BCALANEWS Black Caucus of the American Library Association Inc

BCALANEWS Black Caucus of the American Library Association Inc.

BCALA-CT held a successful and James Weldon Johnsonwell-attended Community Library Meet Workers & GreetAndrea McCrayin (Librarian), Courtney ShannonDecember. (Library Learn Assistant), about James how Randolph the (Security), Susan DicksonConnecticut (Head Librarian), affiliate Paulette closed Calloway 2015(Library in Asssistant) and Drusellathis King issue Baker of (Library BCALA Assistant) News. Pose in front of the Library’s MarqueeAlso Sign. inside,Johnson BCALA'sLibrary Held Edi Their Campbell 8th Annual James Weldon Johnson Literacytackles Day in depictions March. Read ofAbout slavery it and inMore in this Issue of BCALA News!children's literature. And much more!

PARTIAL CONTENTS Dear BCALA Members,

NEWS 04 This summer marks the 24th year self-published authors and create the BCALA Literary Awards will new ones. This award expands recognize excellence in adult fiction the BCALA’s dedication to African 5 Black Caucus of the American Library Association, Inc. BCALA Literary Awards and nonfiction by African American American authors, honors the best authors including an award for Best self-published eBooks in fiction and 6 BCALA Now Accepting Literacy Award Submissions Poetry and Outstanding Contribution poetry by an African American author in Publishing Citation for unique in the U.S., and is the first award 8 BCALA Endorses Wanda Brown for ALA President books that offer a positive depiction from an ALA affiliate to recognize of African Americans. both digital content and self- 9 New York Black Librarians Caucus Announces First Library Support Staff Scholarship publishing. First presented at the second 10 Ismail Abdullahi wins 2018 John Ames Humphry/OCLC/Forest Press Award National Conference of African We salute the Literary Award American Librarians in 1994, the Committee and the Self-Publishing BCALA Literary Awards continue eBook Award Committee chaired FEATURED 12 to acknowledge outstanding works by Gladys Smiley Bell and Tiffany of fiction and nonfiction for adult Duck respectively for their efforts,

13 2018 Día Grant Winners Announced audiences by African American successes, and commitment to authors. The winners that year were: advancing the work of African Fiction, “A Lesson Before Dying” by American authors. 14 8th Annual James Weldon Johnson Literacy Festival is Successful Denyvetta Davis, Ernest J. Gaines; Nonfiction, “W. The recipients of the 24th Annual President, BCALA E. B. DuBois: Biography of a Race, 16 Angela Davis Donates Papers to Schlesinger Library BCALA Literary Awards and the 2016 - 2018 1858-1919” by David Levering Lewis; third BCALA and BiblioBoard and First Novel, “Losing Absalom” by 17 Dedication Honors Memory of Billy C. Beal Self-Publishing eBook Award will Alexs D. Pate. be honored during the 2018 ALA OP-ED 20 In 2015, BCALA partnered with annual conference on June 24 in BiblioBoard, a hybrid media/software New Orleans. I invite you to join us company located in Charleston, as we celebrate another milestone in 21 Three Unsung Pioneers of the East Baton Rouge Parish Public Library System South Carolina. This partnership BCALA history. was the launchpad that instantly 28 The Tragic Fall of Mike Hanlon: One of American Fiction’s Only Black Male Librarians created a means to reach existing is Re-Imagined…As a Drug Addict

30 Book Review: Real Women Do It Standing Up

31 Book Review: Tahira Ahmad’s Snapshots: Silent thoughts In Words 4 | BCALA NEWS | Volume 45, Issue 1 BCALA NEWS | Volume 45, Issue 1 | 5

Black Caucus of the American Library Association, Inc. BCALA Literary Awards

NEWS Press Release Contact: Gladys Smiley Bell, 757-727-5185 For Immediate Release or [email protected] February 11, 2018 Press Room – The Colorado Convention Center

5 Black Caucus of the American Library Association, Inc. BCALA Literary Awards BCALA ANNOUNCES THE 2018 LITERARY AWARDS WINNERS

The Black Caucus of the American Library Association, Inc. (BCALA) announces the winners of the 2018 BCALA Literary 6 Awards during the Midwinter Meeting of the American Library Association in Denver, CO. The awards recognize BCALA Now Accepting Literacy Award Submissions excellence in adult fiction and nonfiction by African American authors published in 2017, including an award for “Best Poetry” and a citation for “Outstanding Contribution to Publishing”. The recipients will receive awards during the 2018 annual meeting of the American Library Association in New Orleans, LA. 8 BCALA Endorses Wanda Brown for ALA President The winner of the 1st Novelist Award is “A Kind of Freedom: a Novel” by Margaret Wilkerson Sexton (Counterpoint Press).

9 The fiction category winner is “Difficult Women” by Roxane Gay (Grove/Atlantic, Inc.). New York Black Librarians Caucus Announces First Library Support Staff Scholarship The Honor Books for fiction are “Sing, Unburied, Sing” by Jesmyn Ward (Scribner) and “The Tragedy of Brady Sims: a Novel” by Ernest J. Gaines (Vintage Books). 10 The winner in the nonfiction category is “Chester B. Himes: a Biography” by Lawrence P. Jackson (Norton W. W. & Ismail Abdullahi wins 2018 John Ames Humphry/OCLC/Forest Press Award Company).

The Honor Book for the nonfiction category is “Defining Moments in Black History: Reading Between the Lies” by Dick Gregory (HarperCollins).

The winner for BCALA’s Best Poetry Award is “Incendiary Art: Poems” by Patricia Smith (Northwestern University Press).

The BCALA Literary Awards Committee presents the Outstanding Contribution to Publishing Citation to “100 Amazing Facts About the Negro” by Henry Louis Gates Jr. (Knopf Doubleday).

Members of the BCALA Literary Awards Jury are: Gladys Smiley Bell (Chair), Hampton University, Hampton, VA; Tiffany A. Duck, Suffolk Public Library, Suffolk, VA; Grace M. Jackson-Brown, Missouri State University, Springfield, MO; LeRoy LaFleur, Tufts University, Boston, MA; Dominique Luster, Carnegie Museum of Art, Pittsburgh, PA; Ritchie A. Momon, Mid-Continent Public Library, Independence, MO; and John Page, Retired, Washington, D.C. 6 | BCALA NEWS | Volume 45, Issue 1 BCALA NEWS | Volume 45, Issue 1 | 7

BCALA Literary Awards Criteria

BCALA presents four (4) $500.00 awards: one for adult fiction, one for nonfiction, one for a first novelist and one for poetry. These awards acknowledge outstanding achievement in the presentation of the cultural, historical and BCALA Now Accepting sociopolitical aspects of the Black Diaspora.

Literacy Award Submissions The Fiction Award recognizes depictions of sensitive and authentic personal experience either within the framework of contemporary literary standards and themes or which explore innovative literary formats.

