Kuumba Theatre Company Records

Dates: 1969-1996; Bulk dates: 1970-1986
Size: 20 linear feet in 38 boxes and 6 oversize folders, includes 164 photographs, 43 negatives, 31 slides, 10 artifacts
Repository: Chicago Public Library, Harold Washington Library Center, Special Collections, 400 S. State Street, Chicago, IL 60605
Collection Number: spe-ctc-ktc
Immediate Source of Acquisition: Donated by Kuumba Theatre in 1988. Additional materials donated by Angela Weaver in 2005.
Conditions Governing Access: Materials are open without restrictions.
Conditions Governing Use: Please consult staff to determine ability to reuse materials from collection.
Preferred Citation: When quoting material from this collection the preferred citation is Kuumba Theatre Company Records, Box #, Folder #, Special Collections, Chicago Public Library
Finding Aid Author: Original author unknown. Updated and ingested into ArchivesSpace by Michelle McCoy, 2023.

Abstract

The Kuumba Theatre Company was founded in 1969 by Chicago dramatist, Val Gray Ward. The collection contains the theater company’s production history files, administrative records, artistic files and affiliations with a range of community and political organizations. The documentation includes the work of local playwrights along with the company’s nationally recognized productions, The Amen Corner, The Little Dreamer and In the House of the Blues.

Biographical/Historical

The Kuumba Theatre Company was founded in 1969 by Val Gray Ward. The word ‘Kuumba’ means ‘to create’ or ‘creativity’ in Kiswahila and proved an apt name for the company. Ward’s desire was to build an all-inclusive arts organization that would offer a wide range of activities with the primary focus being the production of live theater. Ward wanted to produce plays that had social significance but could also entertain an audience. Kuumba Theatre produced work by local playwrights such as Eugene (Useni) Perkins and Charles Moore, as well as nationally known writers Samm-Art Williams and James Baldwin. Kuumba also produced staged adaptations of the poetry and prose of Haki Madhubuti (Don L. Lee) and Gwendolyn Brooks

During the 1970s, Kuumba developed what they called a ritual form of theater in which the performers interpreted the words of the playwright or poet to induce interaction with the audience. The company valued dramatic spontaneity and improvisation. Many of their shows required very little props or sets, making them highly suitable for community and neighborhood touring.

Aside from theater, Kuumba sponsored book parties, poetry readings, exhibits, writing workshops and films. Their commitment to social responsibility was evident in their community forums, often focusing on the media’s portrayal of blacks.

By the late 1970s and mid-1980s, Kuumba had produced three shows that garnered national attention. The first was James Baldwin’s The Amen Corner that toured to San Antonio, Texas, Detroit, Michigan, and was part of Black Festival USA at Lincoln Center in 1979. In 1981 Kuumba staged their first production of Ed Shockley’s The Little Dreamer: A Night in the Life of Bessie Smith, starring Sue Conway. An extremely popular show, this was restaged at the Ivanhoe Theatre on Chicago’s North Side, featuring Odetta in the title role and blues great Valerie Wellington. In 1984, In the House of the Blues was featured at both the Chicago and Montreal Blues Festivals.

Scope and Contents

The Kuumba Theatre Company Records contain the theater company’s production history files, administrative records, affiliations with a range of community and political organizations and artistic files that include the work of local playwrights along with the company’s nationally recognized productions, The Amen Corner, The Little Dreamer and In the House of the Blues. The collection contains correspondence, financial records, grant administration materials, memos, news clippings, performance summaries, photographs, posters, programs, publicity materials and scripts. Additional materials include transcripts of Lu Palmer’s radio program, Lu’s Notebook from 1973 to 1982.

Processing Note

To make this collection available to you more quickly, some folder content has only been minimally processed and may reflect the original order in which it was received. As such, not all folders are chronologically or otherwise arranged, and subjects may be dispersed throughout the collection. Researchers may encounter records of a sensitive nature. Privacy laws and/or other restrictions may prohibit the use of names and other personal information which might identify an individual, except with written permission.

Arrangement

The Kuumba Theatre Company Records are arranged into three series:

  • Series 1: Production Files, 1970-1996
  • Series 2: Administrative Files, 1969-1993, undated
  • Series 3: Artistic Files, 1970-1984, undated

Subject Headings

  • African American theater -- Illinois -- Chicago -- Archives
  • Biregeu, Babatu
  • Black arts movement -- Illinois -- Chicago
  • Black theater -- Illinois -- Chicago
  • Kuumba Theatre Company
  • Kuumba Workshop (Organization : Chicago, Ill.)
  • Theater -- Illinois -- Chicago -- Photographs
  • Theater -- Illinois -- Chicago -- 20th century -- Sources
  • Theater -- History -- Sources
  • Theater production and direction
  • Theater studying and teaching -- Sources
  • Palmer, Lu (1922-2004)
  • Perkins, Useni Eugene
  • Ward, Val Gray

Related Materials

  • Black Ensemble Theater Company Records
  • eta Creative Arts Foundation
  • Free Street Theater Company Records
  • Dorothy Rogers Livingston Papers
  • Goodman Theatre Archives
  • Stage Left Theatre Records
  • Val Gray Ward Papers
  • Effinger, Marta Jenell, Black Women as Laborers and Leaders: Val Gray Ward and Barbara Ann Teer in the Black Theatre Movement, Thesis (M.A.)--Yale University, 1994 Call no.: PN2270.A35E38 1994

Collection Inventory

Series 1: Production Files, 1970-1996

Scope and Contents

Series 1 documents Kuumba’s productions and performances from 1970 to 1996, the bulk of which occurred from the mid-1970s through the mid-1980s. The materials include cast lists, cue sheets and audition forms, performance summaries, photographs, posters, programs, promotional materials, reviews and scripts. The bulk of the photographs were taken by Doyle Wicks.

Productions include:
  • The Amen Corner by James Baldwin, directed and designed by Mical Whitaker, lights by Babatu Biregu, 1978 October 12-December 31
  • The Amen Corner by James Baldwin, San Antonio, Texas, 1979 January 25-28
  • The Amen Corner by James Baldwin, Springfield, Massachusetts, 1979 May 18-23
  • The Amen Corner by James Baldwin, Detroit, Michigan, 1980 July 24-August 24
  • The Amen Corner by James Baldwin, 1981 December 5-January 4
  • The Amen Corner by James Baldwin, 1986 November
  • Among All This You Stand Like a Fine Brownstone: A Tribute to Gwendolvn Brooks adapted by Vantile Whitfield, directed by Val Gray Ward and Jaye T. Stewart, sets by Juan Miller, lights by Babatu Berigu, costumes by Francine Lee, 1980 February 14-March 30
  • Black is So Beautiful by Eugene Perkins, A Children’s Theatre Workshop, 1979 August
  • Black Mass by Amiri Baraka, directed by Douglas Johnson, 1976 April 23-May 15
  • A Black Woman Speaks, directed by Val Gray Ward, with Beah Richards and Sweet Honey in the Rock, 1978 February 3-12
  • The Brownsville Raid by Charles Fuller, directed by John O’Neil, music by Reginald McLaughlin, sets and lights by Babatu Biregu, with Ernest Perry, 1979 February 9-April 1
  • Chocolate Chips: A Black History Presentation based on the poetry of Carolyn Rogers, G.B. Dudley Randall, et al., directed by Nora Brooks Blakely, 1983 February
  • Deadwood Dick by W.B. Burdine Jr., directed by Reggie Life, music by Grenaldo Frazier, sets by Juan Miller, lights by Babatu Biregu, costumes by Yaumilton Brown, 1979 October 5-December 30
  • Deadwood Dick by W.B. Burdine Jr., directed by Edward Richardson, 1983 October 28-December 22
  • Destruction or Unity: Anthology of Poetry and Contribution by Ted Shine, 1970 November
  • Echoes and Images by Val Gray Ward, 1984 February
  • Five on the Black Hand Side by Charlie Russell, directed by Val Gray Ward, lights by Gwen Gilliam, sets by Gwen Gilliam, Edward ‘Fats’ Crawford and W.D. Street, costumes by Carol Freeman, 1974 November
  • Flowers for the Trashman by Marvin (X) Johnson, Touring, undated
  • Flowers for the Trashman by Marvin (X) Johnson, 1984 February
  • Fred Hampton by Eugene Perkins and Sister Son/ji by Sofia Sanchez, directed by Val Gray Ward, lights and sound by Babatu Biregeu and Emily Dixon, sets by Walter D. Street and Debra Jackson, 1975 February 7-March 29
  • Future Spirit based on the life and writings of Haki R. Madhubuti (Don L. Lee), directed by Nora Brooks Blakely and Sheila Radford-Hill, lighting by Babatu Biregeu, 1975 April 4-May 31
  • Give Yourself to Jesus written and directed by Lewis Williams and Ricky by Eugenia Collins, directed by Terry Cullers, sets by Pamela Peniston, lights by Babatu Biregeu, 1976 September 24-November 14
  • I Am a Black Woman, by Val Gray Ward, 1984 February
  • The Image Makers by Useni Eugene Perkins, Apollo Theater, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, [1970] September 9-14
  • The Image Makers by Useni Eugene Perkins, 1977 December 10-January 9
  • In the House of the Blues by David Charles, directed by Buddy Butler, musical director Carl ‘Kansas’ Fields, costumes by Ingrid Grimes and Jonathan Lucas, lights by Babatu Biregu, sets by Babatu, Larry Crowe and Buddy Butler, 1984 October 18-November 24
  • Konvergence and Void Passage by Pat J. Gibson, directed by Mical Whitaker with Val Gray Ward, 1978
  • The Little Dreamer AKA Bessie Smith by Ed Shockley, directed by Imani J. Douglas, music by ‘Little Brother’ Montgomery, choreography by Lamont Taylor, sets by Robert Dillsworth, lights by Babatu Biregu with Sue Conway, 1981 December
  • Little Dreamer: A Nite in the Life of Bessie Smith by Ed Shockley, Ivanhoe Theatre, directed by Val Gray Ward, choreography by Jinuny Payne, sets and lights by Babatu Biregu, costumes by Ingrid Grimes with Odetta, Valerie Wellington, 1982 November 30-1983 May 8
  • Matters of Choice by Don Evans, directed by Val Gray Ward and Linda Bolton, sets by Ken McClain, lights by Babatu Berigeu, 1977 October 13-December 18
  • The Mighty Gents by Richard Wesley, directed by Pemon Remi, audition forms, 1980 April 17-June 1
  • The Mighty Gents by Richard Wesley, 1981 October 29
  • Mzilikazi and Jolly Green Soldier by Steve Wilmer, directed by Pemon Rami, 1981 February 19-March 16
  • Notes from a Savage God by Ronald Drayton and Flowers for the Trashman by Marvin X. Directed by Douglas Johnson, lights by Jahmu and Babatu Biregeu, 1976 May 21-July 10
  • One Nickel on the Wine by Charles Moore, directed and designed by Kenny McClain, lights by Babatu Berigeu, circa 1971
  • The Owl Killers by Philip Hayes Dean, directed by Allen Edge, lights by Babatu Berigeu, sets by Allen Edge and Kenny McClain, circa 1971
  • The Past is the Past by Richard Wesley and Flowers for the Trashman by Marvin (X) Jackman, directed by Jaye Stewart, sets and lights by Jaye Stewart and Maurice Bennett, 1985 March 3
  • Say-rah written and directed by Charles Michael Moore, lights by Babatu Biregeu, 1978 March 10-April 23
  • The Sirens by Richard Wesley, directed by Pemon Rami, sets and lights by Babatu Biregu, with Ernest Perry, 1979 May 18-July 8
  • The Sirens by Richard Wesley, directed by Pemon Remi, 1979 August 22-September 23
  • The Sistuhs by Saundra Sharp. Directed by Nora Brooks Blakely, lights by Ronald Lewis, choreography by John Jantuah, music by Charles Cochran, costumes by Melvyna Gaynor, 1975 November 21-1976 January 31
  • Sugar Mouth Sam Don’t Dance Here No More by Don Evans, directed by Bill Cook and Flowers from the Trashman by Marvin X, directed by Val Gray Ward, sets and lights by Babatu Biregeu, 1977 July 8-August 14
  • The Sun Will Soon Rise written and directed by Selaelo Maredi, lights and sets by Babatu Biregeu, 1986 February 6-March 30
  • A Testimony to Your Love by Val Gray Ward, 1981 May 21-July 31
  • The Tiger Who Wore White Gloves by Nora Brooks Blakely, directed by Linda Bright, choreography by Carleton Smith, costumes by Ingrid Grimes, lights by Babatu Biregu, 1983 April 1-May 31
  • Trouble in Mind by Alice Childress, directed by Chuck Smith, 1984 March 15-May 6
  • Welcome to Black River by Samm-Art Williams, directed by Val Gray Ward, 1980 October 9-November 9
Arrangement

