88 10 1599 https://glamportal.auctr.edu/files/original/1a6330e596e27f1cbc80681f222eec52.jpg 27d41e074ac7276a5340aad4ba26199b Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data Correspondence Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Letter of Commendation to Captain Robert E. Penn, Chaplain Corps Subject The topic of the resource Penn, Robert E., Reverand; Military chaplains; United States--Armed Forces--African Americans; United States. Army Air Forces. Engineer Aviation Battalion, 1888th; World War, 1939-1945--Chaplains Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Penn, Robert E. Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="http://findingaid.auctr.edu/arc/view?docId=ead/auctr.edu/robert_e_penn.xml" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Robert E. Penn collection</a> Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1945 May 3 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Atlanta University Center Robert W. Woodruff Library Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource All images in this collection either are protected by copyright or are the property of the Robert W. Woodruff Library of the Atlanta University Center, Inc., and/or the copyright holder as appropriate. To order a reproduction or to inquire about permission to publish, please contact archives@auctr.edu with specific object file name. Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource image/jpeg Language A language of the resource en Type The nature or genre of the resource Correspondence Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context auc.143.0132.doc.b04f04 Temporal Coverage Temporal characteristics of the resource. May 1945 https://glamportal.auctr.edu/files/original/94aeb793688e5c8e36f4c13cb45d9e03.jpg ecf60bf5620825ff19c84ca2f8299966 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Robert E. Penn in military uniform walks down the street whistling. Still Image A static visual representation. Examples include paintings, drawings, graphic designs, plans and maps. Recommended best practice is to assign the type Text to images of textual materials. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Robert E. Penn Description An account of the resource Robert E. Penn in military uniform walks down the street whistling. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Penn, Robert E. Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Robert E. Penn Collection Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource circa 1943 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Atlanta University Center Robert W. Woodruff Library Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource All images in this collection either are protected by copyright or are the property of the Robert W. Woodruff Library of the Atlanta University Center, Inc., and/or the copyright holder as appropriate. To order a reproduction or to inquire about permission to publish, please contact archives@auctr.edu with specific object file name. Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource image/jpeg Language A language of the resource en Type The nature or genre of the resource Black-and-white photographs Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context auc.143.0046.pho.b15f04 Temporal Coverage Temporal characteristics of the resource. 1943 https://glamportal.auctr.edu/files/original/b799b2cc62cd4f33a4e8636bc14a9089.jpg 55816407d5938cc6130555ac14129372 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource HEADQUARTERS CHINA-BURMA-INDIA AIR SERVICE COMMAND Office of the Chaplain APO 671 9 June 1944. Chaplain Robert E. Penn, Office of the Chaplain, 823rd Engineer Battalion (Avn), APO 689 Dear Chaplain Penn: The subject matter of your letter of June 5th is not unknown at this Headquarters. You will be glad to hear that very definite steps have been taken. One thousand colored troops are being shipped from the United States during the months of May, June and July. The majority of these will be used as replacements for your men, who are to be shipped back to the United States. You can assure those who come to see you that positive action has been taken, and that replacements are on the way. That ought to be good news for them. Obviously, it will take some time for these replacements to arrive here, so it may be three months before they will actually be relieved. If I were assured I would be going home in three months, I do not think I would feel like grumbling. I pass this information to you for what it’s worth. Assure your men that their officers and this Headquarters are doing everything to help them, and that they are not “forgotten men”. Hoping to meet you in the near future, I remain. Cordially yours, s/Patrick E. Nolan t/PATRICK E. NOLAN, Chaplain, U.S.A. Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Text Any textual data included in the document HEADQUARTERS CHINA-BURMA-INDIA AIR SERVICE COMMAND Office of the Chaplain APO 671 9 June 1944. Chaplain Robert E. Penn, Office of the Chaplain, 823rd Engineer Battalion (Avn), APO 689 Dear Chaplain Penn: The subject matter of your letter of June 5th is not unknown at this Headquarters. You will be glad to hear that very definite steps have been taken. One thousand colored troops are being shipped from the United States during the months of May, June and July. The majority of these will be used as replacements for your men, who are to be shipped back to the United States. You can assure those who come to see you that positive action has been taken, and that replacements are on the way. That ought to be good news for them. Obviously, it will take some time for these replacements to arrive here, so it may be three months before they will actually be relieved. If I were assured I would be going home in three months, I do not think I would feel like grumbling. I pass this information to you for what it’s worth. Assure your men that their officers and this Headquarters are doing everything to help them, and that they are not “forgotten men”. Hoping to meet you in the near future, I remain. Cordially yours, s/Patrick E. Nolan t/PATRICK E. NOLAN, Chaplain, U.S.A. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Letter to Chaplain Robert E. Penn Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Penn, Robert E. Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Robert E. Penn collection Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1944 June 9 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Atlanta University Center Robert W. Woodruff Library Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource All images in this collection either are protected by copyright or are the property of the Robert W. Woodruff Library of the Atlanta University Center, Inc., and/or the copyright holder as appropriate. To order a reproduction or to inquire about permission to publish, please contact archives@auctr.edu with specific object file name. Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource image/jpeg Language A language of the resource en Type The nature or genre of the resource Correspondence Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context auc.143.0133.doc.b04f04 https://glamportal.auctr.edu/files/original/f2d6dc1947438284b314cfcf4a2b58ae.jpg b5f3a4bc9befa2dc77099aee9ed5b94c Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource HEADQUARTERS 1888TH ENGR. AVN. BN. Office of the Chaplain APO 218 c/o Postmaster 11 April 1945 Dr. W.H. Jernagin National Baptist S.S. & BYPU Congress Washington, D.C. Dear Mr. Jernagin: The following observations, recommendations, and requests is a results of regular conversation with Negro Baptist Chaplains on duty in this Theatre. It has been our good privilege to minister to our fighting men in this distant land, and at times we have enjoyed a rich fellowship together. Almost without exception, our conversation has ended with important speculation as to the future of the Negro-Church, and especially our Baptist Church, inasmuch, as we plan to continue a Baptist ministry. The following observations seem to stand out, and the following recommendations and requests, are in our opinion, one was to counteract, to some degree, the anticipated loss of influence of our Negro Chruch. First, the majority of service-men we serve, who have church affiliation, are Baptist. Second, the majority of Negro-Chaplains on Active duty are Baptis, and are doing a good job as Chaplains. Third, it is our painful observation, that our church is one of the larger protestant bodies in the United States, but is neglecting its responsibility to keep in touch with its communicants in the Army through some type publication. Here we point out the tremendous amount of devotional literature that is sent out indiscriminately by other denominational bodies, while we, as a church allow this method of communion to pass, seemingly without thought. Fourth, the returning service-man will need orientation. After many months of regimentation he will need by less respectful of most civilian authority, and will need the counsel of the Church and the minister in making re-adjustment. https://glamportal.auctr.edu/files/original/3d66613d78258e2837c95b854b0755a0.jpg fc8c3755a75943b0abe94f9e02b965e6 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource --------2, Dr W.H. Jernagin Fifth, it is observed that the average soldier will not accept the church is infallible. This fact in itself demands that the church prove itself the champion of the welfare of the total man. As a solider, he has been taught to be practical, life has been undressed of its traditional garments and he thinks in terms of utility. This does not mean that the religious emphasis is lost, but that the religion must be total. Sixth, it is our conviction, that the Negro Church will be called on to assist in this great task, and in many instances will be the only channel of expression. With the above in mind, we are making the following suggestions, recommendations and request for this year’s convention: One, that the program committee will be instructed to have space on the Convention’s program for the discussion of the unique, and important ministry to Servicemen, and to discharged soldiers. Second, that a qualified commission be appointed to study the