The Nonfiction Award honors cultural, historical, political, or social criticism or academic and/or professional LETTER TO PUBLISHERS offer a positive depiction of African- editions of previously published AND AUTHORS: research which significantly advances the body of knowledge currently associated with the people and the legacy of Americans. works are eligible only if more than the Black Diaspora. (Categories could include the humanities, science and technology, social and behavioral sciences 30% of the total content is new or The Literary Awards Committee First presented at the second and reference). revised material. Inspirational, self- of BCALA is now accepting National Conference of African- help, and adult graphic novels are The First Novelist Award acknowledges outstanding achievement in writing and storytelling by a first time fiction submissions for the annual BCALA American Librarians in 1994, ineligible. Only finished, published writer. Literary Awards. The committee the BCALA Literary Awards books should be submitted; galleys will present four prizes of $500.00 acknowledge outstanding works The Outstanding Contribution to Publishing Citation recognizes the author and/or the publishing company (for (bound or unbound) and chapbooks each for adult books written by of fiction and nonfiction for adult their support and publication of) special and unique books that recognize the outstanding achievements and positive are unacceptable. African-American authors: a First audiences by African-American depiction of contributions of the people and legacy of the Black Diaspora. Novelist Award, a Fiction Award, authors. Recipients of these awards Please send one copy of each title The Poetry Award strives to recognize and promote emerging and established poets that introduce and foster the joys a Nonfiction Award, and a Poetry offer outstanding depictions of the submitted to each member of of poetry writing. Award. The First Novelist Award is cultural, historical or sociopolitical the Literary Awards Committee. given to recognize an outstanding aspects of the Black Diaspora A Committee roster with their Additionally, honor books may be selected in each category. work by a first time African- and embody the highest quality addresses can be found at http:// Purpose: To encourage the artistic expression of the African-American experience via literature and scholarly American fiction writer. Honor of writing style and research bcala.org/literary-award- research including biographical, historical and social history treatments by African-Americans. Book citations are also awarded methodology, if applicable. committee/ in fiction and nonfiction without Supply all available information CRITERIA: any accompanying monetary Books from small, large and regarding the submission, including remuneration. Additionally, an specialty publishers are welcome 1. Must portray some aspect of the African-American experience past, present or future. promotional material, author Outstanding Contribution to for review consideration. Titles biography and available news 2. All authors, editors and contributors must be African-American(s) born in the United States. Publishing citation is provided forwarded for review must be published in 2018. Sets or multi- articles and reviews. to an author and/or publishing 3. Must be published in the United States in the year preceding presentation of the award. company for unique books that volume works are eligible. New 4. Must be an original work.

The final submission date to each juror is December 31, 2018. Decisions will be made during the American Library Association’s (ALA) Midwinter Meeting in Seattle, WA in January 2019. The awards will be presented in Washington, DC during ALA’s Annual Conference in June 2019. Publishers and winning authors will be advised of the Literary Story continues on page 7 with the Award Committee’s decision in advance of the annual conference. BCALA Literary Awards Criteria  If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Gladys Smiley Bell at (757) 727-5185 or email: gladys.bell@ hamptonu.edu. 8 | BCALA NEWS | Volume 45, Issue 1 BCALA NEWS | Volume 45, Issue 1 | 9

BCALA Endorses Wanda Brown New York Black Librarians for ALA President Caucus Announces First Library From Denyvetta Davis, BCALA President Support Staff Scholarship By NYBLC BCALA Members, It is my pleasure to formally announce the Black Caucus of the American Library Association (BCALA) and its members

voted during our midwinter membership meeting in Denver to endorse Wanda Kay Brown for ALA President, 2019-2020. The New York Black Librarians Caucus (NYBLC) professionals…I would like to develop programs that presented its first Andrew ‘Sekou’ Jackson Library will expose youth to ideas they may never have had… The vote was supported by the Executive Board and in compliance with the BCALA Bylaws. A petition was signed by 34 Support Staff Scholarship at their annual librarians’ ball outside of libraries. Libraries continue to rise and current members (verified by Membership Committee), a motion made, seconded and approved by members. in Harlem, New York. The recipient of the scholarship is my goal is to continue to be a part of the magic that For your review, I have included Article XII: Endorsements of the BCALA Bylaws: Mary Smith, a program planner with Queens Library’s happens every day.” Programs and Services Department since 1997. Smith is ARTICLE XII: Endorsements This scholarship is in recognition of Andrew ‘Sekou’ earning her undergraduate degree in sociology at York Jackson, who retired in 2016 after a distinguished Endorsement is defined as the Black Caucus, as a body, taking a position in support of or in opposition of a College (CUNY) and expects to graduate in June. Upon career as executive director of Queens Library’s candidate for election to an American Library Association or Divisional office. graduation, she plans to pursue an MLIS. Langston Hughes Community Library and Cultural Section 1: The Black Caucus shall not engage in endorsement of any candidate for the American Library In her essay, Smith wrote of her experience at Queens Center. He is also a past president of BCALA (2004- Association elected office, except as follows: Library, “I’ve acquired a great deal of knowledge and 06) and was appointed to Queens Library’s Board of hands-on experience working with amazing library Trustees by Queens Borough President Melinda Katz. a) When petitioned by a member of the Black Caucus with 25 current members signatures. professionals. In fact, I’ve matured professionally under He is the first librarian and former staff member to be a b) When presented by a member in a motion, and seconded and approved at a membership meeting. the leadership of many librarians and other library member of the board.

Section 2: A vote of the membership shall be necessary to endorse any candidate meeting the conditions on Article XII, Section 1.

Section 3: Past practices shall not be precedence. Such occasions will be considered on a case-by- case basis.

Wanda has previously contributed to BCALA in many ways, as past president, treasurer, and conference co-chair of a previous BCALA National Conference. The endorsement was recommended by members of our organization after reviewing her responses to our questions, her record of service and her position on issues of importance to librarians. As such, we believe her election will be of benefit to BCALA members. I ask that you encourage your colleagues and friends to support Wanda. I also ask that you reproduce this notice and distribute as best you can.

If you would like to find out more about Wanda Kay Brown, please visit her website at www.wandaforala2019.com

Denyvetta Davis, President BCALA 2016-2018 10 | BCALA NEWS | Volume 45, Issue 1 BCALA NEWS | Volume 45, Issue 1 | 11

Today he is still actively engaged in Library and Information Science,” International Relations Committee connecting the profession around which was recently published. Both and other numerous committees. the globe, especially related to LIS are IFLA publications. He also He is currently serving his fourth, education. He has been a mentor currently serves on the editorial three-year term as ALA Councilor- Ismail Abdullahi wins 2018 to many LIS programs in the board of four international at-Large. He also has been developing world. Most recently, journals. As a member of the IFLA actively involved in IFLA for the John Ames Humphry/OCLC/ he has been engaged with the Education and Training Section, he past twenty-five years, chairing library association of Cameroon established the IFLA LIS Education committees and helping to organize Forest Press Award and Senegal, meeting with their in Developing Countries Special programs and workshops that move governments on the role of libraries Interest Group (SIG) and served the profession forward. Among his By Delin Guerra, OCLC in national development. as its convener 2005-2013. He is accolades and awards is the Harold known throughout the world for his Lancour Award for Excellence in Abdullahi has brought forward efforts to adapt and improve LIS International and Comparative as editor or co-editor seminal the International Relations Round education everywhere, and to teach Study in Library and Information books that enlighten and provide Table reception on Monday, June and encourage global librarianship. Sciences from the University of information and insight to library 25, at the ALA Annual Conference Abdullahi also created a Study Pittsburgh. Abdullahi continues to faculty and LIS students all over in New Orleans. OCLC/Forest Press Abroad program for the Royal travel the world to speak, listen, the world on global librarianship. donated the cash award. School of Library and Information network, and collaborate with his In 2014 he co-edited “The Future Science in Denmark. colleagues. In addition, he is faculty Abdullahi has spent over four of LIS Education in Developing advisor for the North Carolina decades immersed in the global Countries: The Road Ahead” and An ALA member since 1985, Central University ALA Student library and information community, edited the second edition of “Global Abdullahi has chaired the Chapter. working to improve the profession around the world. His involvement in the international library field began as a student at the Royal School of Library and Information 11th National Conference of African American Librarians Science in Copenhagen, Denmark, where he had the opportunity to attend his first International Federation of International CHICAGO — Dr. Ismail H. Relations Committee’s John Ames Associations and Institutions Abdullahi, professor of global Humphry/OCLC/Forest Press (IFLA) Conference in 1979. Tulsa, Oklahoma: Home of BLACK WALL STREET library and information science Award, presented to a librarian or Culture Keepers XI | SANKOFA EXPERIENCE: at the School of Library and person who has made significant Abdullahi started his career at Inspired by Our Past, Igniting Our Future Information Sciences at North contributions to international the Danish National Library of August 5-9, 2020 Education in the 1970s, and his Carolina Central University, librarianship. Hyatt Regency Hotel has been named the 2018 Ph.D. dissertation was “A Study Tulsa, Oklahoma