Series 1 is arranged into 13 subseries by season:

  • Subseries A: Season, 1970-1971, undated
  • Subseries B: Season, 1973-1974
  • Subseries C: Season, 1974-1975
  • Subseries D: Season, 1975-1976
  • Subseries E: Season, 1976-1977
  • Subseries F: Season, 1977-1978
  • Subseries G: Season, 1978-1979
  • Subseries H: Season, 1979-1980
  • Subseries I: Season, 1980-1981
  • Subseries J: Season, 1981-1982
  • Subseries K: Season, 1982-1983
  • Subseries L: Season, 1983-1984
  • Subseries M: Season, 1984-1985
  • Subseries N: Season, 1985-1986
  • Subseries O: Seasons, 1986-1987, 1989-1990, 1990-1991, 1992-1993, 1996

Subseries A: Season and Unidentified, 1970-1971, 1970s-1980s, undated

Arrangement

Subseries A is arranged by general season items, dated 1970-1971 Season production materials and then unidentified materials. The number of images with the same description is indicated in parentheses.

Box 1 Folder 1 Tickets, undated
Box 1 Folder 2 Flyers, undated
Box 1 Folder 3 The Owl Killers and One Nickel on the Wine, programs, undated
Box 1 Folder 4 One Nickel, script, undated
Box 1 Folder 5 The Black Ritual, flyer, [1970] October 12-26
Box 1 Folder 6 The Image Makers by Eugene Perkins, Apollo Theater, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, promotional material, [1970] September 9-14
Oversize Folder 1   Destruction or Unity: Anthology of Poetry and Contribution by Ted Shine, posters (2 copies), 1970 November
Box 1 Folder 7 Destruction or Unity: Anthology of Poetry and Contribution by Ted Shine, tickets, 1970 November
Box 38 Folder 11 [Audience views], photographs (2), circa 1970s
Box 38 Folder 1 Kuumba dancers, photographs (2), circa 1970s
Box 36 Folder 23 Unidentified productions, photographs (7), slides (1), negatives (47) with contact sheets, undated
Box 38 Folder 9 Unidentified productions, photographs (14), circa 1970s
Box 38 Folder 9 Unidentified productions [possibly In the House of the Blues?], photographs (7), circa 1980s

Series 1: Production Files, 1970-1996

Subseries B: Season, 1973-1974

Arrangement

Subseries B is arranged chronologically. The number of images with the same description is indicated in parentheses.

Box 36 Folder 4 The Image Makers, photographs (10), includes Peggy Chisholm, Zack Gray, Rasaun, Alondro (Bucky) Thompson, 1973 October
Box 38 Folder 2 The Image Makers, photographs (2), 1973 October
Oversize Folder 1   The Image Makers, poster and performance sign, 1973 October
Box 1 Folder 8 The Image Makers, programs, reviews, 1973 October
Box 1 Folder 9 The Image Makers, scripts (3 copies) [unmarked], 1973
Box 1 Folder 10 The Image Makers, script [marked ‘Edward Richardson’], 1973
Box 1 Folder 11 The Image Makers, script [marked ‘Akintola’], 1973
Box 1 Folder 12 The Image Makers, script [marked ‘Chester’ [?]], 1973

Series 1: Production Files, 1970-1996

Subseries C: Season, 1974-1975

Arrangement

Subseries C is arranged chronologically. The number of images with the same description is indicated in parentheses.

Box 1 Folder 13 Calendar, 1974-1975
Box 1 Folder 14 Five on the Black Hand Side, notes, 1974
Box 1 Folder 15 Five on the Black Hand Side, performance summary records, 1974 November
Box 36 Folder 5 Five on the Black Hand Side, photographs (7), includes Donald Crayton, Jimmy Guest, Sheila Radford Hill, Vernon Jarrett, Neimiah Mathews, Al Spiller, Val Gray Ward, 1974
Box 1 Folder 16 Five on the Black Hand Side, programs, 1974 November
Box 1 Folder 17 Five on the Black Hand Side, promotional material, 1974 November
Box 1 Folder 18 Five on the Black Hand Side, reviews, news clippings, 1974 November
Box 1 Folder 19 Five on the Black Hand Side, scripts, photocopy of published script [heavily marked with staging notes and props, notes on character ‘Mrs. B’], 1974
Box 37 Folder 1 Fred Hampton by Eugene Perkins and Sister Son/ji, performance sign, 1975 February 7-March 29
Oversize Folder 1   Fred Hampton by Eugene Perkins and Sister Son/ji, poster, 1975 February 7-March 29
Box 1 Folder 20 Fred Hampton by Eugene Perkins and Sister Son/ji, promotional material, program, 1975 February 7-March 29
Box 1 Folder 21 Future Spirit, contact sheet, 1975 April 4-May 31
Box 1 Folder 22 Future Spirit, cue sheets (sound), 1975 April 4-May 31
Box 1 Folder 23 Future Spirit, memo, 1975
Oversize Folder 1   Future Spirit, poster, 1975 April 4-May 31
Box 1 Folder 24 Future Spirit, promotional material, 1975 April 4-May 31
Box 1 Folder 25 Future Spirit, script [marked with cues], 1975
Box 1 Folder 26 Future Spirit, script [marked ‘Radford-Hill’], with blocking, 1975

Series 1: Production Files, 1970-1996

Subseries D: Season, 1975-1976

Arrangement

Subseries D is arranged chronologically. The number of images with the same description is indicated in parentheses.

Box 1 Folder 27 Calendars, 1975-1976
Box 1 Folder 28 The Sistuhs, cast and crew list, 1975 November 21-1976 January 31
Box 1 Folder 29 The Sistuhs, costume outline,1975-1976
Box 1 Folder 30 The Sistuhs, notes,1975-1976
Box 1 Folder 31 The Sistuhs, performance summary sheets, 1975 November 21-1976 January 31
Box 36 Folder 6 The Sistuhs, photograph (1), 1975-1976
Box 1 Folder 31a The Sistuhs, promotional material, 1975 November 21-1976 January 31
Box 1 Folder 32 The Sistuhs, rehearsal schedule, 1975-1976
Box 1 Folder 33 The Sistuhs, reviews, news clippings, 1975 November 21-1976 January 31
Box 1 Folder 34 The Sistuhs, script (partial) [marked with staging, script cuts], 1975-1976
Box 1 Folder 35 Black Mass, performance summary records, 1976 April 23-May 15
Box 1 Folder 36 Black Mass, promotional material, 1976 April 23-May 15
Box 1 Folder 37 Notes from a Savage God, programs, 1976 May 21-July 10
Box 1 Folder 38 Notes from a Savage God and Flowers for the Trashman, promotional material, 1976 May 21-July 10
Box 1 Folder 39 Notes from a Savage God and Flowers for the Trashman, reviews, news clippings, 1976 May 21-July 10
Box 1 Folder 40 Notes from a Savage God and Flowers for the Trashman, script [heavily marked with blocking, staging and light cues, partial line readings], with contact sheet, 1976
Box 38 Folder 3 Flowers for the Trashman, photographs (1), circa 1970s
Box 1 Folder 41 Carolyn Rogers, poetry reading, flyers, performance record sheets, 1976 July 25
Box 37 Folder 2 Carolyn Rogers, poetry reading, poster mock-up, 1976

Series 1: Production Files, 1970-1996

Subseries E: Season, 1976-1977

Arrangement

Subseries E is arranged chronologically. The number of images with the same description is indicated in parentheses.

