the first, or one of the first, African American designers and even “Father of Black American Art.” Aaron Douglas eventually established himself as a central figure to The Harlem Renaissance. 

Wallace Thurman also arrived in Harlem only a few years before this publication and is generally considered the leading mind behind it. He would go on to become the first African American to work as a ‘Reader’ for a large company in New York, and was well regarded as a talented editor and for his little known play…     “Harlem.”

 

Additional Sources:

https://www.myblackhistory.net/Wallace_Henry_Thurman.htm#:~:text=In%201928%2C%20Thurman%20published%20another,lasted%20for%20only%20two%20issues. 

https://www.nga.gov/collection/artist-info.38654.html

https://kaleandflax.com/black-influences-in-graphic-design/ 

Yellow and Black duo-tone cover of "Harlem: A Forum of Negro Life"
Yellow and Black duo-tone cover of "Harlem: A Forum of Negro Life"