opportunities, advantages, services, and aids offered Veterans, and that this information be sent out to all churches, and ministers in simplified form, so that through service and a complete ministry the church may reclaim its members. Third, that the convention will study evangelistical techniques, and sponsor with other churches a “Crusade for Christ.” Fourth, that in some way the church will publish some devotional literature to be sent to all chaplains serving with Negro troops. Fifth, that some member of this committee, will be given a place on the Conventions program, as some of us will be in the States; for the Convention. Finally, this letter is not an indictment of our present leaders, but is a very humble attempt of ours to share our observations and if possible, remedy some of our joint weaknesses. We are aware of the contribution that has been made, and we know that the leaders of our Church are anxious to always render the greater service. It has been our privilege through the church to serve in this capacity, and we hope that these observations will be accepted in the spirit with which they are submitted. https://glamportal.auctr.edu/files/original/55684d3fb3790f2d75b7560c5201971c.jpg ff49654a4c19e1a9f1afe3d9030bd6f2 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource --------3, Dr W.H. Jernagin 4. With the hope that we will meet soon, and that God will guide us in “His Way Everlasting”. Prayerfully sumitted, The Committee: Robert W. Penn – Chairman Captain AUS Chaplain 1888th Engr. Avn. Bn. Chaplain (Capt.) W.O. Jones 45th QM., Group APO 689 c/o P.M. NYC., N.Y. Chaplain (Capt.) J.H. Smith 858th Engr. Avn. Bn. APO 689 c/o P.M. NYC., N.Y. Chaplain (Capt.) G.R. Yancy 484th AAA Bn. APO 218 c/o P.M. NYC., N.Y. Chaplain (Capt.) T.T. Smith 849th Engr. Avn. Bn. APO 689 c/o P.M. NYC., N.Y. Chaplain (Capt.) C.E. Byrd 1883rd Engr. Avn. Bn. APO 689 c/o P.M. NYC., N.Y. Chaplain (Capt.) C.M.C. Ellis Camp Howrah APO 465 c/o P.M. NYC., N.Y. Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Text Any textual data included in the document [TRANSCRIPTION] HEADQUARTERS 1888TH ENGR. AVN. BN. Office of the Chaplain APO 218 c/o Postmaster 11 April 1945 Dr. W.H. Jernagin National Baptist S.S. & BYPU Congress Washington, D.C. Dear Mr. Jernagin: The following observations, recommendations, and requests is a results of regular conversation with Negro Baptist Chaplains on duty in this Theatre. It has been our good privilege to minister to our fighting men in this distant land, and at times we have enjoyed a rich fellowship together. Almost without exception, our conversation has ended with important speculation as to the future of the Negro-Church, and especially our Baptist Church, inasmuch, as we plan to continue a Baptist ministry. The following observations seem to stand out, and the following recommendations and requests, are in our opinion, one was to counteract, to some degree, the anticipated loss of influence of our Negro Chruch. First, the majority of service-men we serve, who have church affiliation, are Baptist. Second, the majority of Negro-Chaplains on Active duty are Baptis, and are doing a good job as Chaplains. Third, it is our painful observation, that our church is one of the larger protestant bodies in the United States, but is neglecting its responsibility to keep in touch with its communicants in the Army through some type publication. Here we point out the tremendous amount of devotional literature that is sent out indiscriminately by other denominational bodies, while we, as a church allow this method of communion to pass, seemingly without thought. Fourth, the returning service-man will need orientation. After many months of regimentation he will need by less respectful of most civilian authority, and will need the counsel of the Church and the minister in making re-adjustment. --------2, Dr W.H. Jernagin Fifth, it is observed that the average soldier will not accept the church is infallible. This fact in itself demands that the church prove itself the champion of the welfare of the total man. As a solider, he has been taught to be practical, life has been undressed of its traditional garments and he thinks in terms of utility. This does not mean that the religious emphasis is lost, but that the religion must be total. Sixth, it is our conviction, that the Negro Church will be called on to assist in this great task, and in many instances will be the only channel of expression. With the above in mind, we are making the following suggestions, recommendations and request for this year’s convention: One, that the program committee will be instructed to have space on the Convention’s program for the discussion of the unique, and important ministry to Servicemen, and to discharged soldiers. Second, that a qualified commission be appointed to study the opportunities, advantages, services, and aids offered Veterans, and that this information be sent out to all churches, and ministers in simplified form, so that through service and a complete ministry the church may reclaim its members. Third, that the convention will study evangelistical techniques, and sponsor