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Letter from W.E.B. Du Bois to Jeannette L. Norman Regarding Prize Contest

Letter
A typed letter dated November 15, 1927, from W.E.B. Du Bois, Editor of The Crisis, the official magazine of the NAACP, to Mrs. Jeannette L. Norman of Flushing, Long Island. The letter informs Mrs. Norman that the song she entered in a prize contest has won Second Prize and that she will receive a check for $25. It also invites her to attend a presentation event on December 2, 1927, at the Civic Club in New York City and requests that she arrange for the song to be performed. Additionally, Du Bois asks for a recent photograph of her. The letter is signed by W.E.B. Du Bois at the bottom.
Letter from W.E.B. Du Bois to Jeannette L. Norman Regarding Prize Contest picture number 1

This letter highlights W.E.B. Du Bois' role in fostering Black artistic and literary achievements through The Crisis magazine. During this period, The Crisis often held literary, music, and arts contests to promote and celebrate Black talent. This correspondence is a testament to the Harlem Renaissance era, where creative expression played a crucial role in the civil rights movement and the assertion of African American identity. The Civic Club event mentioned was a known space for Black intellectuals and activists.

Latimer Family Papers (1870-1996 ) [QPL Full Collection]

Typed text includes: "I beg to inform you that the song which you entered in our Prize Contest has received the Second Prize of Twenty-five Dollars." "The check will be handed to you Friday Evening, December 2nd at Eight O’clock at the Civic Club, 18 East 10th Street, N.Y.C." "We would be glad to have you arrange to have the song sung and played at that time." "Also, can you let us have a recent photograph at an early date?" The letter is signed: "W.E.B. Du Bois"