LITR 5731: Seminar in American Minority Literature
University of Houston-Clear Lake, fall 2001
Student Research Proposal

Philonis Stevenson

Hi Dr. White,

This correspondence is in regards to my idea for my research project. What I propose to do is a research journal on the Harlem Renaissance. I am a literature major with a passion for creative writing, so of course the literary artists vie for my attention. However, I want to explore not only the literary realm but music and the visual arts as well.

In order to take it a step further, I'd like to juxtapose what was going on in New York with what was going on in Texas. I've read somewhere (where I don't remember) that at the same time Texas was going through what was called the Lone Star Renaissance, which of course J. Mason Brewer was a part. I don't know anything about the Lone Star Renaissance but it fascinates me to think that African American Texans found time to participate in the arts when for the most part, there was still cotton to pick.

Also, I want to take a look at the Urban League and the NAACP and what they did, to quote DuBoise, help "move the race forward." I am thinking I'll have a couple of pages on each area, perhaps more if there is adequate data available. That's about all I have figured out about the set up of my journal so far. Any suggestions you have will be appreciated

Dear Philonis,

Given the range and variety of your interests, a journal sounds like the right option. I have a video concerning Harlem Renaissance painters somewhere in my office. If you'll drop by and remind me to, I'll look for it and loan it to you.

If you want to expand the range of the subject not just to music and visual art but beyond Harlem, maybe another term besides Harlem Renaissance is called for--Here and there I've seen critics saying "Harlem Renaissance" is too confining a description for an upsure of artistic activity that was taking place in a number of American cities.

Earlier this semester I discussed Mason Brewer with a student--was that you? (Can't find my email on the subject.) Anyway, in case you weren't, you may want to know that a few years ago a UHCL grad student completed a Literature M. A. Thesis concerning Mason Brewer. The student's name is Sandra Flowers. If you wanted to review the thesis (plus or minus some other sources), that could make a few pages of a journal. (I smiled big when I read your description of African American Texans finding time for the arts "when there was still cotton to pick.") I hadn't heard of the phrase "Lone Star Renaissance" before now, but it sounds good. Where'd you come upon it?

Your interest in DuBois and in the Urban League could further expand the journal so that it features not just the arts but journalism or academic studies.

Your opening and closing to such a broad journal could assess how we can describe such a multifaceted, multi-site renaissance. What historical and personal forces came together during the 1910s and 20s so that so many African American people found their voice or other opportunities of expression?

Regards,

Craig White