Box 2 Folder 1 Give Yourself to Jesus, correspondence and memos, 1976
Box 2 Folder 2 Give Yourself to Jesus and Ricky, expenses, 1976
Box 2 Folder 3 Give Yourself to Jesus and Ricky, performance record sheets, 1976 September 24-November 14
Box 2 Folder 4 Give Yourself to Jesus and Ricky, programs, 1976 September 24-November 14
Box 2 Folder 5 Give Yourself to Jesus and Ricky, promotional material, 1976 September 24-November 14
Box 2 Folder 6 Give Yourself to Jesus and Ricky, reviews, news clippings, 1976 September 24-November 14
Box 2 Folder 7 Give Yourself to Jesus and Ricky, scripts, 1976
Box 36 Folder 24 [Ricky], photograph (1), 1976
Box 2 Folder 8 The Image Makers, flyers, reviews, 1977 December 10-January 9
Box 2 Folder 9 Sugar Mouth Sam Don’t Dance Here No More and Flowers from the Trashman, performance record sheets, 1977 July 8-August 14
Box 2 Folder 10 Sugar Mouth Sam Don’t Dance Here No More and Flowers from the Trashman, programs, 1977 July 8-August 14
Box 2 Folder 11 Sugar Mouth Sam Don’t Dance Here No More and Flowers from the Trashman, promotional material, 1977 July 8-August 14
Box 2 Folder 12 Sugar Mouth Sam Don’t Dance Here No More and Flowers from the Trashman, prop list, 1977 July 8-August 14
Box 2 Folder 13 Sugar Mouth Sam Don’t Dance Here No More and Flowers from the Trashman, reviews, news clippings, 1977 July 8-August 14
Box 2 Folder 14 Sugar Mouth Sam Don’t Dance Here No More and Flowers from the Trashman, script, 1977
Oversize Folder 1   2nd World Black and African Festival of Arts & Culture, Nigeria, “Festac ‘77” posters (2), 1977 January 15-February 12

Series 1: Production Files, 1970-1996

Subseries F: Season, 1977-1978

Arrangement

Subseries F is arranged chronologically. The number of images with the same description is indicated in parentheses.

Box 2 Folder 15 General Season, flyers, 1977-1978
Box 37 Folder 3 General Season, posters (2), 1978
Box 36 Folder 7 General Season, Willie Dixon, photograph (1), 1977-1978
Box 2 Folder 16 Matters of Choice, contracts, 1977
Box 36 Folder 8 Matters of Choice, photographs (4), 1977
Box 2 Folder 17 Matters of Choice, press releases, 1977 October 13-December 18
Box 2 Folder 18 Matters of Choice, programs, 1977 October 13-December 18
Box 2 Folder 19 Matters of Choice, rehearsal schedule, 1977
Box 2 Folder 20 Matters of Choice, reviews, news clippings, 1977 October 13-December 18
Box 2 Folder 21 Matters of Choice, script, 1977
Box 2 Folder 22 Matters of Choice, set designs and notes, 1977
Box 2 Folder 23 A Black Woman Speaks, performance summary record and program, 1978 February 3-12
Box 36 Folder 10 A Black Woman Speaks, photographs (5), 1978
Box 2 Folder 24 Say-rah, cast list, 1978 March 10-April 23
Box 2 Folder 25 Say-rah, payroll, 1978 March 10-April 23
Box 38 Folder 4 Say-rah, photographs (3), 1978 March 10-April 23
Box 36 Folder 21 [Say-rah], photographic slides (30), 1978
Box 2 Folder 26 Say-rah, program, 1978 March 10-April 23
Box 2 Folder 27 Say-rah, promotional material, 1978 March 10-April 23
Box 2 Folder 28 Say-rah, reviews, news clippings, 1978 March 10-April 23
Box 2 Folder 29 Say-rah, script, [1977-1978]
Box 37 Folder 5 Say-rah, posters (3), 1978 March 10-April 23
Box 2 Folder 30 Konvergence and Void Passage, performance summary record, 1978
Box 2 Folder 31 Konvergence and Void Passage, programs, 1978
Box 2 Folder 32 Konvergence and Void Passage, promotional material, 1978
Box 36 Folder 9 Konvergence, photographs (9), includes Terry [Cullers], Val Gray Ward, 1978
Box 38 Folder 6 Konvergence, photographs (1), 1978
Box 37 Folder 4 Konvergence and Void Passage, poster (2 copies), 1978
Box 2 Folder 33 Konvergence and Void Passage, scripts, undated
Box 37 Folder 4 Konvergence, set design sketch, 1978
Box 37 Folder 4 Konvergence and Void Passage, show cancellation sign, 1978

Series 1: Production Files, 1970-1996

Subseries G: Season, 1978-1979

Arrangement

Subseries G is arranged chronologically. The number of images with the same description is indicated in parentheses.

Box 3 Folder 1 General season-press releases and schedules, 1978-1979
Box 3 Folder 2 The Amen Corner, awards, 1978 October 12-December 31
Box 3 Folder 3 The Amen Corner, cast sign-in sheet, 1978 October 12-December 31
Box 3 Folder 4 The Amen Corner, correspondence, 1978
Box 3 Folder 5 The Amen Corner, payroll, 1978 October 12-December 31
Box 3 Folder 6 The Amen Corner, performance summary sheets, 1978 October 12-December 31
Box 38 Folder 5 The Amen Corner, photographs (9), [1978-1979]
Box 3 Folder 7 The Amen Corner, programs, 1978 October 12-December 31
Box 3 Folder 8 The Amen Corner, promotional material, 1978 October 12-December 31
Box 3 Folder 9 The Amen Corner, reviews, news clippings, 1978 October 12-December 31
Box 3 Folder 10 The Amen Corner, script, 1978
Box 3 Folder 11 The Amen Corner, contract, 1979 January 25-28
Box 3 Folder 12 The Amen Corner, correspondence and memos, [1978-1979]
Box 3 Folder 13 The Amen Corner, notes, [1978-1979]
Box 3 Folder 14 The Amen Corner, payroll, 1979 January 25-28
Box 37 Folder 6 The Amen Corner, posters (2), [1979]
Box 3 Folder 15 The Amen Corner, reviews, news clippings, 1979 January 25-28
Box 3 Folder 16 The Brownsville Raid, auditions, [1978-1979]
Box 3 Folder 17 The Brownsville Raid, cast file, 1979 February 9-April 1
Box 3 Folder 18 The Brownsville Raid, contracts, [1978-1979]
Box 3 Folder 19 The Brownsville Raid, correspondence and memos, [1978-1979]
Box 3 Folder 20 The Brownsville Raid, costumes, [1978-1979]
Box 3 Folder 21 The Brownsville Raid, cue sheets, 1979 February 9-April 1
Box 3 Folder 22 The Brownsville Raid, notes, [1978-1979]
Box 3 Folder 23 The Brownsville Raid, performance summary records, 1979 February 9-April 1
Box 36 Folder 11 The Brownsville Raid, photographs (7), 1979
Box 3 Folder 24 The Brownsville Raid, programs, 1979 February 9-April 1
Box 3 Folder 25 The Brownsville Raid, promotional material, 1979 February 9-April 1
Box 3 Folder 26 The Brownsville Raid, research, [1978-1979]
Box 3 Folder 27 The Brownsville Raid, reviews, news clippings, 1979 February 9-April 1
Box 3 Folder 28 The Brownsville Raid, schedules, 1979
Box 3 Folder 29 The Brownsville Raid, script, photocopy [from ‘Literary Calvalcade’] 1978 January
Box 3 Folder 30 The Brownsville Raid, set designs, [1978-1979]
Box 38 Folder 7 The Brownsville Raid, photographs (2), 1979 February 9-April 1
Box 3 Folder 31 The Sirens, auditions, 1979
Box 3 Folder 32 The Sirens, box office, 1979 May 18-July 8
Box 3 Folder 33 The Sirens, cast sign-in sheets, 1979
Box 3 Folder 34 The Sirens, correspondence, 1979 May 18-July 8
Box 3 Folder 35 The Sirens, notes, 1979 May 18-July 8
Box 36 Folder 12 The Sirens, photographs (8), 1979
Box 4 Folder 1 The Sirens, performance summary records, 1979 May 18-July 8
Box 37 Folder 7 The Sirens, poster mock-up, 1979
Box 4 Folder 2 The Sirens, programs, 1979 May 18-July 8
Box 4 Folder 3 The Sirens, promotional material, 1979 May 18-July 8
Box 4 Folder 4 The Sirens, rehearsal schedule, 1979
Box 4 Folder 5 The Sirens, reviews, news clippings, 1979 May 18-July 8
Box 4 Folder 6 The Amen Corner, contract, 1979
Box 4 Folder 7 The Amen Corner, notes, 1979
Box 4 Folder 8 Black Festival U.S.A., Lincoln Center, NY, budget, 1979
Box 4 Folder 9 Black Festival U.S.A., Lincoln Center, NY, contracts, 1979
Box 4 Folder 10 Black Festival U.S.A., Lincoln Center, NY, correspondence, 1979
Box 4 Folder 11 Black Festival U.S.A., Lincoln Center, NY, notes, 1979
Box 4 Folder 12 Black Festival U.S.A., Lincoln Center, NY, programs, 1979 May 25-26
Box 4 Folder 13 Black Festival U.S.A., Lincoln Center, NY, promotional material, 1979 May 25-26
Box 4 Folder 14 Black Festival U.S.A., Lincoln Center, NY, reviews, news clippings, 1979 May 25-26
Box 4 Folder 15 Flowers for the Trashman, touring, booking forms, undated
Box 4 Folder 16 Flowers for the Trashman, performance summary records, undated
Box 4 Folder 17 The Drum, performance summary record, 1979 July
Box 4 Folder 18 Black is So Beautiful, script, performance summary record 1979 August

Series 1: Production Files, 1970-1996

Subseries H: Season, 1979-1980

Arrangement

Subseries H is arranged chronologically. The number of images with the same description is indicated in parentheses.