C The award, sponsored by OCLC/ E S of Cooperative Programs among L R EB EA recipient of the American Library RA Y Forest Press, consists of $1,000 TING 50 Association (ALA) International University and Special Libraries in and a plaque to be presented at Ethiopia, Kenya, and Tanzania.” For further information, contact conference co-chairs: Keith Jemison, Tulsa, OK | [email protected] Cyndee Landrum, Evansville, IN | [email protected] 12 | BCALA NEWS | Volume 45, Issue 1 BCALA NEWS | Volume 45, Issue 1 | 13

2018 Día Grant Winners FEATURED Announced By Claudette S. McLinn, Center for the Study of Multicultural Children’s Literature

13 2018 Día Grant Winners Announced

14 8th Annual James Weldon Johnson Literacy Festival is Successful

16 Angela Davis Donates Papers to Schlesinger Library

17 Dedication Honors Memory of Billy C. Beal The Center for the Study of Multicultural Children’s Literature (CSMCL) is pleased to announce the three winners of the Center for the Study of Multicultural Children’s Literature (CSMCL) 2018 Día Grants with an African American Focus.

BOSTON PUBLIC LIBRARY, CONNOLLY BRANCH IN JAMAICA PLAIN, MA. The Día event theme is: "Neighborhood Literacy: Connecting Libraries, Hair Salons, and Barbershops as Literacy and Confidence Centers.” The Día event will be held on April 30, 2018 from 7:30 a.m. - 4p.m.

LOGAN HEIGHTS BRANCH LIBRARY OF THE SAN DIEGO PUBLIC LIBRARY IN SAN DIEGO, CA. The Día event theme is: "Legacy of Our Community: African American Artists from San Diego.” The event will be held on April 30, 2018.

ZION BENTON PUBLIC LIBRARY IN ZION, IL. The Día event theme is: "El Día de los Niños/Libros: Yo Soy Afro- Latinx.” The Día event will be held on April 30, 2018 from 4-6 p.m.

The three winning libraries each will be awarded $500 in selected multicultural children’s books. Congratulations!

This is the seventh year the Center for the Study of Multicultural Children's Literature (CSMCL) has awarded the Día grant and has been in partnership with the Association for Library Services to Children (ALSC) and Pat Mora. ALSC is a division of the American Library Association. Pat Mora, author and literacy advocate, is the founder of El Día de los Niños/El Día de los Libros (Children’s Day/Book Day); often known as Día. 14 | BCALA NEWS | Volume 45, Issue 1 BCALA NEWS | Volume 45, Issue 1 | 15

Lentino, Pinellas County school board member, gave Fraternity Inc., who have supported the Friends since presentations at the festival. the festival was first launched. Furthermore, the Sigmas have supported the spelling, math, and geography bees The event was commenced by the Boca Ciega High and other Friends activities over the years. School ROTC color guard with the singing of The 8th Annual James Weldon National Anthem. Performances were provided by local The highlight of the day was the "Walk For Reading". artists: St. Marks Missionary Baptist Church’s mimes This is an annual event where the Friends, children, Johnson Literacy Festival group; HOUSE OF IFA African dance group; James adults, and community members walk through the Alderman, who did a Frankie Beverly impersonation; neighborhood surrounding the library to promote is Successful Just Aaron, who performed spoken word; Wilmore literacy in the community. By Kevin Johnson, Friends of the James Weldon Johnson Community Library Sadika, who performed as a guitarist; the St. Petersburg For more information about the James Weldon Johnson Main Library puppeteers, who provided a puppet show Literacy Festival, contact Friends vice-president Kevin for the children; the St. Petersburg Police Department W. Johnson, BCALA member, at 727-342-2235 or K-9 unit; Gibbs High School marching band; and the Johnson, who was the first African [email protected] Sigma Beta Club did a presentation. American to pass the Florida bar and a field secretary of the NAACP. The annual community service award was given to He was also a lyricist and he wrote the Delta Omicron Sigma Chapter of Phi Beta Sigma the Negro National Anthem, "Lift Every Voice and Sing."

The festival had activities throughout the day for the whole family. Activities included: BCALA’s ALA Annual Meeting Schedule venders from area businesses and nonprofits, children's inflatables, THURSDAY, JUNE 21, 2018 BCALA Fundraising Committee SUNDAY, JUNE 24, 2018 BCALA Marketing & Public Relations The Friends of the James Weldon BCALA Service project with NOLA Coretta Scott King Book Awards book giveaways, hula hoop contests Committee- Two committees share Public Library Breakfast Johnson Community Library the same room for adults and children, trivia Time and locations TBA 7:00AM - 9:30AM 10:30AM - 11:30AM- Sheraton Grand questions about James Weldon Cousteau BCALA New Members Meet & Greet Johnson, and prizes for adults and FRIDAY, JUNE 22, 2018 6:30PM - 7:00PM- Oak Alley On Saturday, March 18, 2018, The principle sponsors for the NCAAL X l Conference Planning children. Our newest activity was BCALA Executive Board Meeting Committee BCALA Membership Meeting The Friends of Johnson Branch event were the City of St. 8:30AM - 1:00PM -Sheraton Orpheus 1:00PM - 2:30PM- Sheraton Oak Alley 7:00PM - 8:00PM – Sheraton Anderson the scavenger hunt where middle Ballroom Library held their 8th Annual Petersburg, St. Petersburg Library BCALA Joint Committee Meeting The Desegregation of Public and high school children search James Weldon Johnson Literacy System, United Parcel Service, (Membership, Professional Development & Libraries in the Jim Crow South: Civil BCALA Literary Awards for pictures of famous African- Affiliates Committees) Rights and Local Activism (author event 8:15PM - 10:00PM – Sheraton Anderson Festival. It was held in the park Tampa Bay Times, East West 1:00PM - 2:30PM- Sheraton Orpheus and panel discussion) Ballroom Americans in the library. Children area behind the Enoch Davis Center Electric, Petrulli, PostcardMania, BCALA E.J. Josey Scholarship 2:00PM - 4:00PM - NOLA Main Library, that found pictures participated in a 219 Loyola Avenue (a community center) and James and Phil CertaPro Paint. Committee Meeting drawing and won door prizes. 2:30PM - 3:30PM- Sheraton Bacchus BCALA Affiliates Panel Discussion Weldon Johnson Community The purpose of the festival is BCALA Literacy Awards Committee 4:30PM - 6:00PM Library in St. Petersburg Florida. Government officials such as Grace 8:00PM - 10:00PM- Sheraton Bacchus BCALA Literary Awards Committee to promote the James Weldon The library is a part the St. Moseley, the assistant for Florida 2:00PM - 5:00PM-Sheraton Bacchus Johnson Community Library and Petersburg Library System. House representative Wengay SATURDAY, JUNE 23, 2018 BCALA Social celebrate the life of James Weldon Time and location TBA "Newt" Newton, and Joanne BCALA Recruitment & Professional Development Committee Meeting BCALA International Relations -Two committees share the same room 9:30AM - 10:30AM- Sheraton Rex 16 | BCALA NEWS | Volume 45, Issue 1 BCALA NEWS | Volume 45, Issue 1 | 17

