Mbtrandall

   While attending the first Writers’ Conference at Fisk University in May 1966, Randall obtained permission from Robert Hayden, Melvin Tolson, and Margaret Walker to republish one poem each in what he called his Broadside Series, which became broadsides 3, 4, and 5 during the fall 1966. Shortly thereafter, Gwendolyn Brooks gave permission for Randall to republish one of her poems, resulting in “We Real Cool” in December 1966 (Broadside 6).

   Collectively, these first six broadsides, known as the Poems of the Negro Revolt, set a tone for what would follow, reflecting the culturally assertive and often radical voice of African America in the late 1960s. Intentionally simple in design, the broadsides can be viewed through the lens of a centuries-old tradition of publication. Produced and sold cheaply, typically responding directly to the social and political issues of the moment, the broadsides address subjects ranging from Malcolm X, to Stokely Carmichael and Angela Davis, Black Power, the women’s movement, and revolutionary politics. Later productions in the Broadsides series are not properly broadsides at all, but simple folded sheets, resulting in four page cards, often including poems by several writers.

Detroit: Broadside Press, 1966-69. First Edition. Twenty-four printed broadsides. Most on a single side of a single sheet, but one double-sided and one other folded to make 4pp. One signed (see below). Occasional mild marginal wear or soiling; all are in Very Good condition or better. Various dates.

Dudley Randall’s Broadside Press was the leading publisher for the Black Arts movement during the Civil Rights era. Between 1966 and 1975 the Press issued nearly 100 poems (roughly one per month) in its Broadside Series.