with other churches a “Crusade for Christ.” Fourth, that in some way the church will publish some devotional literature to be sent to all chaplains serving with Negro troops. Fifth, that some member of this committee, will be given a place on the Conventions program, as some of us will be in the States; for the Convention. Finally, this letter is not an indictment of our present leaders, but is a very humble attempt of ours to share our observations and if possible, remedy some of our joint weaknesses. We are aware of the contribution that has been made, and we know that the leaders of our Church are anxious to always render the greater service. It has been our privilege through the church to serve in this capacity, and we hope that these observations will be accepted in the spirit with which they are submitted. --------3, Dr W.H. Jernagin 4. With the hope that we will meet soon, and that God will guide us in “His Way Everlasting”. Prayerfully sumitted, The Committee: Robert W. Penn – Chairman Captain AUS Chaplain 1888th Engr. Avn. Bn. Chaplain (Capt.) W.O. Jones 45th QM., Group APO 689 c/o P.M. NYC., N.Y. Chaplain (Capt.) J.H. Smith 858th Engr. Avn. Bn. APO 689 c/o P.M. NYC., N.Y. Chaplain (Capt.) G.R. Yancy 484th AAA Bn. APO 218 c/o P.M. NYC., N.Y. Chaplain (Capt.) T.T. Smith 849th Engr. Avn. Bn. APO 689 c/o P.M. NYC., N.Y. Chaplain (Capt.) C.E. Byrd 1883rd Engr. Avn. Bn. APO 689 c/o P.M. NYC., N.Y. Chaplain (Capt.) C.M.C. Ellis Camp Howrah APO 465 c/o P.M. NYC., N.Y. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Letter to Dr. W.H. Jernagin Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Penn, Robert E. Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Robert E. Penn collection Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1945 April 11 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Atlanta University Center Robert W. Woodruff Library Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource All images in this collection either are protected by copyright or are the property of the Robert W. Woodruff Library of the Atlanta University Center, Inc., and/or the copyright holder as appropriate. To order a reproduction or to inquire about permission to publish, please contact archives@auctr.edu with specific object file name. Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource image/jpeg Language A language of the resource en Type The nature or genre of the resource Correspondence Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context auc.143.0134_001.doc.b04f04 auc.143.0134_002.doc.b04f04 auc.143.0134_003.doc.b04f04 https://glamportal.auctr.edu/files/original/5f47c4ffad717bdd340734ed66c836b4.jpg 21822fdcd96cef1578b25eafd88e561c Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Why Do One’s Best When the World is Going to Hell? TEXT “If the foundations be destroyed, What can the Righteous do? PS. 11:3 A college sophomore wrote to his dad and asked: “Dad, why should I dig into history and literature and science and sociology when it looks as if I would be pulled into the Army and spend the next important years of my life at war? The fellows here are discouraged – there doesn’t seem to be much chance for a normal life for us. Some are saying “Why try to do our best when the world is going to hell? Whether we like it or not this mood is the state of many of us who worship here today. But we must hurry and search the records to see if the situation is at all unique to our generation. 500 yrs. Before Christ a nation was taken into captivity they asked: “If the foundations are destroyed, what can the righteous do? Look down the corridors of “over” https://glamportal.auctr.edu/files/original/6b27e6ee35da62bb853e39649c2f48bf.jpg 2c89c67026ce21e3b09aadda9a520ec0 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource History and all along [?] [?] way and every generation has had to say: why keep on, why try for what is right when everything is going to pot. Take the Black Death of Europe of the 14th century & [?] our [?] that people who were experiencing the destruction of as much as 50% of a community wiped out saying – what’s the use? But recognize that life has gone on in spite of everything With this dismal and dark backdrop – why hold on to [?] best we know when the [?] all seem to the worst? I. For one thing is the answer of Conservative Christianity is that you are an immortal soul, and that your life here on Earth is but a fragment of your total [?] life. YOU ARE MADE FOR ETERNITY YOU HAVE FOREVER TO FACE! Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Text Any textual data included in the document Why Do One’s Best When the World is Going to Hell? TEXT “If the foundations be destroyed, What can the Righteous do? PS. 11:3 A college sophomore wrote to his dad and asked: “Dad, why should I dig into history and literature and science and sociology when it looks as if I would be pulled into the Army and spend the next important years of my life at war? The fellows here are discouraged – there doesn’t seem to be much chance for a normal life for us. Some are saying “Why try to do our best when the world is going to hell? Whether we like it or not this mood is the state of many of us who worship here today. But we must hurry and search the records to see if the situation is at all unique to our generation. 