Box 4 Folder 19 Schedules, 1979-1980
Box 4 Folder 20 The Sirens, performance summary records, 1979 August 22-September 23
Box 4 Folder 21 The Sirens, programs, 1979 August 22-September 23
Box 4 Folder 22 The Sirens, promotional material, 1979 August 22-September 23
Box 4 Folder 23 Deadwood Dick, audition forms, 1979
Box 4 Folder 24 Deadwood Dick, cast biographies, 1979
Box 4 Folder 25 Deadwood Dick, contact sheet, 1979 October 5-December 30
Box 4 Folder 26 Deadwood Dick, contracts, 1979
Box 4 Folder 27 Deadwood Dick, correspondence and memos, 1979
Box 4 Folder 28 Deadwood Dick, payroll, 1979 October 5-December 30
Box 36 Folder 13 Deadwood Dick, photographs (7), 1979
Box 4 Folder 29 Deadwood Dick, program, 1979 October 5-December 30
Box 4 Folder 30 Deadwood Dick, promotional material, 1979 October 5-December 30
Box 4 Folder 31 Deadwood Dick, rehearsal schedule, 1979
Box 4 Folder 32 Deadwood Dick, reviews, news clippings, 1979 October 5-December 30
Box 4 Folder 33 Deadwood Dick, script [marked with cuts], with schedule, 1979
Box 4 Folder 34 Among All This You Stand Like a Fine Brownstone: A Tribute to Gwendolvn Brooks, cast sign-in sheets, 1980 February 14-March 30
Box 4 Folder 35 Among All This You Stand Like a Fine Brownstone: A Tribute to Gwendolvn Brooks, correspondence, memos, [1979-1980]
Box 4 Folder 36 Among All This You Stand Like a Fine Brownstone: A Tribute to Gwendolvn Brooks, estimate sheets, [1979-1980]
Box 4 Folder 37 Among All This You Stand Like a Fine Brownstone: A Tribute to Gwendolvn Brooks, notes, [1979-1980]
Box 5 Folder 1 Among All This You Stand Like a Fine Brownstone: A Tribute to Gwendolvn Brooks, performance summary record, 1980 February 14-March 30
Box 36 Folder 15 Among All This You Stand Like a Fine Brownstone: A Tribute to Gwendolvn Brooks, photographs (9), 1980,
Oversize Folder 1   Among All This You Stand Like a Fine Brownstone: A Tribute to Gwendolvn Brooks, posters (3 copies), 1980 February 14-March 30
Box 5 Folder 2 Among All This You Stand Like a Fine Brownstone: A Tribute to Gwendolvn Brooks, programs, 1980 February 14-March 30
Box 5 Folder 3 Among All This You Stand Like a Fine Brownstone: A Tribute to Gwendolvn Brooks, promotional material, 1980 February 14-March 30
Box 5 Folder 4 Among All This You Stand Like a Fine Brownstone: A Tribute to Gwendolvn Brooks, receipts, [1979-1980]
Box 5 Folder 5 Among All This You Stand Like a Fine Brownstone: A Tribute to Gwendolvn Brooks, reviews, news clippings, 1980 February 14-March 30
Box 5 Folder 6 Among All This You Stand Like a Fine Brownstone: A Tribute to Gwendolvn Brooks, script, 1980
Box 5 Folder 7 The Mighty Gents, audition forms, 1980
Box 5 Folder 8 The Mighty Gents, cast and crew biographies, 1980
Box 5 Folder 9 The Mighty Gents, cast sign-in sheets, 1980 April 17-June 1
Box 5 Folder 10 The Mighty Gents, correspondence, 1980 April 17-June 1
Box 5 Folder 11 The Mighty Gents, performance summary records, 1980 April 17-June 1
Box 5 Folder 12 The Mighty Gents, program copy, 1980 April 17-June 1
Box 5 Folder 13 The Mighty Gents, promotional material, 1980 April 17-June 1
Box 5 Folder 14 The Mighty Gents, reviews, news clippings, 1980 April 17-June 1
Box 36 Folder 14 The Mighty Gents, photographs (7), 1980
Box 5 Folder 15 The Amen Corner, box office statement, 1980 July 24-August 24
Box 5 Folder 16 The Amen Corner, budget, 1980
Box 5 Folder 17 The Amen Corner, cast sign-in sheet, 1980 July 24-August 24
Box 5 Folder 18 The Amen Corner, contracts, 1980 July 24-August 24
Box 5 Folder 19 The Amen Corner, correspondence, 1980 July 24-August 24
Box 5 Folder 20 The Amen Corner, expenses, 1980
Box 5 Folder 21 The Amen Corner, memos, 1980
Box 5 Folder 22 The Amen Corner, notes, 1980
Box 5 Folder 23 The Amen Corner, press releases, 1980 July 24-August 24
Box 5 Folder 24 The Amen Corner, promotional material, 1980 July 24-August 24
Box 5 Folder 25 The Amen Corner, reviews, news clippings, 1980 July 24-August 24
Box 37 Folder 11 “Black Magic: A Look at Black Entertainers,” art donated in celebration of Henry Blakely and Gwendolyn Brooks, 1980

Series 1: Production Files, 1970-1996

Subseries I: Season, 1980-1981

Arrangement

Subseries I is arranged chronologically. The number of images with the same description is indicated in parentheses.

Box 6 Folder 1 General season, promotional material and notes, 1980-1981
Box 6 Folder 2 Welcome to Black River, cast sign-in sheet, 1980 October 9-November 9
Box 6 Folder 3 Welcome to Black River, financial report, 1980
Box 36 Folder 17 Welcome to Black River, photographs (6), 1980
Box 6 Folder 4 Welcome to Black River, performance summary records, 1980 October 9-November 9
Box 6 Folder 5 Welcome to Black River, promotional material, 1980 October 9-November 9
Box 6 Folder 6 Welcome to Black River, script, 1980
Box 6 Folder 7 The Amen Corner, box office reports, 1980-1981
Box 6 Folder 8 The Amen Corner, box office reports, 1980-1981
Box 6 Folder 9 The Amen Corner, box office reports, 1980-1981
Box 6 Folder 10 The Amen Corner, box office reports, 1980-1981
Box 6 Folder 11 The Amen Corner, budget, 1980-1981
Box 6 Folder 12 The Amen Corner, contracts,1980-1981
Box 6 Folder 13 The Amen Corner, correspondence, 1980-1981
Box 36 Folder 16 The Amen Corner, photographs (8), 1980 December 5-1981 January 4
Box 7 Folder 1 The Amen Corner, press releases, 1980 December 5-1981 January 4
Box 7 Folder 2 The Amen Corner, programs, 1980 December 5-1981 January 4
Box 7 Folder 3 The Amen Corner, reviews, news clippings, 1980 December 5-1981 January 4
Box 7 Folder 4 Mzilikazi and Jolly Green Soldier, box office reports, 1981 February 19-March 16
Box 7 Folder 5 Mzilikazi and Jolly Green Soldier, correspondence, [1980-1981]
Box 7 Folder 6 Mzilikazi and Jolly Green Soldier, press releases, 1981 February 19-March 16
Box 7 Folder 7 Mzilikazi and Jolly Green Soldier, promotional material, 1981 February 19-March 16
Box 7 Folder 8 Mzilikazi and Jolly Green Soldier, prop list, 1981 February 19-March 16
Box 7 Folder 9 Mzilikazi and Jolly Green Soldier, reviews, news clippings, 1981 February 19-March 16
Box 7 Folder 10 Mzilikazi and Jolly Green Soldier, script (Mzilikazi) [unmarked], [1980-1981]
Box 7 Folder 11 Mzilikazi and Jolly Green Soldier, notes, performance summary records, 1981 February 19-March 16
Box 7 Folder 12 A Testimony to Your Love, promotional material, 1981 May 21-July 31
Box 7 Folder 13 A Testimony to Your Love, performance summary records, 1981 May 21-July 31

Series 1: Production Files, 1970-1996

Subseries J: Season, 1981-1982

Arrangement

Subseries J is arranged chronologically. The number of images with the same description is indicated in parentheses.

Box 7 Folder 14 Schedules, 1981-1982
Box 7 Folder 15 The Mighty Gents, promotional material, 1981 October 29
Box 37 Folder 8 [University of Illinois] IUB/Black Programs Committee, performance posters (2), [1981]
Box 7 Folder 16 The Little Dreamer AKA Bessie Smith, box office reports, 1981 December
Box 7 Folder 17 The Little Dreamer AKA Bessie Smith, cast sign-in sheets, 1981 December
Box 7 Folder 18 The Little Dreamer AKA Bessie Smith, correspondence, 1981 December
Box 7 Folder 19 The Little Dreamer AKA Bessie Smith, expenses, 1981
Box 7 Folder 20 The Little Dreamer AKA Bessie Smith, memos, 1981
Box 7 Folder 21 The Little Dreamer AKA Bessie Smith, performance summary records, 1981 December
Box 7 Folder 22 The Little Dreamer AKA Bessie Smith, performance summary records, 1981 December
Box 7 Folder 23 The Little Dreamer AKA Bessie Smith, performance summary records, 1981 December
Box 36 Folder 18 The Little Dreamer AKA Bessie Smith, photographs (3), [1981-1982]
Box 38 Folder 8 The Little Dreamer AKA Bessie Smith, photograph (1), [1981-1982]
Box 7 Folder 24 The Little Dreamer AKA Bessie Smith, programs, 1981 December
Box 7 Folder 25 The Little Dreamer AKA Bessie Smith, promotional material, 1981 December
Box 37 Folder 9 The Little Dreamer AKA Bessie Smith, promotional material, logo designs for clothing, [1981]
Box 7 Folder 26 The Little Dreamer AKA Bessie Smith, reviews, news clippings, 1981 December
Box 7 Folder 27 The Little Dreamer AKA Bessie Smith, memo and reviews, San Antonio, Texas, 1982 July 2-12

Series 1: Production Files, 1970-1996

Subseries K: Season, 1982-1983

Arrangement

Subseries K is arranged chronologically. The number of images with the same description is indicated in parentheses.