help further academic study of her professor of History and African The collection of Davis’s work lifetime work. and African American Studies at includes letters, photographs, and Harvard, said Davis’s papers will audio from Davis’s radio show “Schlesinger's acquisition of her also strengthen the Schlesinger “Angela Speaks,” according to a papers will ensure that generations Library’s stature as a center press release from the library. The Angela Davis Donates Papers of students, scholars, and activists for studying the history of civil library will also host materials have access to her body of work oppression. related to Davis’s incarceration and to Schlesinger Library and a better understanding of the trial from the Soledad Prison case, By Sarah J. Hong, The Harvard Crimson histories she has helped to shape,” “The acquisition of Angela Davis’s as well as the movement advocating wrote Farah J. Griffin, a professor papers makes the Schlesinger for her release. of English, Comparative Literature, Library even more vital for all those (Editor’s note: This story is reprinted with permission from “The Harvard Crimson”. The link to the original and African American Studies at seeking a deeper understanding Davis’s papers will be available for story is http://www.thecrimson.com/article/2018/2/14/schlesinger-acquires-davis-papers/ ) Columbia University. of the history of oppression and research by 2020. resistance on a global scale.” Hinton inmates charged with killing a Elizabeth Hinton, an assistant wrote in a statement. guard in Soledad Prison in 1970. Her involvement in the case resulted in her being charged with conspiracy. She was later acquitted.

The Arthur and Elizabeth Schlesinger Library on the History of Women in America is a research Dedication Honors Memory library at the Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Study, dedicated to of Billy C. Beal housing archives documenting By Meridian (MS) Community College women’s lives and activities in the United States.

In a statement, Davis wrote that she Meridian Community College felt honored her writings would join dedicated the L.O. Todd – Billy C. the work of other women who are Beal Learning Resources facility on “advocates of social transformation” May 10 amid a gathering of family, at the library. friends, MCC faculty and staff as well as community members. Angela Y. Davis, a famed political studies race in the criminal justice “My papers reflect 50 years activist and scholar of African system and is an advocate for of involvement in activist and Beal, the longtime Meridian American, Marxist, and feminist prison abolition. scholarly collaborations seeking to educator who worked for MCC studies, is donating her papers expand the reach of justice in the for more than three decades, was She is also famously known for her to the Arthur and Elizabeth world,” Davis wrote in a statement. honored with the naming of the radical activism in the 1960s as resource center that’s located in Schlesinger Library. Family members Christy Beal, left, Denise Beal, Maria a leader of the Communist Party Faculty specializing in African Beal Parker and Andrea Williams pose by the portrait the center of the campus. Beal died American Studies believe the Davis, a professor emerita at the U.S.A., and for her support of the of Billy C. Beal that is now on display in the facility. Dec. 7, 2015. University of California, Santa Cruz, Soledad Brothers, three prison library housing Davis’s papers will 18 | BCALA NEWS | Volume 45, Issue 1 BCALA NEWS | Volume 45, Issue 1 | 19

“It is a well-deserved honor because and a friend. “He taught even when of Chicago and an M.S. in library of his hard work, his dedication he wasn’t in the library … in the science from Simmons College to the college,” said long-time community … he was going to drop in Boston. After his academic colleague Barbara Jones. that nugget. In our hearts, he will studies at Simmons, he returned always be here,” Parker said. to Meridian where he became PRESIDENT PUBLICATIONS COMMITTEE COPYRIGHT “Knowing that Billy’s name will be a Denyvetta Davis circulation librarian at MCC. Jason Alston All material appearing in BCALA News is feature of learning resources center Winston added, “Billy had a way of Tiffany Duck copyrighted. The BCALA takes care to en- During his tenure at the college, PUBLISHER BCALA INC. Nzinga Holley-Harris on the campus here at Meridian saying, ‘I will show you, but I will sure the information is correct at the time

he served as Self Study Title III Jason Howard of printing, but responsibility for accuracy Community College, a place where not do this for you.’ Winston said EDITORIAL Ursula Jacobs-Guidry director, acquisitions librarian, of claims and information rests with the Billy contributed so much for so in making a major life decision, he Editor: Jason Alston Michael Mungin author. Views expressed are not necessar- ACH/HEMI coordinator, computer Phone: (803) 777-6493 Natasha Smith long, is a fitting tribute to who would run it by Beal for his opinion. ily those of the leadership assisted instruction supervisor and Fax: (803) 777-7938 he was and what he did,” said Dr. “Billy served as my mirror.” Email: [email protected] of BCALA head librarian, as well as chairman DESIGN Marie Smith Davidson, Beal’s Creative Director / Designer: MCC president Dr. Scott Elliott, of the Student Appeals Committee. ADVERTISING OPUSSEVEN INC godmother and the retired chief of said, “It was my pleasure to work Sales and Marketing: Jason Alston www.opusseven.com staff, president, of the University of In September 2014, Beal was Phone: (803) 777-6493 with Billy for 15 years at MCC Maryland College Park. promoted to the position of Email: [email protected] before his passing. In all my years associate vice president for learning Davidson added, “I think Billy C. in higher education, I can honestly resources at MCC. He had served as Beal, during his many years at MCC, say that Billy was one of the most the dean of the College’s Learning helped to make this institution consummate professionals with Resources from 1992 until he an academic institution built on whom I ever had the pleasure to was named to the associate vice BECOME A BCALA MEMBER! individualism, creativity and dignity work. He was widely respect by his president post. and I know that Billy’s family is colleagues across the state because pleased that MCC agrees with that he knew his discipline inside and Also at MCC, Beal was the recipient Please join online ( http://www.memberize.com/clubpor- assessment.” out and exhibited impeccable of the John Johnson, Lamplighter BCALA tal/ClubStatic.cfm?clubID=2381&pubmenuoptID=25322 ) integrity. It is both fitting and and MCCer of the Month awards MEMBERSHIP Beal mentees, including Joshua proper that Billy’s name forever as well as installed into the Talon or use the Membership Form (http://bcala.org/mem- Maeda, Thomas Parker II, Cedric FEES and formally be associated with this Club, which salutes MCC employees bers/memberjoin.pdf) to mail your membership Ruffin and Anthony Winston, facility.” who have served the college for + CORPORATE $200 request and payment to: shared their memories of Beal, + more than 30 years. often echoing the comments that A native of Meridian, Beal earned ++ INSTITUTIONAL $60 BCALA, INC. – MEMBERSHIP Beal was an encourager, a teacher an A.B. from Loyola University An active member of the American c/o Rudolph Clay Jr. Library Association and BCALA, ++ REGULAR $45 Box 7493 Beal served in leadership roles ++ INSTITUTIONS $60 and on committees focused 6985 Snow Way Blvd. on community colleges, social ++ STUDENT $10 St. Louis, MO 63130-4400 responsibility, governance ++ RETIRED $25 and scholarships. All images accompanying this story are ++ LIBRARY SUPPORT STAFF $20 For inquiries regarding membership or anything else courtesy of Meridian Community ++ LIFETIME $500 College. about BCALA, please submit queries to http://bcala.org/contacts/. 20 | BCALA NEWS | Volume 45, Issue 1 BCALA NEWS | Volume 45, Issue 1 | 21

Three Unsung Pioneers of the OP-ED East Baton Rouge Parish Public Library System 21 By Eddie Hughes, Southern University Baton Rouge Three Unsung Pioneers of the East Baton Rouge Parish Public Library System