500 yrs. Before Christ a nation was taken into captivity they asked: “If the foundations are destroyed, what can the righteous do? Look down the corridors of “over” History and all along [?] [?] way and every generation has had to say: why keep on, why try for what is right when everything is going to pot. Take the Black Death of Europe of the 14th century & [?] our [?] that people who were experiencing the destruction of as much as 50% of a community wiped out saying – what’s the use? But recognize that life has gone on in spite of everything With this dismal and dark backdrop – why hold on to [?] best we know when the [?] all seem to the worst? I. For one thing is the answer of Conservative Christianity is that you are an immortal soul, and that your life here on Earth is but a fragment of your total [?] life. YOU ARE MADE FOR ETERNITY YOU HAVE FOREVER TO FACE! Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource "Why do one's best when the world is going to hell?" Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Penn, Robert E. Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Robert E. Penn collection Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource undated Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Atlanta University Center Robert W. Woodruff Library Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource All images in this collection either are protected by copyright or are the property of the Robert W. Woodruff Library of the Atlanta University Center, Inc., and/or the copyright holder as appropriate. To order a reproduction or to inquire about permission to publish, please contact archives@auctr.edu with specific object file name. Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource image/jpeg Language A language of the resource en Type The nature or genre of the resource Sermons Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context auc.143.0135_001.doc.b06f03 auc.143.0135_002.doc.b06f03 https://glamportal.auctr.edu/files/original/bb2d032b16020d7f509718908e47bccf.jpg 0c2199bf56d7d0c6fdd64b565ae92fb3 https://glamportal.auctr.edu/files/original/5ab2f31ba3fe24627e6d3437ce10fb04.jpg 87b5e20007b8e6cfe0edb066c86a9911 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Martin Luther King, Sr. walking picket line Subject The topic of the resource Picket line protest Description An account of the resource Martin Luther King, Sr. walking a picket line to boycott a manufacture. Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Atlanta Inquirer Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Atlanta University Center Robert W. Woodruff Library Still Image A static visual representation. Examples include paintings, drawings, graphic designs, plans and maps. Recommended best practice is to assign the type Text to images of textual materials. Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data photo Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Andrew Young and Martin Luther King, Sr., at South View Cemetery during Martin Luther King, Jr.'s funeral. Subject The topic of the resource Funeral service Description An account of the resource This is a photograph of Martin Luther King Sr. and Andrew Young at the funeral of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Peppler, James Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Alabama Department of Archives and History Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource April 9, 1968 Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource Alabama Department of Archives and History. https://glamportal.auctr.edu/files/original/17c08fc1b98166a572ce24348c47d329.jpg c04f50f44a47c86468b955ae0d688321 Still Image A static visual representation. Examples include paintings, drawings, graphic designs, plans and maps. Recommended best practice is to assign the type Text to images of textual materials. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Let's Talk Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Piper, Adrian Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Spelman College Museum of Fine Art Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1992 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Atlanta University Center Robert W. Woodruff Library Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource All images in this collection either are protected by copyright or are the property of the Spelman College Museum of Fine Art, and/or the copyright holder as appropriate. To order a reproduction or to inquire about permission to publish, please contact museum@spelman.edu with specific object file name. Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource image/jpeg Type The nature or genre of the resource Still Image Medium The material or physical carrier of the resource. Serigraph https://glamportal.auctr.edu/files/original/09d44d9ac206fc5bd6b89a0841afec9a.jpeg fe806c043b5e2eab730edef5bd950922 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource <p>An Honest Look At BLACK GAYS AND LESBIANS&nbsp;</p> <p>By Alvin F. Poussaint, M.D.