GOLDEN LEGACY ILLUSTRATED HISTORY MAGAZINES, 1966–1976
Repository: Archives & Special Collections, Charles Evans Inniss Memorial Library of Medgar Evers College, CUNY Location: CEIML ASPC, Suite 0108 Identifier: CEIML.GL.016 Collection Title: Golden Legacy illustrated history magazines, 1966–1976 Name of Creator(s): Morris, Jacob Inclusive Dates: 1966–1976 Language(s): English Quantity: ca. 0.5 linear feet
SCOPE AND CONTENT
This collection contains 16 original illustrated history magazines / comic books on Black history, which form a Golden Legacy series.
HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL NOTE
“Golden Legacy” is a series of illustrated history magazines published in 1966-1976. Sixteen magazines were published. Bertram A. Fitzgerald Jr. (1932–1917) was a pioneering African-American publisher, mostly known for the ground-breaking "Golden Legacy" comic book series initially published in the 1960's and 70's. In 1966, Bertram fulfilled his desire to be a voice as an educator of black history. Bertram would be a pioneer in elevating the comic platform to new heights, as well as reaching new demographics that may have had little interest in black history before. Bertram experienced challenges that tested his resolve as a black publisher. He was forced to scale back the business in the late 70's after some less successful ventures. In 1983, Bertram Joined Mayor Ed Koch's administration as Communications Director for New York City. He continued in this role till 1990, but he never stopped publishing Golden Legacy, or looking for new publishing ventures. Bertram once wrote, "I started publishing Golden Legacy 30 years ago on a "shoe-string". Golden Legacy was designed to create greater pride and self-esteem in African-American families and to dispel myths. (It) replaces feelings of hopelessness and unworthiness in black Americans ….with a sense of pride and self-esteem." (Obituary published on NYTimes.com from Jan. 12 to Jan. 13, 2017.) Joan Bacchus Maynard (August 29, 1928 - January 22, 2006) was a writer and penciller for the Golden Legacy line of history comics. Joan’s parents, John and Julia Cooper, told her stories about the plight of blacks. After graduating from Empire State College of the State University of New York, Joan worked as a commercial artist for McGraw-Hill and other companies. In addition to the work that she did with comic books, she also drew covers for Crisis, the magazine of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People. In addition to her art work, Joan is best known for her efforts in preserving the historic black settlement Weeksville in Brooklyn. (Alexander, M. A., & Harris, M. B. (2017). We did that!: Stories of black achievement, perseverance, and excellence.)
INDEX TERMS Individual names Fitzgerald, Bertram A., 1932–1917, publisher GOLDEN LEGACY ILLUSTRATED HISTORY MAGAZINES, 1966–1976
Bacchus Maynard, Joan, 1928–2006, author, artist, activist Carty, Leo, 1931–2010, artist Darden, Howard, artist, author Feelings, Tom, 1933–2003, artist, author, activist Jackson, Ezra, artist Perlin, Don, 1929–, artist Tallarico, Tony, 1933–, artist
Institutions Fitzgerald Publishing Co., Inc. Weeksville Heritage Center
ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION
Acquisition Information: This collection was donated to the Archives of the Charles Evans Inniss Memorial Library, Medgar Evers College, CUNY in 2018 by Mr. Jacob Morris, Director of the NYC Freedom Trail Foundation.
Processing Information: Collection processing and finding aid were completed by Yelena Novitskaya, MEC Archives and Special Collections librarian, in 2019.
Conditions on Access and Use: Access to the collection is unrestricted. It is available for research purposes. Duplication of the collection may be governed by copyright and other restrictions.
Physical Access: Appointment is required for access.
Preferred Citation: Author, A. A. (Year, Month Day). Title of material. Golden Legacy illustrated history magazines. CEIML.GL.016. Archives and Special Collections, Charles Evans Inniss Memorial Library, Medgar Evers College of the City University of New York, Brooklyn, NY.
COLLECTION ARRANGEMENT
The 16 original illustrated history magazines are arranged chronologically (in the order of appearance) in 1 box and shelved in the Archives.
COLLECTION INVENTORY AND DESCRIPTION
Volume 1 – The Saga of Toussaint L’Ouverture and the Birth of Haiti (1966) Writer: Leo Carty Art: Leo Carty
Volume 2 – The Saga of Harriet Tubman, the Moses of her people (1966) Writer: Joan Bacchus Art: Pencils: Joan Bacchus Inks: Tom Feelings GOLDEN LEGACY ILLUSTRATED HISTORY MAGAZINES, 1966–1976
Volume 3 – Crispus Attucks and the Minutemen (1967) Writer: Tom Feelings Art: Tom Feelings and Ezra Jackson
Volume 4 – The Life of Benjamin Banneker (1968) Writer: Francis Taylor Art: Ezra Jackson
Volume 5 – The Life of Matthew Henson (1969) Writer: Joan Bacchus Art: Joan Bacchus
Volume 6 – Alexander Dumas and Family (1969) Writer: Bertram Fitzgerald Art: Ezra Jackson
Volume 7 – Frederick Douglas Part 1 (1969) Writer: Bertram Fitzgerald Art: Howard Darden
Volume 8 – Frederick Douglas Part 2 (1970) Writer: Bertram Fitzgerald Art: Howard Darden
Volume 9 – The Life of Robert Smalls (1970) Writer: Bertram Fitzgerald, Don Perlin Art: Don Perlin
Volume 10 – Joseph Cinque and the Amistad Mutiny (1970) Writer: Joan Bacchus Art: Joan Bacchus
Volume 11 – Men of Action: White, Wilkins & Marshall (1970) Writer: Bertram Fitzgerald Art: Ezra Jackson, Don Perlin, Tony Tallarico
Volume 12 – Black Cowboys (1972) Writer: Don Perlin Art: Don Perlin
Volume 13 – Martin Luther King, Jr. (1972) Writer: Bertram Fitzgerald Art: Don Perlin
GOLDEN LEGACY ILLUSTRATED HISTORY MAGAZINES, 1966–1976
14 – The Life of Alexander Pushkin (1972) Writer: Warren Parker Art: Tony Tallarico
Volume 15 – Ancient African Kingdom (1972) Writer: Robert Fitzgerald Art: Howard Darden
Volume 16 – The Black Inventors Latimer and Woods (1976) Writer: Bertram A Fitzgerald Art: Leo Carty, Tony Tallarico