28 The history of the United States of persevered, in spite of traditional reddened, 30-foot-high maypole The Tragic Fall of Mike Hanlon: One of American Fiction’s Only Black Male Librarians is America is saturated with reports racist practices, to become East with several heads of fish and bears Re-Imagined…As a Drug Addict of White Americans violating the Baton Rouge Parish Public library attached in sacrifice and dripping human and civil rights of African System’s first African American with blood that natives had sunk Americans. It is well documented information professionals. there to mark the land line between 30 that White Americans used race as a the two nations (Meyers 1976). Book Review: Real Women Do It Standing Up On Tuesday, March 17, 1699, the motivating factor to utilize a variety The red stick the French saw was first Europeans (French explorers) of mechanisms to oppress, exploit, probably used both as a boundary 31 visited the site known today as and degrade African Americans marker and for ceremonial Book Review: Tahira Ahmad’s Snapshots: Silent thoughts In Words Baton Rouge (at three o’clock in for the sole purpose of relegating purposes. D’Iberville called this the afternoon); in addition, this them to second class citizenship; area Baton Rouge (French phrase French expedition was headed by for instance, White Americans used for “The Red Stick”), and hence the Pierre Le Moyne, whose title was their dominance to deny African region’s name was born. Sieur d’Iberville (Carleton 1996). Americans access to professional As D’Iberville and his party traveled Baton Rouge was not incorporated organizations which led to a up the Mississippi River (passing until 1817. By 1860, a year before denial of opportunities to learn a the future locale of New Orleans) the start of the American Civil profession, establish networks, and they reached a small stream at the War, Baton Rouge had a residency chances to benefit from prospects right of the river (east bank) in of 16,046 persons; a little more of advancement into socioeconomic search of food. This small stream than 5,134 (32%) were Black; all hierarchy. For example, the denial separated the hunting grounds of but a small portion were slaves. of African American access to inner the Bayagoulas and the Houma The American Civil War was from circles of the library profession, Indians, living on the Istrouma 1861-1865 between 11 southern made it sensible for African Bluff (itti humma or istrouma). This slave Sates (Confederate States of Americans to conclude that the location was later renamed Scott’s America) and 23 United States of profession of librarianship was Bluff for Dr. William Bernard Scott America. The problem arose when a direct replica of mainstream who owned a plantation on that the United States government America. This report is a brief site (Scott’s Bluff is now part of would not allow southern plantation analysis of three pioneering African Southern University’s campus). owners to expand the institution American librarians and how they Its banks were separated by a of slavery into the new virgin 22 | BCALA NEWS | Volume 45, Issue 1 BCALA NEWS | Volume 45, Issue 1 | 23

territories in the western region 472.1 square miles (350,009 acres) TOTAL NUMBER OF PERSONS On Tuesday, February 6, 1900, unless the rules and regulations are slaves were to uplift themselves by 412,852 of the United States. This refusal along the Mississippi River, in the the Washington Fire Company of complied with. building homes and obtaining an WHITE to allow the expansion of slavery southeast part of the state. The 231,886 Baton Rouge passed a resolution education: “Take the Army out and 4. Members are not allowed to lend led wealthy southern planters to parish included three major cities: to grant permission for the Joanna four-fifths of the Town would be BLACK the book to any one, not a member manipulate state governments to Baton Rouge, Baker, and Zachary. 165,526 Waddill Chapter to use the second Negroes. They tare down Houses of their own family. secede from the Union, causing In 2006, Central became the newest OTHERS floor front room of its building as a and build for themselves upon 15,440 the American Civil War. In 1865, city in East Baton Rouge Parish and library; in addition, the Washington 5. Always take your membership Confiscated Ground. The Whole flat the Confederate States of America the 12th largest city in the state of Fire Company also donated $25.00 Down in Catfish [in south Baton In 2000, African Americans were ticket to the librarian when you surrendered and in that same year Louisiana. (Daily Advocate 1900) . On Rouge along the river] is covered 40.1% of East Baton Rouge Parish’s want a book, or it will not be given the United States government Thursday, May 10, 1900, the Joanna out. with Little Negro Shantyes and the Baton Rouge has transformed from total population. passed the Thirteenth Amendment Waddill Chapter of the United [public] Schools are very full of an Indian village to a prosperous 6. In changing your place of to officially abolish slavery and The history of Baton Rouge Daughters of the Confederacy Negroes” (Carleton 1996). Even as metropolis. It has the Baton Rouge residence, notify the librarian, and involuntary servitude. Public Library service began on formally opened the Baton Rouge Baton Rouge’s African Americans Metropolitan Airport (Ryan Field) give the new address. Saturday, April 8, 1899, when 22 Public Library at 406 Church Street made progress, by 1890, they met By 1870, five years after the end which serves three major airlines; white women of Baton Rouge were near the Church Street and Laurel Peculiarly, one very important rule serious opposition from greedy of slavery, Baton Rouge had a rail service is provided by five granted a charter by the National Street intersection (Church St. is was omitted, the ruled that declared wealthy white “gentlemen” who population of 17,816 residents, railroads; and the expanding Port of Office of the United Daughters now North 4th St.). Because of “For White Only.” The Baton “bulldozed” industrious Black including 9,264 African Americans. Greater Baton Rouge ranks seventh of the Confederacy (UDC); thus, the social custom in Baton Rouge Rouge Public Library was designed farmers by harassing, whipping, By this time the African American among major ports of the nation the Joanna Waddill Chapter (and other southern cities) this to serve 8,055 people (the white or killing them if they would population was 52% of Baton and second in Louisiana. of the United Daughters of the new library would be off limits to community) which represented only not “sell their property cheaply” Rouge; consequently, this was due Confederacy was established. The In 2000, East Baton Rouge Parish African Americans. The next day a little more than 25.8% of the total (Hair 1969). Nevertheless, largely to the decline of its white UDC is an association of women school system consisted of 101 the library published the following population. The other 75% were not African Americans of Baton population who chose to abandon who honor those who fought and public and 49 private schools. six rules in the local newspaper: permitted to partake in the library’s Rouge continued to persevere and the city when the Confederate died to save and preserve the Baton Rouge supported 35 libraries. public privileges. make a great effort to fortify their States of America lost the war. 1. Every member is entitled to one Thirteen of these were parish tradition of white leverage and existence. Whites began returning to Baton book at a time, and must return In the mean time, the African libraries. Higher education was white privilege. The women in the Rouge in 1909 when Standard Oil it to the library in one week from American community was laboring In 1928, East Baton Rouge Parish provided by a community college UDC assert descendancy of those (now Exxon) chose to build an oil the time it was taken out, when, if earnestly to establish, maintain, metropolitan accommodated two and two four-year public land- whom they honor. Upon applying refinery in Baton Rouge; by 1930 desired, it can be renewed for a like and preserve, its own culture. In historically Black Colleges and grant universities: Baton Rouge for the charter these women the white population had once again period. The librarian will check the the early nineteen hundreds Baton Universities (Southern University Community College (BRCC), an announced that their organization become the majority (Carleton month and day on which a book is Rouge’s African Americans had relocated from New Orleans in open admissions, two-year post- would be “educational in purpose 1996). taken and returned by a member. a profound desire to eradicate 1914 and Leland College relocated secondary public community and chose as its first project illiteracy and promote the pomp of from New Orleans in 1923). By In 2000, the City of Baton Rouge college; Southern University (SU), the organization of a library for 2. Any member who shall retain middle class attitudes, interests, 1928, African Americans in Baton was the parish seat and the recognized as the only Historically the city.” Pickney Smith of New a book longer than the time and values. This striving to “pick Rouge had organized their own dominant center of business, Black College and University Orleans, daughter of a Confederate permitted, shall be fined one cent themselves up by their boot straps” library room (room 300) in the culture, education, and finance. System in America; and Louisiana general, laid the original foundation per day until the same is returned. began immediately after the Civil Old Fellow Masonic Temple, on Baton Rouge was also the key State University (LSU), a traditional stone when she contributed $10 for 3. A fine of the value of the book War ended. As early as 1870, an North Boulevard. By Tuesday industrial city in the area and the leader among the nation’s the public library services in East will be charged [to] any member observant white resident of Baton September 4, 1928, members of the center of an immense chemical institutions. Baton Rouge, during her journey losing or injuring (beyond Rouge testified to the overwhelming Burroughs-Talbert Club, curators and petroleum complex on the to Baton Rouge, for the purpose 2000 Census Population of Library Room 300, dispatched a of assisting the Joanna Waddill reasonable wear) the same and number of Blacks in the city and Mississippi River. East Baton East Baton Rouge Parish no other book will be given them how eager the newly freed ex- message soliciting citizens of East Rouge Parish was comprised of Chapter. 24 | BCALA NEWS | Volume 45, Issue 1 BCALA NEWS | Volume 45, Issue 1 | 25