<br />Associate Professor of Psychiatry<br />Harvard Medical School</p> <p>Lately, they have “come out of the closet” in increasing numbers</p> <p>Some people fear and scorn, others tolerate homosexuals, but few understand and welcome them as equal partners in African-American society. Most of us have laughed at Eddie Murphy pretending to be a swishing drag queen. Black comedians rely on stereotypes of Black gays and lesbians as a ready source of</p> <p>[images: Phil Wilson, co-chair of the Black Gay and Lesbian Leadership Forum in Los Angeles, feels that Black gays can avoid rejection by the Black community only if they are not too obvious about their gay orientation. At right, Venus Medina, a project officer at the Centers for Disease Control in Atlanta, says that most Black lesbians identify as Black women first and lesbians second. Medina is a 30-year-old mother of two]</p> https://glamportal.auctr.edu/files/original/72be9c2c5bacc9edb731ea8cd410028d.jpeg 97b9b183d431a05248a3d0e8f895f8d8 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource <p>AN HONEST LOOK Continued</p> <p>unflattering portrayals, adding to the common misconception that homosexuals are concentrated primarily in the theater and arts.</p> <p>A gay presence exists within most, if not all, of our institutions, including sports, the church, and the armed services. “People should realize that the Black gay community is not monolithic. There is extraordinary diversity among us that mimics the heterosexual world,” says Craig Harris, AIDS educator at the Gay Male Health Crisis Center in New York City.</p> <p>How many African-American gays and lesbians are there? For obvious reasons, no one knows for sure. The data on White homosexuality that Dr. Alfred Kinsey reported more than 35 years ago may apply to Blacks as well: 4 percent of White males were exclusively homosexual, 13 percent were predominantly gay, and 13 percent expressed erotic feelings for males but did nothing about them.. Figures for females were about one-third those of males. The important point is that while gays and lesbians are – and always have been – a significant part of the Black community, they have come “out of the closet” in increasing numbers, forcing “straight” men and women to take notice. Many Black women in America’s major urban centers, including New York, Chicago, Washington, D.C., and Atlanta, bemoan the fact that finding “a good Black man” for the purpose of marriage or a committed relationship has becoming increasingly difficult, if not impossible. Justifiably or not, they blame this situation on what they perceive as a rapidly increasing number of upwardly mobile-looking, educated Black males who can be seen in upscale neighborhoods living obviously gay lifestyles.</p> <p>Homosexual behavior is practiced in nearly all societies, many of which consider it normal. In parts of Africa it can be a culturally accepted interaction. The suggestion that White Europeans introduced homosexuality to Africans and African-Americans cannot be substantiated. There is no “cause” for homosexuality, which is part of the range of human experience. From the psychiatric standpoint, homosexuality is different from heterosexuality, but it is no longer considered deviant. Whether a person is attracted to the opposite sex or to one’s own seems to be deeply rooted in one’s personality, perhaps as inborn as height or hair curl. Some psychologists argue that</p> <p>[images: Craig Harris, an AIDS educator at the Gay Male Health Crisis Center in New York, says that the Black community frequently perceives Black gays as part of its problems, along with such social ills as crime and poverty.</p> <p>Dr. Marjorie J. Hill, a clinical psychologist and director of the New York City Mayor’s Office for the Lesbian and Gay Community, feels that the AIDS epidemic has resulted in increased irrational fear and repression of gays in the Black community.]</p> https://glamportal.auctr.edu/files/original/ede3aa01aa86fbe6d43310896af36728.jpeg d1e22ed40ae53224e0cad94104ecded5 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource <p>[image: Jerome Boyce, assistant director of Project Survival in Detroit, regrets that civil rights organizations do not address the issues of gay rights in spite of what he calls gays’ high level of social commitment]</p> <p>AN HONEST LOOK Continued<br />the potential for homosexual behavior exists in most human beings; bisexuality is common.&nbsp;</p> <p>Accordingly, there is no single gay lifestyle. Many people think most homosexuals are promiscuous, engage in heavy smoking and drinking, and use illegal drugs. Some gay people have even imitated these destructive stereotypes. Yet the horrors of AIDS, alcoholism and lung disease come to all those who abuse their bodies, with no regard for sexual orientation.