Box 8 Folder 1 Little Dreamer: A Nite in the Life of Bessie Smith, box office reports, 1982 November 30-1983 May 8
Box 8 Folder 2 Little Dreamer: A Nite in the Life of Bessie Smith, budget, 1982-1983
Box 8 Folder 3 Little Dreamer: A Nite in the Life of Bessie Smith, contact list, 1982-1983
Box 8 Folder 4 Little Dreamer: A Nite in the Life of Bessie Smith, contracts, 1982-1983
Box 8 Folder 5 Little Dreamer: A Nite in the Life of Bessie Smith, correspondence, 1982-1983
Box 8 Folder 6 Little Dreamer: A Nite in the Life of Bessie Smith, memos, 1982-1983
Box 8 Folder 7 Little Dreamer: A Nite in the Life of Bessie Smith, notes, 1982-1983
Oversize Folder 2   Little Dreamer: A Nite in the Life of Bessie Smith, posters (5 copies), 1982 November 30-1983 May 8
Box 8 Folder 8 Little Dreamer: A Nite in the Life of Bessie Smith, programs, 1982 November 30-1983 May 8
Box 8 Folder 9 Little Dreamer: A Nite in the Life of Bessie Smith, promotional material, 1982 November 30-1983 May 8
Box 8 Folder 10 Little Dreamer: A Nite in the Life of Bessie Smith, proposals, 1982-1983
Box 8 Folder 11 Little Dreamer: A Nite in the Life of Bessie Smith, receipts, 1982-1983
Box 8 Folder 12 Little Dreamer: A Nite in the Life of Bessie Smith, reservations, 1982-1983
Box 8 Folder 13 Little Dreamer: A Nite in the Life of Bessie Smith, reviews, news clippings, 1982 November 30-1983 May 8
Box 8 Folder 14 Chocolate Chips: A Black History Presentation, bookings, 1983 February
Box 8 Folder 15 Chocolate Chips, correspondence, memos, 1983
Box 8 Folder 16 Chocolate Chips, notes, 1983
Box 8 Folder 17 Chocolate Chips, reviews, news clippings, 1983 February
Box 8 Folder 18 The Tiger Who Wore White Gloves, cast list, 1983 April 1-May 31
Box 8 Folder 19 The Tiger Who Wore White Gloves, promotional material, 1983 April 1-May 31

Series 1: Production Files, 1970-1996

Subseries L: Season, 1983-1984

Arrangement

Subseries L is arranged chronologically. The number of images with the same description is indicated in parentheses.

Box 9 Folder 1 Deadwood Dick, budget, 1983
Box 9 Folder 2 Deadwood Dick, cast contact and sign-in sheet, 1983 October 28-December 22
Box 9 Folder 3 Deadwood Dick, correspondence, memos, 1983
Box 9 Folder 4 Deadwood Dick, notes, 1983
Box 9 Folder 5 Deadwood Dick, promotional material, 1983 October 28-December 22
Box 9 Folder 6 Deadwood Dick, receipts, 1983
Box 9 Folder 7 Deadwood Dick, set lists, 1983
Box 9 Folder 8 Deadwood Dick, ticket count, 1983 October 28-December 22
Box 9 Folder 9 Deadwood Dick, timesheets, 1983
Box 9 Folder 10 Flowers for the Trashman, correspondence, [1983-1984]
Box 9 Folder 11 Flowers for the Trashman, production summary record, 1984 February
Box 9 Folder 12 I Am a Black Woman, awards, 1984 February
Box 9 Folder 13 I Am a Black Woman, contracts, 1984
Box 9 Folder 14 I Am a Black Woman, correspondence, [1983-1984]
Box 9 Folder 15 I Am a Black Woman, donations, [1983-1984]
Box 9 Folder 16 I Am a Black Woman, lease, [1983-1984]
Box 9 Folder 17 I Am a Black Woman, notes [script?], [1983-1984]
Oversize Folder 2   I Am a Black Woman, poster, 1984 February
Box 9 Folder 17a I Am a Black Woman, program, 1984 February
Box 9 Folder 18 I Am a Black Woman, promotional material, 1984 February
Box 9 Folder 19 I Am a Black Woman, ticket report, 1984 February
Box 9 Folder 20 Echoes and Images, notes and promotional material, 1984 February
Box 9 Folder 21 Trouble in Mind, contracts, 1984
Box 9 Folder 22 Trouble in Mind, memos, 1984
Box 9 Folder 23 Trouble in Mind, program, 1984
Box 9 Folder 24 Trouble in Mind, promotional material, 1984
Box 9 Folder 25 Trouble in Mind, receipts, 1984
Box 9 Folder 26 Trouble in Mind, schedules, 1984

Series 1: Production Files, 1970-1996

Subseries M: Season, 1984-1985

Arrangement

Subseries M is arranged chronologically. The number of images with the same description is indicated in parentheses.

Box 9 Folder 27 Brochures, 1984-1985
Box 9 Folder 28 In the House of the Blues, cast sign-in sheet, 1984 October 18-November 24
Box 9 Folder 29 In the House of the Blues, contracts, 1984
Box 9 Folder 30 In the House of the Blues, invoices, 1984
Box 9 Folder 31 In the House of the Blues, memos, 1984
Box 9 Folder 32 In the House of the Blues, notes, 1984
Box 36 Folder 19 In the House of the Blues, photographs (2), 1984
Box 9 Folder 33 In the House of the Blues, performance summary records, 1984 October 18-November 24
Oversize Folder 2   In the House of the Blues, posters (4 copies), 1984 October 18-November 24
Box 9 Folder 34 In the House of the Blues, programs, 1984 October 18-November 24
Box 9 Folder 35 In the House of the Blues, reservations, 1984
Box 9 Folder 36 In the House of the Blues, reviews, news clippings, 1984 October 18-November 24
Oversize Folder 2   In the House of the Blues, sketch, pen on paper, [1984]
Box 9 Folder 37 Blues Festival, promotional material, 1985 May 30-June 2
Box 9 Folder 38 In the House of the Blues, Montreal Jazz Festival, cast list, 1985 August 27-September 1
Oversize Folder 2   In the House of the Blues, Montreal Jazz Festival, poster, 1985 August 27-September 1
Box 9 Folder 39 In the House of the Blues, Montreal Jazz Festival, reviews, 1985 August 27-September 1
Box 10 Folder 1 The Past is the Past and Flowers for the Trashman, programs and promotional material, 1985 March 3
Box 10 Folder 2 Song for My Father, reservation and performance summary records, 1985 March

Series 1: Production Files, 1970-1996

Subseries N: Season, 1985-1986

Arrangement

Subseries N is arranged chronologically. The number of images with the same description is indicated in parentheses.

Box 10 Folder 3 Promotional material, 1985-1986
Box 10 Folder 4 Back Home, performance summary records, [1985] November 4
Box 36 Folder 20 The Sun Will Soon Rise, photographs (4), 1986
Box 10 Folder 5 The Sun Will Soon Rise, programs and promotional material, 1986 February 6-March 30
Box 10 Folder 6 The Sun Will Soon Rise, reservations, 1986 February 6-March 30

Series 1: Production Files, 1970-1996

Subseries O: Seasons, 1986-1987, 1989-1990, 1990-1991, 1992-1993, 1996-1997

Arrangement

Subseries O is arranged chronologically.

Box 10 Folder 7 Back Home, promotional material, 1986 November 23
Box 10 Folder 8 The Amen Corner, reviews, news clippings, 1989 November
Box 37 Folder 10 Two Can Play, poster, [1987]
Oversize Folder 2   Precious Memories: Strolling 47th Street, poster, 1990
Oversize Folder 2   The Sun Will Rise Soon, poster, 1990
Box 10 Folder 9 Home, program, 1991 April 12-28
Box 10 Folder 10 A Cry for Freedom: A Tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King, flyer, circa 1993
Box 10 Folder 11 News clipping, 1996 October 31

Series 2: Administrative Files, 1969-1993, undated

Scope and Contents

Series 2 contains the administrative records of the company beginning in the late 1960s. The records document Kuumba’s general operations, financial planning, grant programs and its affiliations with other organizations. The materials include by-laws, correspondence, financial materials, memos, newsletters and reports along with a 25th anniversary program with Kuumba’s history.

Arrangement

Series 2 is arranged in five subseries:

  • Subseries A: Operational Files, 1969-1986, undated
  • Subseries B: Financial Files, 1970-1984
  • Subseries C: Grants, 1971-1986
  • Subseries D: Staff Files, 1975-1984
  • Subseries E: Affiliations, 1969-1986, undated

Subseries A: Operational Files, 1969-1993, undated

Scope and Contents

Subseries A documents Kuumba’s general operations. The series includes the Annual Awards program, Board of Directors files, class information, booking forms, correspondence and forum papers. Of note (although not inclusive) is the Kuumba Workshop newsletter, Kuumba News (Box 12, Folder 18) that contains information about programs and performances as well as comments on contemporary events and social issues. The first issue (vol. 1, no. 1) puts forth Kuumba’s principles of Black art.

Arrangement

Subseries A is arranged alphabetically by topic.