Baton Rouge Parish for financial Saturday, December 19, 1942, the white power structure of Baton and completed the program in the latest two African American the Civil Rights Act of 1964 which aid, loans, and gifts of magazines eighth Branch (Carver) opened, Rouge for violating the Civil Rights 1981. West began her professional librarians who boosted the African prohibited segregated public or books. This dispatch is proof for African American patrons, of African Americans and for librarian career in reference within American librarians’ count from facilities and services. In September that in spite of being locked out of above the Eagle Drug Store at 1265 denying them political and social the East Baton Rouge Parish Public five to seven. West says she never of 1966, Carter became the second mainstream Baton Rouge, African Government Street, on the corner equality which whites vowed to Library System. Soon West was really had a mentor although her African American to enroll in the Americans still sought ways to of Government Street and 13th forever prevent. appointed manager, in 1981, of the first supervisor took her under her masters of library science program sustain themselves. In 1920, Street (13th St. has been renamed Delmont Gardens Branch which is wing. For other African American at LSU (Ollie H. Burns was the East Baton Rouge Parish Public 23,098 African Americans lived Eddie Robinson Blvd). This new located in an old historically white Librarians who are aspiring to first). Although the MLS program Library System has since been in Baton Rouge, 51.9% of the total library was four and a half blocks neighborhood that has become become administrators, West at LSU was only 36 hours all MLS integrated but the road trotted population. from the library room at Old Fellow predominantly African American. suggests they “be involved and candidates who did not receive their by African American librarians Masonic Temple on North Blvd. participate in associations.” undergraduate degree in library In 1900, Baton Rouge’s white has indeed been stony. In 2000, In 1993, West was promoted to The Carver Branch was to provide science, from LSU, had to take population was 8,055. By 1930, East Baton Rouge Parish Public assistant director which makes In 1958, Elva Jewel Carter library service for the entire African the additional 18 hours as well. In Baton Rouge’s white population had Library System was directed by her the first African American graduated from SU with a American community, nearly consequence of these stipulations, risen to 38,784, a 20.7% increase; ten administrators; of which, one administrator in the East Baton bachelor’s of science degree in 33,597 people. In 2000, the East Carter did not finish the program consequently, this meant the library (Felicia West) was an African Rouge Parish Public Library business education. While at SU, Baton Rouge Parish Public Library until 1972; she eventually took also experienced at least a 20.7% American. Likewise, there were System. According to West, she she learned cataloging, because System was composed of one main every class in library science that influx of patrons as well. This 30 professional librarians and sees life “through rose colored Southern offered nine hours in library and 12 branches which were LSU offered. influx proved to be a bit much for seven were African Americans. glasses”; for that reason, she does library studies. It was in these headed by ten administrators. At a makeshift library/fire company This segment of the report will not interpret incidents (as her classes that Carter realized she After her first 18 hours, in 1967, least one library was located in and by 1928, the UDC Library had be an introduction to the lone friends & colleagues do) as racist. wanted to become a librarian. In Carter was eligible to do her each historically or predominately moved twice in response to a need administrator Felicia West and The example she gave was in 1960, Carter received a scholarship internship at the integrated Dufrocq African American neighborhood. for more space; as a result, librarian two (Elva Jewel Carter & Geralyn April, of 2000, the director of East from Atlanta University’s (now Elementary (in 1923 Dufrocq Mae Barrow, lobbied the parish By the end of the first half of the Legard Davis) of the seven Baton Rouge Public Library (John known as Clark Atlanta University) opened as an all white elementary for a legitimate public library. twentieth century, Baton Rouge, African American librarians. Richard) retired and West applied School of Library Studies under school, today Dufrocq is about 50% On Monday, November 9, 1936, like other cities in southern regions These two were chosen due to for the position. The East Baton Virginia Jones (the program African American and 50% white). a representative group from 28 of America, was predictably their achievements, hard work, Rouge Parish Public Library System closed at the end of the 2004-2005 While at Dufrocq, Carter became civic clubs met with city and parish racist. To presume that the white and reputations; also, due to the (which is known for promoting academic year). Unfortunately, known as a children’s specialist. officials to obtain a public library community in Baton Rouge coordinating efforts and vision of from within) hired a director Carter did not have the extra Later in the year of 1967, Carter through federal aid. In just three deviated from America’s southern Mrs. Felicia West. (Lydia Acosta) from without. Many money to defray the cost of living was promoted to Baton Rouge years (Thursday, September 14, culture, when other southern cities of West’s friends and colleagues and studying in Atlanta. In the High School where she became the Felicia West graduated from 1939) the East Baton Rouge Parish embraced the philosophy of white tried to convince her that she was meantime, Carter worked as a first Black staff member of the last Capital High School (of Baton Public Library opened at 700 Laurel supremacy, would be inaccurate; on skipped over because East Baton library clerk at Capital High School integrated high school in Baton Rouge) in 1972. She attended Street three blocks from the original the other hand, it would be logical Rouge Parish Public Library System in Baton Rouge. Rouge. Carter remained at Baton SU and in 1976, she received a UDC Library (although the library to assume that Baton Rouge was a is racist. Rouge High until she retired in bachelor’s of science in secondary In 1965 the American Library faced Laurel St. it was on the corner typical southern town, especially if 1990. Due to her work at Dufrocq, math education. From 1974-77, According to West, because Association made it mandatory that of 7th St. and Laurel St.), again for one examines the 1953 Bus Boycott in 1974, Carter was offered a moon West worked as a page in the there are “not many Blacks in all librarians have a master’s degree “Whites Only.” Since East Baton staged by the Black community at lighting job at the Central Library East Baton Parish Public Library the system” there are not more from an accredited institution; Rouge Parish Public Library would large and the 1960 sit in staged by (now referred to as the Main System. During her sophomore African American librarians who consequently, in that same year, serve more than just Baton Rouge, SU students. The boycott and the Library). At the Central Library, year, she yielded to an enjoyment have become administrators. LSU opened its doors to admit plans were conceived, immediately, sit-ins were forms of non-violent Carter says she single handily set for librarian work. In 1978, West However, she is proud that she African American students in to build more branches. On disobedient protest aimed at the up the entire young adult children’s enrolled in LSU’s library school was instrumental in the hiring of response to a federal mandate of 26 | BCALA NEWS | Volume 45, Issue 1 BCALA NEWS | Volume 45, Issue 1 | 27

