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And as I told you, I do need some of thos pics for my own work. I gave a lecture at M.I.T. last week and really would have liked to have used some of those things, so I would appreciate your consideration in this matter. It's not like I was asking for something you hadn't promised me 9 months ago. (By the way I did take offense, you mentioning me & Henri Ghent in the same breath). And don't forget most of the things I write you about are things which you have either borrowed or given your word on which you have told me to remind you about if you don't get done. Just 'cause you keep promising & the list gets longer, don't blame me; blame your mouth - you use it more than you admit (smile)....Book closed. Also enclosed is the John Vlach/ Cleveland Museum proposal - Please note you are presently the reigning "elitist" in the Black Art world. the only reason Vlach added yours & Porters name was because I read him before for saying he was the first to seriously consider these things. - Now he admits it's
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been done before but never seriously or well. You'd be foolish in my opinion to vote funding to his exhibit to help him solidify his hold on Afro-American material culture - & not because I'm not involved (though he has never contacted me as he promised he would). but because even though he is a solid, thorough academic, his analysis is off and yet he's getting all the play right now (swing 5-10 lectures/month all over the country on the Shotgun house and this exhibit) publishing in every magazine & journal he can). He's the new enfant terrible & I resent the way whites always help one of their own doninate an aspect of Black Culture studies. I guess I just feel the frustration of powerlessness. And as usual, I'm enl (?) ... Also enclosed is some "Black Art history" info I came across. Should be self-explanatory. Please add to your written list of things to send me the following: "already promised" items. 1) John Vlach proposal to Endowment (?) (if different from one I'm sending you) 2) Your arts suggestions to Jimmy Carter
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Some quick dirt - while in Boston Byron Rushing told me Courtney Callendar has resigned as Director of Studio Museum - for the usual reason - an overly dominant Board of Directors. Since you've been involved with them you ought to check it out and let your position be known in writing to the Board. Also Byron & your buddy Barry Gaither (?) are still conniving & scheming - now to try & take over the Black Museum Conference (?) within Margaret Burroughs' framework (since they Couldn't do it outside of it). So we'll see what happens at the 1st national meeting of Black Museum people in late summer, early fall 77. I'm trying to finish a major paper on Free Black Craftpersons in Charleston SC 1830-60s Which I hope to get published this summer. Good to hear from you finally & "Keep in touch" soon. S. P.S. I'm writing BK'lyn Mueseum offering to lecture for a fee at the opening (& NO mention of your name). P.P.S. The Van Sertima letter is for you to read & pass on should you see fit
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3-14-79 Hey David - Here are the things for you finally. Greg Peniston's article is from a quarterly put out by the Black Studies Program at Washington State Univ. (Pullman 99164) - He sent me a copy of his letter to you - (he hates writing those kind of letters): any chance of action through the Provost? The Ala Black sites listing I promised is included along with misc other things. Margaret B.'s very proud of her "sculpture garden" in front of the Museum. What do you think? - a priest sent me the Bishop catalog (I thought you should already have it as your m (?) is shown, - but just in case...) Oceanic Primitive Arts is by far the best bookstore I've ever been in for African (& Afro-American) Art books - though not limited to that continent, they stock both in print & rare out of print African things for collectors & scholars, & invite you to browse. Prices are publishers list but 10% discount on orders over $100. & if they mail you one item [arrow] the landmarks Foundation is where all the different house types are located.
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out of state you don't have to pay the 8% NY sales tax. - I chuckled behind Missy Igoe's letter concerning "we scholars" & Missy Chase making them pay to use the Old Slave Mart library punted materials, but I was glad to find out their Black Artists listing will be published since no one else seems to be doing it. I thought you'd appreciate a copy of the letter for your files. - the color zerox is on our local version (sort of) of John Rhoden. Just teasing of course... - the Fang (?) booklet was an extra one I had which you might not have. Fernandez was at Princeton teaching in Anthro while I was there & he gave me a typescript copy which I think I zeroxed for you but I'm not sure). Prepare yourselves (& my packet of materials.) I'll be coming through the weekend of March 31. My choir (Howard Univ. Gospel Choir) is having its 10th anniversary and the original members are coming back to share in a song or two that night.