Box 10 Folder 12 25th anniversary, program and history (2 copies), 1993
Box 36 Folder 1 Annual Awards, photographs (4), negatives (5), includes Sterling Brown, Madame Jeanne Martin Cisse, 1974-1978
Oversize Folder 3   Annual Awards, Kuumba Liberation Award, poster, 1974 June 23
Box 11 Folder 1 Annual Awards, promotional material, 1974
Oversize Folder 3   Annual Awards, news article “Kuumba Awards: A Symbol of Continuing Struggle,” 1975 May 31
Oversize Folder 3   Annual Awards, posters (2 copies), 1975 May 18
Box 11 Folder 2 Annual Awards, promotional material, 1975
Box 11 Folder 3 Annual Awards, correspondence, 1978
Box 11 Folder 4 Annual Awards, promotional material, 1978
Box 35 Folder 1 Annual Awards, Kuumba Workshop Artist Award: Murry DePillars, plaque, 1978
Box 35 Folder 2 Annual Awards, Kuumba Workshop Artist Award: Sonia Sanchez, plaque, 1978
Box 35 Folder 3 Annual Awards, Kuumba Workshop Church Award: Quinn Chapel, plaque, 1978
Box 35 Folder 4 Annual Awards, Kuumba Workshop Community Service Award: DuSable Museum, plaque, 1978
Box 35 Folder 5 Annual Awards, Kuumba Workshop Media Award: Lu Palmer (Lu’s Notebook), plaque, 1978
Box 35 Folder 6 Annual Awards, Kuumba Workshop Media Award: Warner Sander and Frank Johnson (Common Ground), plaque, 1978
Box 35 Folder 7 Annual Awards, Kuumba Workshop Media Award: Wesley South (Hotline), plaque, 1978
Box 35 Folder 8 Annual Awards, Kuumba Workshop Service Award: E. Jackson, plaque, 1978
Box 35 Folder 9 Annual Awards, Kuumba Workshop Service Award: Barbara Proctor, plaque, 1978
Box 35 Folder 10 Annual Awards, Kuumba Workshop Service Award: Ralph Metcalf, plaque, 1978
Oversize Folder 3   Benefit, For the Love of Us, Give a Damn, Give a Dollar, poster, undated
Box 11 Folder 5 Board of Directors, bylaws, undated
Box 11 Folder 6 Board of Directors, commitment statements, undated
Box 11 Folder 7 Board of Directors, correspondence, 1978-1981
Box 11 Folder 8 Board of Directors, membership, 1979-1983, undated
Box 11 Folder 9 Board of Directors, memo, 1984
Box 11 Folder 10 Board of Directors, minutes, 1984
Box 11 Folder 11 Board of Directors, mission statement, history and goals, 1981, undated
Box 11 Folder 12 Board of Directors, notes, undated
Box 11 Folder 13 Box Office, procedures, undated
Oversize Folder 4   Calendars [not inclusive], 1984-1985
Box 11 Folder 14 Classes, correspondence, [1981]
Box 11 Folder 15 Classes, enrollment notes, 1975, undated
Box 11 Folder 16 Classes, forms, 1980-1982
Box 11 Folder 17 Classes, memos, 1979
Box 11 Folder 18 Classes, promotional material, 1978-1980
Box 11 Folder 19 Classes, performances and programs, 1976, undated
Box 38 Folder 12 Classes, photographs (6), 1979
Box 11 Folder 20 Contacts and booking forms, 1969-1976
Box 11 Folder 21 Contacts and booking forms, 1977
Box 11 Folder 22 Contacts and booking forms, 1978
Box 11 Folder 23 Contacts and booking forms, 1979
Box 11 Folder 24 Contacts and booking forms, 1980
Box 11 Folder 25 Contacts and booking forms, 1983
Box 11 Folder 26 Contacts and booking forms, 1984
Box 11 Folder 27 Contacts and booking forms, 1986
Box 13 Folder 1 Correspondence, incoming, undated
Box 13 Folder 2 Correspondence, incoming, 1971
Box 13 Folder 3 Correspondence, incoming, 1972
Box 13 Folder 4 Correspondence, incoming, 1973
Box 13 Folder 5 Correspondence, incoming, 1974
Box 13 Folder 6 Correspondence, incoming, 1975
Box 13 Folder 7 Correspondence, incoming, 1976
Box 13 Folder 8 Correspondence, incoming, 1977
Box 13 Folder 9 Correspondence, incoming, 1978
Box 13 Folder 10 Correspondence, incoming, 1979
Box 13 Folder 11 Correspondence, incoming, 1980
Box 13 Folder 12 Correspondence, incoming, 1981
Box 13 Folder 13 Correspondence, incoming, 1982
Box 13 Folder 14 Correspondence, incoming, 1983
Box 13 Folder 15 Correspondence, incoming, 1984
Box 14 Folder 1 Correspondence, incoming, 1985
Box 14 Folder 2 Correspondence, incoming, 1986
Box 14 Folder 3 Correspondence, outgoing, undated
Box 14 Folder 4 Correspondence, outgoing, 1969-1973
Box 14 Folder 5 Correspondence, outgoing, 1974
Box 14 Folder 6 Correspondence, outgoing, 1975
Box 14 Folder 7 Correspondence, outgoing, 1976
Box 14 Folder 8 Correspondence, outgoing, 1977
Box 14 Folder 9 Correspondence, outgoing, 1978
Box 14 Folder 10 Correspondence, outgoing, 1979
Box 14 Folder 11 Correspondence, outgoing, 1980
Box 14 Folder 12 Correspondence, outgoing, 1981
Box 14 Folder 13 Correspondence, outgoing, 1982
Box 14 Folder 14 Correspondence, outgoing, 1983
Box 14 Folder 15 Correspondence, outgoing, 1984
Box 14 Folder 16 Correspondence, outgoing, 1985
Box 12 Folder 1 Council, minutes, 1974-1975
Box 12 Folder 2 Exhibits, promotional material, 1980-1984
Box 12 Folder 3 Forums and position papers, “Sweet Sweatback’s Badaasss Song”, 1978
Box 12 Folder 4 Forums and position papers, “For Colored Girls...”, 1978
Box 12 Folder 5 Forums and position papers, “Committee for Black World Magazine”, 1976
Box 12 Folder 6 Friends of Kuumba, membership, 1981, undated
Box 12 Folder 7 Friends of Kuumba, memo, 1980
Box 36 Folder 2 Friends of Kuumba, photographs (2), circa 1970s
Box 12 Folder 8 Gift certificates, forms, 1981
Box 12 Folder 11 Group sales, form, undated
Box 12 Folder 12 Group sales, memo, 1984
Box 12 Folder 13 Group sales, booking agreements, 1984-1985
Box 12 Folder 14 Guest lists, 1975-1976
Box 12 Folder 15 Insurance policy, 1984
Box 10 Folder 13 Kuumba principles, circa 1979
Box 12 Folder 16 Membership, Kuumba Workshop applications, member lists, 1975, 1978, undated
Box 12 Folder 17 Memos, 1976-1985
Box 12 Folder 9 News clippings, 1973-1980, undated
Box 12 Folder 18 Newsletter, Kuumba News [not inclusive], 1972-1979
Box 12 Folder 19 Notes, miscellaneous, 1975-1984, undated
Box 12 Folder 10 Press releases and flyers, 1975-1980, undated
Box 12 Folder 20 Reservations, circa 1982
Box 12 Folder 21 Staff meetings, minutes, 1978-1984, undated
Box 12 Folder 22 Subscriptions, lists, 1984
Box 12 Folder 23 Tenth Anniversary Dinner, planning materials and Organization of Black American Culture (OBAC) readings, 1975 November 9

Series 2: Administrative Files, 1969-1993, undated

Subseries B: Financial Files, 1970-1984

Arrangement

Subseries B is arranged alphabetically by type of financial transaction and then chronologically within.

Box 17 Folder 1 Accounts payable, 1979
Box 29 Folders 1-2 Accounts payable, ledger pages, 1980
Box 17 Folder 2 Bank statements, 1971-1973
Box 29 Folders 3-4 Bank statements,1974-1979, 1982
Box 17 Folder 3 Bank statements, 1983 March 1-1984 June 30
Box 17 Folder 4 Bank deposit records, 1975-1977
Box 17 Folder 5 Budget, 1973-1975, undated
Box 17 Folder 6 Budget, fiscal year, 1977
Box 17 Folder 7 Budget, accounting ledger, financial report, workshop ledger, 1978-1980
Box 17 Folder 8 Budget, grant summary memo, 1982
Box 17 Folder 9 Budget, 1981-1982
Box 17 Folder 10 Budget, 1982-1983
Box 17 Folder 11 Budget, 1983-1984
Box 17 Folder 12 Budget, projected income, 1984-1985
Oversize Folder 5   Cash disbursements and receipts, ledger sheets, 1980
Oversize Folder 6   Cash disbursements and receipts, ledger sheets, 1981
Box 17 Folder 13 Check register, 1977
Box 29 Folder 5 Check register, 1970-1973
Box 17 Folder 14 Check receipts, 1979
Box 17 Folder 15 Check request forms, 1984, undated
Box 17 Folder 16 Correspondence, incoming, 1981, 1984
Box 17 Folder 17 Correspondence, outgoing (IRS), 1977
Box 17 Folder 18 Debts, bills, memos, 1983-1985
Box 17 Folder 19 Deposits, 1981
Box 17 Folder 20 Donations, 1972-1973
Box 17 Folder 21 Donations, 1976
Box 17 Folder 22 Financial ledgers, 1969-1972
Box 17 Folder 23 Financial report, 1974
Box 17 Folder 24 Financial correspondence, projected income, 1976
Box 17 Folder 25 Financial reports, 1978
Box 17 Folder 26 Financial reports, 1980
Box 17 Folder 27 Financial reports, 1983-1984
Box 17 Folder 28 Financial memos, check analysis, projected income, 1984-1985
Box 17 Folder 29 Internal Revenue Service, tax exemption materials, 1978-1981
Box 17 Folder 30 Loans, South Side Bank, 1979-1980
Box 17 Folder 31 Operating expenses, financial reports, memos, ledgers, 1977-1979
Box 17 Folder 32 Payroll, manual, 1984
Box 17 Folder 33 Payroll, report, undated
Box 29 Folder 6 Payroll, ledger, 1983
Box 29 Folder 7 Recap of cash receipts, 1984
Box 17 Folder 34 Receipts, undated
Box 18 Folder 1 Receipts, 1970-1971
Box 18 Folder 2 Receipts, 1971
Box 18 Folder 3 Receipts, 1972-1973
Box 18 Folder 4 Receipts, 1974
Box 18 Folder 5 Receipts, 1974
Box 18 Folder 6 Receipts, 1975
Box 18 Folder 7 Receipts, 1976
Box 18 Folder 8 Receipts, petty cash, 1976
Box 18 Folder 9 Receipts, 1976 January-June
Box 18 Folder 10 Receipts, 1976 July-December
Box 19 Folder 1 Receipts, 1977 June-September
Box 19 Folder 2 Receipts, 1978 January
Box 19 Folder 3 Receipts, 1978 July-August
Box 19 Folder 4 Receipts, 1979
Box 19 Folder 5 Receipts, 1979 April
Box 19 Folder 6 Receipts, 1979 June
Box 19 Folder 7 Receipts, 1979 July
Box 19 Folder 8 Receipts, 1979 August
Box 19 Folder 9 Receipts, 1979 September
Box 19 Folder 10 Receipts, 1979 November
Box 19 Folder 11 Receipts, paid, 1980 January
Box 19 Folder 12 Receipts, petty cash, 1980 January
Box 19 Folder 13 Receipts, paid, 1980 February
Box 19 Folder 14 Receipts, petty cash, 1980 February
Box 19 Folder 15 Receipts, 1980 March
Box 19 Folder 16 Receipts, petty cash, 1980 March
Box 19 Folder 17 Receipts, April 1980
Box 19 Folder 18 Receipts, paid, April
Box 19 Folder 19 Receipts, 1980 May
Box 19 Folder 20 Receipts, paid, 1980 May
Box 20 Folder 1 Receipts, petty cash, 1980 May
Box 20 Folder 2 Receipts, June 1980
Box 20 Folder 3 Receipts, paid, 1980 June
Box 20 Folder 4 Receipts, July 1980
Box 20 Folder 5 Receipts, paid, 1980 August
Box 20 Folder 6 Receipts, petty cash, 1980 August
Box 20 Folder 7 Receipts, paid, 1980 September
Box 20 Folder 8 Receipts, petty cash, 1980 September
Box 20 Folder 9 Receipts, paid, 1980 October
Box 20 Folder 10 Receipts, paid, 1980 November
Box 20 Folder 11 Receipts, petty cash, 1980 November
Box 20 Folder 12 Receipts, petty cash, 1980 December
Box 20 Folder 13 Receipts, paid, 1980 December
Box 20 Folder 14 Receipts, paid, 1980 December-1981 January
Box 20 Folder 15 Receipts, 1981 January
Box 20 Folder 16 Receipts, cash receivable, 1981 January
Box 20 Folder 17 Receipts, 1981 February
Box 20 Folder 18 Receipts, 1981 March
Box 20 Folder 19 Receipts, 1981 April
Box 20 Folder 20 Receipts, 1981 May
Box 20 Folder 21 Receipts, 1981 August
Box 20 Folder 22 Receipts, 1981 September
Box 20 Folder 23 Receipts and performance summary records, 1981 October
Box 20 Folder 24 Receipts and performance summary records, 1981 November
Box 20 Folder 25 Receipts, 1981 December
Box 20 Folder 26 Receipts, 1983 December
Box 20 Folder 27 Receipts, 1984 December
Box 20 Folder 28 Receipts, G.W.G. Productions, Soft Sheen, 1982-1983
Box 20 Folder 29 Receipts, White Way signs, 1978-1979
Box 20 Folder 30 Salaries, 1977
Box 20 Folder 31 Treasurer’s report, undated