literature area. In 1993, after anything, pay your way,” but most East Baton Rouge Parish Public West was promoted to assistant importantly “use your brain.” Library’s method of measuring. than the Carver Branch; in the same process that will constitute a city Parish, Louisiana" (Ph. D. diss, director, Carter was promoted Davis says her patrons utilize the way, the Carver Branch was also that is responsive to the reality of Louisiana State University, 1959). Geralyn Legard Davis attended to head librarian of the Delmont material for projects and home relocated to a larger building with multiculturalism and equal sharing McKinley High School. At one Daily Advocate, May 11, 1900. Gardens Branch. Carter said she work but seldom check items out. “expansive glass walls that frame a of political power. Today Baton time McKinley was the only high William Ivy. Hair, Bourbonism would remain branch manager Since items are not checked out spectacular and breathtaking view Rouge has a quasi progressive school in Baton Rouge that African and Agrarian Protest: Louisiana until another Black librarian has and checked in there is no way of of the Mississippi River Bridge.” public library system; due in Americans were allowed to attend. Politics 1877-1900. been trained to take her place. determining whether or not her Although the system still has only part, to three pioneering African Davis earned her bachelor’s degree Baton Rouge, Louisiana State Fortunately for Carter one of the patrons are utilizing the items. one African American administrator American librarians who refused in social welfare from SU. She University Press, 1969 two new Black librarians, hired Davis adds that if her branch had (Mercedes Cobb) it does have to accept this notion that African also earned a masters in sociology by West, works at the Delmont a door counter it would prove five African American librarians Americans could not effectively Stuart Landry, Louisiana Almanac from SU and she earned 15 hours (New Orleans: Pelican Pub House, Gardens Branch; alas, today the the Carver Branch needed more heading branches which is higher demonstrate the ability to apply toward a doctorate degree in social 1990). manager of the Delmont Gardens funding but the administration says than the two they had in the year practice and perspectives of work at LSU. After an unfulfilling Branch is white. Carver can only get a door counter 2000. When the library system does managing information resources Rosa Mae Miller Meyers, A History career in social work, in 1987, Davis of Baton Rouge: 1699-1812 (Baton when circulation has improved. promote or hire at least one other and technology, in a professional Carter said her most memorable worked part time in reference for Rouge: Louisiana State University Davis feels this just an attempt by African American administrator, library setting. racist incident occurred in 1973, six months at the Central Library. Press, c1976). the administration to keep major many librarians, as well as outsider when she was applying for full- By 1995, Davis had earned an MLS BIBLIOGRAPHY Morning Advocate, September 14, funding for libraries in the white observers, will believe the library time employment at the East degree from LSU. In 1996, Davis http://brgov.com/dept/planning/ 1939. neighborhoods. system is truly engaged in an effort Baton Rouge Parish school board. became the manager of the Carver facts.htm#Location to integrate itself; as of now, many United States. Bureau of the Her application, for some reason, Branch, which in 1942, became Davis says she did not have a Census, Negroes in the United find it absurd that although the http://www.ebr.lib.la.us/branch/ was lost. Carter submitted two the first parish supported library mentor but she did have a professor States: 1920-1932 (Washington: system has successfully become Carver.htm additional applications and those for African Americans. The Carver who inspired her to go to school. U. S. govt. print. off., 1935). estranged from its Confederate were lost as well. Carter told her Branch is also the neighborhood Her professor taught her that the Baton Rouge Daily Advocate origins it is still steadfast to its Thursday, November 27, 1890. story to a classmate who happened library Davis used as a child. Black community must embrace outdated “one token Negro at a to be the sister-in-law of the reading because reading is the last Baton Rouge State Time Tuesday, Davis said in her opinion the time” promotion policy. mayor’s secretary (Mayor Woodrow vestige of slavery. To young African September 4, 1928. practice of racism is a part of the “Woody” Wilson Dumas). After Americans aspiring to be librarians, In 2004, Melvin “Kip” Holden Mark T. Carleton, River culture of East Baton Rouge Parish a speedy but firm message from Davis suggests “don’t be traditional, was elected Baton Rouge’s first Capital: An illustrated Public Library System. Davis also the mayor’s office, Carter’s initial be assertive, be savvy, and African American mayor, which history of Baton Rouge, revealed that soon after she and American Historical Press, c1996). application was found. As for sophisticated when dealing with can be interpreted as an indication Bobby Burns, a Black man, (library mentors, Carter says she did not people.” Her philosophy is “service that Baton Rouge, like many cities James Sanders Cookston, technician) began complaining have one; although, she had some coming in service going out.” in America’s southern region, "Development of Public Library of the racism, Felicia West was Service In East Baton Rouge friends. One friend was a white is receptive to a transformation appointed assistant director. Davis Today, ten years later, only one of woman named Jenny Nia. Nia was was one of West’s friends and the three pioneers, Geralyn Legard her supervisor at Dufrocq and made colleagues who tried to convince Davis, is still employed with the it possible for Carter to secure West that she was skipped over for East Baton Rouge Public Library employment at Baton Rouge High. the position of director because System. The other two has since Carter’s Advise to young African East Baton Rouge Parish Public retired. Davis has transferred Americans who are aspiring Library System is racist. Davis twice to (Scotlandville Branch to become librarians is “work believes that her branch (Carver) & Greenwell Springs Regional hard, don’t expect or ask for was being denied funding due to Branch) manage larger libraries 28 | BCALA NEWS | Volume 45, Issue 1 BCALA NEWS | Volume 45, Issue 1 | 29