</p> <p>It is perhaps inevitable that we are uncomfortable with those who are different from us. Phil Wilson, co-chair of the Black Gay and Lesbian Leadership Forum in Los Angeles, reflects on the Black attitude towards gays: “The Black community will not outrightly reject you, but they may make their love for you contingent on your being quiet about your gay orientation. So there is always a threat of rejection.” Open demonstrations of gay pride often provoke a strong negative reaction. Harris says that the Black community frequently perceives gays as part of its “problems,” alongside social ills as crime and poverty.</p> <p>Although some African-Americans can tolerate low-key gay and lesbian behavior, many homosexuals complain that this attitude results in their being treated as invisible, thereby suffering the psychologically damaging effects of adapting to that situation. Many gays experience feelings of rejection and low self-esteem. Others become over-achievers to mask their homosexuality, according to Bert Hunter, a writer and former IBM marketing representative. The gay predicament is similar to that of Black Americans who historically were rendered invisible by racism.</p> <p>Many Americans, both Black and White, are homophobic – irrationally fearful of gays and lesbians. Dr. Marjorie J. Hill, a Black clinical psychologist and director of the New York City Mayor’s Office for the Lesbian and Gay Community, feels that the Black community, already confused and apprehensive about gays, has had its fear of them reinforced by its anxiety about the AIDS epidemic. Indeed, its head-in-the-sand homophobia has made it difficult to establish AIDS prevention and education programs in African-American neighborhoods. Such fear also precludes an empathic response to the tragedy of AIDS and the grief of those who lose loved ones to the dreaded disease.</p> <p>The AIDS crisis notwithstanding, homosexuals have a unique mission in convincing their oppressors of their human rights and humanity. Physical assaults and other forms of gay-bashing are a constant bane to the homosexual community. Because they face such overwhelming discrimination and abuse, we can understand why so many elect to stay in the closet.</p> <p>Black homosexuals report that, in addition to the discrimination they suffer because they are gay, they are subject to racial discrimination by White gays and lesbians. Black gays are not welcome at certain gay bars and bath houses. They are often excluded when White gays advertise for partners or share phone number networks. Sandy Lowe, a staff attorney for the Legal Defense and Education Fund at Lambda who handles sexual orientation discrimination suits, feels that White homosexuals, who are themselves victims of discrimination, still cannot be counted on to be less racist than other Whites.</p> <p>Being gay and Black, therefore, frequently complicates African-American</p> https://glamportal.auctr.edu/files/original/a47643250977dcbb35cfde303dbf2e8f.jpeg 44d3e55c00bdea5234cfd8b45be462f5 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource homosexuals' sense of identification. While some Black lesbians and gays identify primarily with the gay community and others identify primarily with Blacks, the gay identity within the latter group may remain strong. In recent years, some Black homosexuals who have organized to make their voices heard and to fight racial and homosexual bias have become powerful cultural and political forces within the Black community. According to Dr. Hill, Black gays and lesbians tend to be more communal than their White counterparts. They are more likely than Whites to have children and be involved in extended family systems. Venus Medina, project officer at the Centers for Disease Control in Atlanta and 30-year-old mother of two, says that most Black lesbians identify as “Black women first and lesbians second.” Some observers report that such Blacks are more likely to live in Black neighborhoods than in gay and lesbian ghettos. Still, the Black community does not acknowledge the contributions that lesbians and gays have made to Black culture and the struggle for freedom dating to the times of slavery. Leaders like Alvin Ailey, Bayard Rustin, and James Baldwin are cited by Black gay groups for their contributions to the Black struggle. However, some sources hold that many Black homosexuals in leadership positions do not admit their same-sex orientation. Harold Robinson, co-chair of the board of Gay Men of African Descent, says that the contributions of Black gays and lesbians to the arts, education and politics is so great that it is unconscionable that their accomplishments and sexual preference are not publicly acknowledged. Jerome Boyce, assistant director of Project Survival in Detroit, says few people are aware that Black gays and lesbians have been leaders in the fight against AIDS. When they have shown such a high level of social commitment, it is even more distressing to Black homosexuals that civil rights organizations do not address the issue of gay rights. Many Blacks, both heterosexual and homosexual, believe that the Black community, with its ongoing crisis, short-changes itself by resisting the input of lesbian and gay “soldiers.” As Hill notes, “Bickering only adds to our oppression and retards our development.” Clearly, human rights for gays and lesbians will more firmly establish freedoms for all people in America. Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context auc.xxx.0001_001 auc.xxx.0001_002 auc.xxx.0001_003 auc.xxx.0001_004 Title A name given to the resource "An Honest Look at Black Gays and Lesbians" Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource image/jpeg Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1990 September Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource All images in this collection either are protected by copyright or are the property of the Robert W. Woodruff Library, and/or the copyright holder as appropriate. To order a reproduction or to inquire about permission to publish, please contact archives@auctr.edu with specific object file name. Type The nature or genre of the resource Publications (documents) Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Poussaint; Alvin F.; Ebony (Chicago, Ill.) Subject The topic of the resource Homophobia; Sexual minorities Language A language of the resource eng Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Atlanta University Center Robert W. Woodruff Library Description An account of the resource Article by Alvin F. Poussaint, M.D. on the African American LGBT community https://glamportal.auctr.edu/files/original/637064ee81cec109a10d2f40d303e0c6.jpg ef13effb125325ab0f0fefa7b4767fc2 https://glamportal.auctr.edu/files/original/ae4306474aed8fa75c193f8da5d9d5f2.jpg 0ce97f320a6669f4fda707dcb0e416cf Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data Correspondence Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Letter to Rufus Clement from Siergei Powelle Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Powelle, Siergei Atlanta University Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="http://findingaid.auctr.edu/arc/view?docId=ead/auctr.edu/rufus_e_clement.xml" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Rufus E. Clement Records, 1933-1969 - AU Presidential Records</a> Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1946 August 19 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Atlanta University Center Robert W. Woodruff Library Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource All images in this collection either are protected by copyright or are the property of the Robert W. Woodruff Library of the Atlanta University Center, Inc., and/or the copyright holder as appropriate. To order a reproduction or to inquire about permission to publish, please contact archives@auctr.edu with specific object file name. Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource image/jpeg Language A language of the resource en Type The nature or genre of the resource Correspondence Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context auc.022.0017_0001.doc.b319f06 auc.022.0017_0002.doc.b319f06 Temporal Coverage Temporal characteristics of the resource. August 1946 https://glamportal.auctr.edu/files/original/d11228c83636c911fb660d451671871e.jpg f1895463f44c06f9fcfcd633c959fe4f Still Image A static visual representation. Examples include paintings, drawings, graphic designs, plans and maps. Recommended best practice is to assign the type Text to images of textual materials. Physical Dimensions The actual physical size of the original image 96 x 120 x 11 inches Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Tar Top Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1995 Medium The material or physical carrier of the resource. Tar paper, acrylic, oil stick, encaustic, tar, plesiglass, silk flowers, dried flowers, glass, fabric, and electric lights on wood Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Radcliffe Bailey, American, born 1968 Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived High Museum of Art Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource All of the content of this Website — including information, data, text, graphics, logos, button icons, images, pictures, audio clips, and software (the “Content”) — is protected by United States copyright laws. The Content of http://www.high.org is copyrighted as a collective work under the United States copyright laws. Except as granted in the limited license below, any other use of this Content, including modification, transmission, presentation, distribution, or republication, is prohibited without the prior written consent of the High Museum of Art, a division of the Robert W. Woodruff Arts Center, Inc., Atlanta, Georgia (the “Museum”). The copyright of the Content and other proprietary rights are held by the Museum or other entities and individuals. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context 1996.2 Provenance A statement of any changes in ownership and custody of the resource since its creation that are significant for its authenticity, integrity, and interpretation. The statement may include a description of any changes successive custodians made to the resource. Purchase with funds from Alfred Austell Thornton in memory of Leila Austell Thornton and Albert Edward Thornton, Sr., and Sarah Miller Venable and William Hoyt Venable, ©Radcliffe Bailey. Courtesy of the artist and Jack Shainman Gallery, New York.