Series 2: Administrative Files, 1969-1993, undated

Subseries C: Grants, 1971-1986

Arrangement

Subseries C is arranged alphabetically by organization.

Box 21 Folder 1 AT&T Foundation, proposal, correspondence, 1984
Box 21 Folder 2 Bankers Life and Casualty, correspondence, 1981
Box 21 Folder 3 Borg-Warner, correspondence, 1975-1980
Box 21 Folder 4 Bush Foundation, correspondence and guidelines, 1979
Box 21 Folder 5 CBS Grant, proposal, correspondence, budgets, 1978-1979
Box 21 Folder 6 Chicago Community Trust, proposals, correspondence, reports, 1977-1982
Box 21 Folder 7 Chicago Sun-Times Grant ‘Charity Trust’, proposals, correspondence, guidelines, 1985
Box 21 Folder 8 City Arts-Council of Fine Arts, Artist-in-Residence Program, guidelines, 1979-1980
Box 21 Folder 9 City Arts-Council of Fine Arts, City Arts II Challenge Grant, correspondence, 1984
Box 21 Folder 10 City Arts-Council of Fine Arts, City Arts II Challenge Grant, correspondence, 1985
Box 21 Folder 11 Community Renewal Society, correspondence, 1980
Box 21 Folder 12 Container Corporation of America, correspondence, 1981
Box 21 Folder 13 Continental Bank Foundation, correspondence and grant, 1979-1980
Box 21 Folder 14 Dayton Hudson Foundation, correspondence and notes, 1979
Box 21 Folder 15 Esmark, Inc. Foundation, correspondence and reports, 1980
Box 21 Folder 16 Exxon Chemical, correspondence, 1979
Box 21 Folder 17 Ford Foundation, correspondence, 1980-1984
Box 21 Folder 18 Gannett Foundation, correspondence, 1982
Box 21 Folder 19 Gaylord Donnelly, correspondence, 1979
Box 22 Folder 1 Illinois Arts Council, guidelines, proposals, correspondence, 1976-1986
Box 22 Folder 2 Illinois Arts Council, Grant #T-103, 1971-1973
Box 22 Folder 3 Illinois Arts Council, Grant #T-237, 1974
Box 22 Folder 4 Illinois Arts Council, Grant #904, 1975
Box 22 Folder 5 Illinois Arts Council, Grant #77-568, 1976 September 1-1977 August 31
Box 22 Folder 6 Illinois Arts Council, Grant #77-2334, 1976 September 1-1977 August 31
Box 22 Folder 7 Illinois Arts Council, Grant #78-621, 1977 September 1-1978 August 31
Box 22 Folder 8 Illinois Arts Council, Grant #78-2376, 1978 March 1-1978 August 31
Box 22 Folder 9 Illinois Arts Council, Grant #79-625, 1978 September-1979 August
Box 22 Folder 10 Illinois Arts Council, Grant #79-2190, 1979 May
Box 22 Folder 11 Illinois Arts Council, Grant # 80-583, 1974 September 1-1980 August 31
Box 22 Folder 12 Illinois Arts Council, Grant #81-560, [1980-1981]
Box 22 Folder 13 Illinois Arts Council, Grant #81-2139, 1980 December 9-1981 January 18
Box 22 Folder 14 Illinois Arts Council, Grant #81-292, 1981 July 1-1981 August 31
Box 22 Folder 15 Illinois Arts Council, Grant #82-552 [1981-1982]
Box 22 Folder 16 Illinois Arts Council, Grant #82-8014, 1982 September 1-1982 August 31
Box 22 Folder 17 Illinois Arts Council, Grant #84-8138, 1984 April 25-26
Box 22 Folder 18 Illinois Arts Council, Grant #85-0727, 1984 October 1-1985 August 31
Box 22 Folder 19 Illinois Arts Council, Grant App. 85-1410, fiscal year, 1985 May
Box 22 Folder 20 Illinois Arts Council, Grant #85-0929, 1985 September 1-1986 August 31
Box 22 Folder 21 Illinois Bell, correspondence, 1984
Box 22 Folder 22 Illinois Humanities Council, correspondence, 1984
Box 23 Folder 1 John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, correspondence, grant application, 1974-1982
Box 23 Folder 2 Joyce Foundation, annual reports, correspondence, notes, grant proposals, 1978-1982
Box 23 Folder 3 McDonalds Corporation, correspondence, proposals, and reports, 1979
Box 23 Folder 4 National Endowment for the Arts, Institutional Advancement Challenge Grants, information, 1976-1980
Box 23 Folder 5 National Endowment for the Arts, reports, memos, 1978-1983
Box 23 Folder 6 National Endowment for the Arts, proposals, 1972-1985
Box 23 Folder 7 National Endowment for the Arts, Neighborhood Arts Services, Grant A40-53-125 App#A07 342-74, 1973 June 1-1974 May 31
Box 23 Folder 8 National Endowment for the Arts, Grant App# AO9984-74, 1974 August 15-1975 August 15
Box 23 Folder 9 National Endowment for the Arts, Grant A03412-75, 1975 June 1-1975 May 31
Box 23 Folder 10 National Endowment for the Arts, Grant App #A16364-76, 1976 October 1-1977 September 1
Box 23 Folder 11 National Endowment for the Arts, Grant #R7053 256, 1977 April-September
Box 23 Folder 12 National Endowment for the Arts, Grant #R8053-123 App# A05158-77, 1977 October 1-1978 September 30
Box 23 Folder 13 National Endowment for the Arts, Expansion Arts Program, App#A126-516-79, 1980
Box 23 Folder 14 National Endowment for the Arts, Grant R8053-597c App#A10514-78, 1978 February-1979 March
Box 23 Folder 15 National Endowment for the Arts, Grant #92-53B-131 App A05375-78, 1978 October 1-1979 September 30
Box 23 Folder 16 National Endowment for the Arts, Expansion Arts, Grant #025341-398, App A126516-79, 1980
Box 24 Folder 1 National Endowment for the Arts, Expansion Arts Program, Grant #02-5341-610, 1980
Box 24 Folder 2 National Endowment for the Arts, Grant #12-3225-1417, App A133736-80, 1980 October-1981 September
Box 24 Folder 3 National Endowment for the Arts, Expansion Arts Program, Grant #12-5341-139 App #2199800-79, 1981
Box 24 Folder 4 National Endowment for the Arts, Design Arts, App #A-211-441-80, 1981
Box 24 Folder 5 National Endowment for the Arts, Expansion Arts Program, Grant #12-5341-384 App #A-069146-81, 1980 November 6-1981 January 31
Box 24 Folder 6 National Endowment for the Arts, Expansion Arts Program, Grant #22-5322-282 App #A108001-81, 1981 October 1-1982 September 30
Box 24 Folder 7 National Endowment for the Arts, Grant #22-5322-466, App #A82-017426, 1982 October 1-1983 September 30
Box 24 Folder 8 National Endowment for the Arts, Grant #42-5322-00083, App #A-83-001966, 1983 October 1-1984 September 30
Box 24 Folder 9 National Endowment for the Arts, Grant #52-5327-004, App #A-84-017673, 1984 October 1-1985 September 30
Box 24 Folder 10 Oppenheimer Foundation, questionnaire, correspondence, 1983
Box 24 Folder 11 Peoples Gas, correspondence, 1984-1985
Box 24 Folder 12 Pick Foundation, correspondence, 1980
Box 24 Folder 13 Playboy Foundation, correspondence, 1980-1981
Box 24 Folder 14 Quaker Oats, correspondence, 1980-1984
Box 24 Folder 15 Signode Foundation, correspondence, 1978-1979
Box 24 Folder 16 Soft Sheen, correspondence, 1984
Box 24 Folder 17 W. Clement Stone and Jesse Y. Stone Foundation, correspondence, 1979

Series 2: Administrative Files, 1969-1993, undated

Subseries D: Staff Files, 1975-1984

Scope and Contents

Subseries D contains the Comprehensive Employment and Training Act (CETA) grant employment documentation along with some staff photographs and files (primarily timesheets). The CETA files for job descriptions (Box 28, Folder 1) provides a snapshot of the organizational roles at Kuumba.