information and knowledge to the miniseries at least, there was nothing slurs toward Mike during an Losers as they battled IT/Pennywise, to not like about Mike. He was an encounter with him, and it is explicitly the same way highly-decorated actor all-around positive character. He was conveyed that Henry’s hatred of Mike Tim Reid did when he starred as Mike successful, intelligent, and lived a is racially motivated. In the 2017 film, in the made-for-television miniseries clean life. He was the one who brought audiences can likely infer that Henry’s The Tragic Fall of Mike Hanlon: 28 years ago. With the first chapter of The Losers’ Club back together to hold hatred of Mike is racially-based, but it the film making over $700 million at them to their promise to defeat the is not blatantly obvious. One of American Fiction’s Only the box office and becoming a smash fear and flesh-gobbling monster. And Given that I am lamenting the loss of hit in 2017, I was nearly salivating at he was something exceptionally rare uniqueness in Mike’s character in this the idea of audiences seeing a Black in American fiction AND REALITY: a Black Male Librarians is column, I could normally forgive the male librarian doing big things in a big Black male librarian. downplaying of the racial elements movie next year. Re-Imagined…As a Drug Addict And now Mike will be a fictional Black of the conflict between Mike and My excitement has officially been male junkie. Did we really need any Henry. After all, depictions of racial By Jason Alston, Coastal Carolina University quelled, however, as I guess the more of those? Has this not been done conflict in American fiction certainly developers of the new adaptations of to death already? are not hard to find elsewhere. “IT” thought the progressive idea of But what was striking in the 1990 (Author’s note: I typically do not read fiction, and I have not read the novel “IT” by Stephen King. As I mentioned in my author’s note the Black character being educated miniseries was that Mike overcame above, I have not read the novel, so Therefore, any descriptions of the novel itself are derived from online summaries of the novel and and using knowledge and information the struggles and strife of being hated what I am sharing in this paragraph is admittedly may miss key details. I have watched the 1990 made-for-television miniseries of “IT”, as power wasn’t cliché enough. So, as one of the lone Black residents of based on summaries of the novel and they’ve resorted to a common trope a nearly all-white New England town as well as the 2017 film “IT”, which is the first of a two-part film adaptation of the novel.) second-hand information from friends for fictional Black characters and and that his strength and resolve and acquaintances that have read the reimagined Mike – the story’s most – versus geekiness, nerdiness or When I was hired to my first men into this field through formal likely by others in my field. novel. But it is my understanding that prominent Black character – in the social awkwardness – paved his path professional librarian job in 2008 at and informal methods, including Mike’s intellectual side was already That’s why I was so excited about film adaptation… as a drug addict. toward becoming the town librarian. the age of 25, I was told at the time speaking to Black male students downplayed in the 2017 film. Mike part two of the movie adaptation of It seemed like the novel and 1990 that I was quite possibly one of the who are preparing to graduate from Andy Muschietti, director of the was apparently well-versed in the local Stephen King’s “IT” hitting theaters miniseries versions of Mike Hanlon ten youngest practicing Black male college about careers in librarianship, new film adaptations of King’s work, history of Derry even as a child in the in 2019. Fans of the novel and/or the defied every trope typically tacked on librarians in the United States who and introducing my Phi Beta Sigma revealed to “Entertainment Weekly” novel; in the 1990 miniseries, the child 1990 made-for-television miniseries to librarians in fiction. had an ALA-accredited masters fraternity brothers – young and old – that in the 2019 continuation of the version of Mike does have a strong know that Mike Hanlon, one of degree in library science. Then again, to potential careers in my field. story, Mike will be “a librarian junkie.” grasp on local Derry history and even And now, Mike will simply join the Derry, Maine’s few Black residents at the time there were believed to only Mike will apparently still grow up to delivers a presentation on the history legions of fictional Black characters Though I’d never wish to be overly- and the only Black member of “The be about 600 practicing Black male be a librarian just as he does in the of Derry in school one day. However, who abuse drugs and show an reliant on fictional depictions of Losers’ Club” (the group of children librarians total in the country; Black novel and the 1990 miniseries, but in the 2017 film, Mike’s character inability to cope with the realities they librarianship to sell Black men on who serve as protagonists in the men therefore made up about 0.5 while the rest of The Losers’ Club will does not flash his intellectual side face in life. the idea of becoming librarians, I do story), grows up to become the town percent of the professional American still become successful as adults, Mike very much, and fellow Loser’s Club believe that seeing images – real life librarian and uses his knowledge and Please allow me to clarify that I’m librarian workforce. will struggle with drug addiction. I member Ben Hanscom becomes the or fictional – of relatable Black men skills as a librarian to contribute to not calling for fiction writers to presume this will mean he will not resident local history expert for The My hope is that when the next round working as librarians may deconstruct the battle between The Losers’ Club cease and desist with creating Black come across as being as successful as Losers’ Club. of “Diversity Counts” figures are some barriers that prevent Black as adults and “IT/Pennywise”, the characters who struggle with drugs. his white counterparts in The Losers’ released by the American Library men from viewing librarianship shapeshifting, malevolent entity that Also clearly downplayed in the 2017 Drug abuse among Black Americans Club, and it also likely means his Association, those figures will reveal as a viable and respectable career terrorizes and feeds upon the people film adaptation of “IT” is the racial – as well as Americans of all races addiction will play a large role in how that the number of Black male choice. However, because Black male of Derry roughly every 27 years. Mike element to the bullying that Mike – is unfortunately a real issue and I the story unfolds, while his occupation librarians in this country will have librarians are so hard to find in real happens to be the only fictional Black endures at the hands of the deranged have no desire to pretend that this as town librarian will play a smaller increased significantly since last life, fictional depictions of cool Black male librarian I am aware of, and juvenile degenerate Henry Bowers and real issue does not exist and does not role in the story’s unfolding. decade. But in the meantime, I have male librarians doing positive things I was very excited to see some new his friends. In the 1990 miniseries, complicate the lives of many great tried to do my part by recruiting Black would be very welcome by myself and Black male librarian badass supply Kudos, Mr. Muschietti. Kudos. In the Henry and his friends direct racial families in our nation. However, 30 | BCALA NEWS | Volume 45, Issue 1 BCALA NEWS | Volume 45, Issue 1 | 31

reimagining this positive Black male when he created Mike. And now Mike a community overcome its threats practical. If you’re wearing heels and zip code, go to a different Wal-Mart. advice about life as a comedienne. character as a junkie just seems wholly is reduced to a stereotype. and challenges. All the same, my suddenly have to run for your life... It really broadens you.” In this Lord is honest about the comedy inappropriate and unnecessary. quest to bring more Black males into you’re dead.” The reason I enjoy this particular opener to a section “On profession. Also, in the memoir, The adult Mike Hanlon of the 2019 Just this once, I wanted to have my librarianship will continue. It just quote is because as a librarian I enjoy the road,” she tells her experience of she mentioned how some gigs are a part-two of “IT” will not be a character fictional Black male librarian hero on stings a bit that I’ve lost a key ally in dressing professionally for work, but traveling around the world for shows. bit questionable to one’s morals or that I can present to other Black males the big screen in a hit movie. Stephen this quest. finding a good pair of shoes is equally Lord had traveled graciously abroad affects their freedom of speech. Most as the badass librarian whose handle King created a truly unique character as important. Because I am on my and domestically while bringing her important, Leighann Lord debunked on information and knowledge helps feet a lot, high-heels are not the most stand-up to the Navy and Armed the typical stereotype of an African practical shoes to wear for me. As for Forces. Essentially, Lord’s stories in American woman and comedienne. Lord doing stand-up comedy, it is as this chapter give the reader a sense This talented woman had a way in equally as important to be comfortable of appreciation for not taking life combating those challenges of being a in performing. for granted, and by traveling it will comedian. broaden your horizons. Throughout Another practical quote that was the book, Leighann Lord kept true Book Review: Real Women memorable is, “It’s very important to herself. She mentions in many to travel. You have to get out of your Do It Standing Up places in the memoir how she gives By Tasha Martinez

The book that I had selected to learning some lifelong lessons. review for the BCALA publication The book is organized in a creative was “Real Women Do It Standing way. The book itself is 286 pages Book Review: Tahira Ahmad’s Up: Stories from the Career of a long. The book is divided into seven Very Funny Lady.” Leighann Lord sections, and within the sections are is a comedienne, author, and radio/ Snapshots: Silent thoughts In Words short stories that fit the overall theme TV co-host. This memoir shares By Linda Jolivet, Laney Community College. of the section. At the beginning of each stories of Lord’s life and career as a short story, there is a quote or a clue comedienne in a humorist way. Lord per se about what the reader will read begins her book by explaining how Over 30 “free verse” poems share people. I recommend this title for next. Those quotes definitely set the she got into comedy after getting an the inner thoughts of the author, young adult and adult collections. tone for the next section, but don’t undergraduate degree in journalism family woman, and poet. These inner be surprised if while you’re reading (Editor’s note: Ahmad is a member and getting a regular nine to five. By reflections echo universal thoughts you flip back to the quote. Finally, the of BCALA. Purchasing and other finding her niche, Lord goes to tell and concerns of a mother, daughter, book has a lot of whitespace which information is available at https:// her tales in a chronological way. As and thoughtful human. A few of the doesn’t hinder the eyes of the reader. www.amazon.com/Snapshots- the book progresses, Lord explains poems are prayerful expressions, Silent-Thoughts-Tahira-Ahmad/ some difficult questions such as: how others are thoughts on love, life, earth, Lord, Leighann. My overall impression of the book dp/1480858153 ) do you balance content of being an community, and hopes and dreams. Real Women Do It was great. As a person who does not artist, how can you relate to them with Standing Up. New York, NY: enjoy humor books much, this was The work “Who Am I?” reflects upon your content, and how do you stick to the first one that I have enjoyed. the oneness of all humanity, as does Leighann Lord; 2016. your true person without conforming Throughout the book, Lord gave “The Earth – Like a Home” and “A to the stereotype of being an African practical advice about life with the Wish”. “For All Little Girls and Boys”, 286p. American woman in comedy. With quotes she made in many situations. and “Girls and Boys Who Rocked Our $15.00 Paperback. Lord’s words, the reader can read The first quote that I will share is, “I World” are inspirational poems which ISBN: 978-0-9862093 the passion of her profession while love high-heeled shoes but they’re not are certain to be appreciated by young Jason Alston BCALA News PLACE Kimbel Library POSTAGE 376 University Blvd HERE Conway, SC 29528 www.bcala.org

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