Arrangement

Subseries D is arranged alphabetically by file type.

Box 27 Folder 1 CETA Title VII, agreements, 1975-1979
Box 27 Folder 2 CETA Title VII, agreements, 1977-1980
Box 27 Folder 3 CETA Title VII, applications, 1977-1979
Box 27 Folder 4 CETA Title VII, budget summaries, justification, 1978-1979
Box 27 Folder 5 CETA Title VII, correspondence, memos, 1975-1981
Box 28 Folder 2 CETA Title VII, cost summaries, 1979-1980
Box 27 Folder 6 CETA Title VII, expenditures, 1979
Box 27 Folder 7 CETA Title VII, handbooks, information packets, CETA reports, 1978-1979
Box 28 Folder 1 CETA Title VII, Kuumba job descriptions, 1978-1979
Box 28 Folder 3 CETA Title VII, payroll, summary, ledger sheets, 1978-1979
Box 28 Folder 4 CETA Title VII, project summaries, 1978-1979
Box 28 Folder 5 CETA Title VII, retention notes, 1979
Box 28 Folder 6 CETA Title VII, sub-agency status reports, 1978-1979
Box 28 Folder 7 CETA Title VII, termination notices, 1979
Box 28 Folder 8 CETA Title VII, Title VII sub grant, memos, guidelines, 1978-1979
Box 28 Folder 10 CETA Title VII, vouchers, 1975 October 1-1977 June 30
Box 28 Folder 11 CETA Title VII, vouchers, Fund #393, Activity 8110, 1980 January-June
Box 28 Folder 9 CETA Title VII, wage summaries, 1977-1979
Box 28 Folder 12 CETA Title VII, wage summaries, 1978
Box 25 Folder 1 Correspondence, employment, 1983-1984
Box 25 Folder 2 Job descriptions, circa 1983
Box 25 Folder 3 Letters of recommendation, 1980
Box 25 Folder 4 Organizational charts, undated
Box 25 Folder 5 Resumes, [1979-1984]
Box 25 Folder 6 Schedules, circa 1979
Box 38 Folder 13 Staff and cast portraits, Sam Greenlee and unidentified, photographs (6), circa 1970s
Box 25 Folder 10 Staff Files - Nora Brooks Blakely, news clipping, undated
Box 25 Folder 11 Staff Files - Terry Cullers, biographical notes, 1983
Box 25 Folder 12 Staff Files - Joan Davis, timesheet, 1980
Box 25 Folder 13 Staff Files - Sakunah Delaney, timesheet, 1980
Box 25 Folder 14 Staff Files - Michael Fosberg, contract, 1981
Box 25 Folder 15 Staff Files - Babatu (Zachary) Gray, timesheets, 1978-1980
Box 25 Folder 16 Staff Files - Yolanda Renee Green, timesheets, 1979
Box 25 Folder 17 Staff Files - Fred Hanible, resume, 1979
Box 25 Folder 18 Staff Files - Mary Hughes, information card, undated
Box 25 Folder 19 Staff Files - Warren McIntosh, timesheets, 1977-1979
Box 25 Folder 20 Staff Files - Clemons Johnson (Adisa Jahmu), timesheets, 1978-1979
Box 25 Folder 21 Staff Files - Douglas Johnson, information card, undated
Box 25 Folder 22 Staff Files - Portia Johnson, resume, pay receipts, 1982-1983
Box 26 Folder 1 Staff Files - Ron Johnson, job description, timesheets, 1978-1980
Box 26 Folder 2 Staff Files - Juan Miller, job description, timesheets, 1979-1980
Box 26 Folder 3 Staff Files - Nilaja Niyonu (Judith Lee), information card, undated
Box 26 Folder 4 Staff Files - Cathy D. Oliver, timesheets, 1980
Box 26 Folder 5 Staff Files - James Spencer, timesheets, 1978
Box 26 Folder 6 Staff Files - Edward Richardson, biographical notes, timesheets, 1978-1980
Box 26 Folder 7 Staff Files - Juanita Richardson, contract, 1974
Box 26 Folder 8 Staff Files - Paula Russell, timesheets, 1980
Box 26 Folder 9 Staff Files - Juanita Thomas, timesheets, 1980
Box 26 Folder 10 Staff Files - John Toles-Bey, timesheets, 1980
Box 26 Folder 11 Staff Files - Phillip Walker, timesheets, 1978
Box 26 Folder 12 Staff Files - Akintola Ward, timesheets, 1978-1980
Box 26 Folder 13 Staff Files - Francis Ward, news clipping, 1978
Box 26 Folder 14 Staff Files - Val Gray Ward, biographical sketches, resume, news clippings, 1969-1982
Box 26 Folder 15 Staff Files - Rita Warford (Omokun), letter, news clippings, 1973, 1975
Box 26 Folder 16 Staff Files - Oscar Webb, timesheets, 1980
Box 26 Folder 17 Staff Files - Alonzo Webb Jr., timesheets, 1980
Box 26 Folder 18 Staff Files - Mical Whitaker, timesheets, 1980
Box 26 Folder 19 Staff Files - Walter White, timesheets, 1981
Box 26 Folder 20 Staff Files - Doyle Wicks, resume, timesheets, 1979-1980
Box 26 Folder 21 Staff Files - Letitia Wicks, timesheets, 1980
Box 26 Folder 22 Staff Files - Tom Wicks, timesheets, 1980
Box 26 Folder 23 Staff Files - Sam Williams, timesheets, 1980
Box 26 Folder 24 Staff Files - Vanessa Wynder, timesheets, 1980
Box 36 Folder 3 Staff Files - photographs (8), includes E. Erelah Ajao, Terri Cullers, Ron Johnson, Maria Mitchell, Edward Richardson and Rhonda Ward, circa 1970s
Box 25 Folder 8 Time records, 1978-1979
Box 25 Folder 7 Timecards, 1978
Box 25 Folder 9 Timesheets, employment memos, invoices, 1983-1984
Box 29 Folder 8 Timesheets, 1976-1977

Series 2: Administrative Files, 1969-1993, undated

Subseries E: Affiliations, 1969-1986, undated

Scope and Contents

Subseries E contains files on a wide range of artistic, political and social groups with which Kuumba maintained connections. The materials include correspondence, membership forms, newsletters, promotional materials and studies.

The subseries also includes transcripts from the radio broadcast, Lu’s Notebook that aired from 1973 through 1982. Lutrelle Fleming “Lu” Palmer (1922-2004) was an American reporter, political activist, radio show host, and newspaper publisher in Chicago. The transcripts came with the 1988 transfer of Kuumba’s records to the library. Palmer was given a Kuumba Workshop Media Award in 1978 and Kuumba’s newsletter, Kuumba News (see Box 12, Folder 18), promotes subscriptions to his Black X-Press newspaper and describes his resignation from the Chicago Daily News.

Arrangement

Subseries E is arranged alphabetically by organization.

Box 15 Folder 1 Actors Equity, policies and forms, 1969-1985
Box 15 Folder 2 Actors Equity, correspondence with American Arbitration Association, 1979-1981
Box 15 Folder 3 Africare, correspondence, press releases, 1973-1977
Box 15 Folder 4 Afrikan Heritage Institute, promotional material, 1977
Box 15 Folder 5 Afrikan Info Center, promotional material, undated
Box 15 Folder 6 Afrikan Liberation Support Committee, correspondence, promotional material, 1973
Box 15 Folder 7 Afrikanews, vol. 3, nos. 2-3, 1977
Oversize Folder 1   Afro-Arts Theater, “A Tribute to Gwendolyn Brooks,” poster, 1969 December 28
Box 15 Folder 8 Association for the Study of Afro-American Life and History, The Civil Rights Documentation Project, report by Vincent J. Browne, Howard University, 1976
Box 15 Folder 9 Black on Black Love, promotional material, 1984
Box 15 Folder 10 Black Theatre Alliance of Chicago (BTAC), by-laws, promotional flyers, Blackstage, newsletter, 1981-1986
Box 15 Folder 11 Chicago Access Corporation, minutes, 1983
Box 15 Folder 12 Chicago Alliance for the Performing Arts (CAPA), promotional material, 1977-1978
Box 15 Folder 13 Chicago Alliance for the Performing Arts (CAPA), vouchers, 1976-1979
Box 15 Folder 14 Chicago Area Children’s Theater/Creative Drama Association, newsletter, 1980
Box 15 Folder 15 Chicago Educational and Cultural Cable Television Consortium, by-laws, membership committee, 1981
Box 15 Folder 16 Chicago United Black Appeal, memos, promotional material, 1974-1975
Box 15 Folder 17 Community Film Workshop of Chicago, promotional material, 1976
Box 15 Folder 18 Confederation of Nationalist and Pan-African Organizations, minutes, 1972-1973
Box 15 Folder 19 Congress of Afrikan Peoples, agendas, promotional material, 1974
Box 16 Folder 1 Council of Independent Black Institutions, correspondence, 1979
Box 16 Folder 2 Eritrean Relief Association, reports (photocopies), 1976
Box 16 Folder 3 First World Magazine, promotional material, circa 1977
Box 36 Folder 22 Greenlee, Sam, photographs (2), circa 1970s
Box 16 Folder 4 Illinois Arts Council, memos, newsletters, 1975-1985
Box 16 Folder 5 Illinois Arts Council, reports, 1972, 1984, undated
Box 16 Folder 6 Illinois Community Theatre Conference Planning Committee, memo, correspondence, 1971-1972
Box 16 Folder 7 Illinois Ethnic Performing Arts Directory, questionnaire, undated
Box 16 Folder 8 Institute of Positive Education, correspondence and promotional flyers, 1979
Box 16 Folder 9 International Women’s Economic Development Corporation, correspondence, promotional material, 1980-1981
Box 16 Folder 10 Jobs for Youth-Chicago, reports and promotional material, 1980-1982
Box 16 Folder 11 Landmarks Preservation Council, “The North Loop Theater Study” reports, memos, 1980-1981, 1984
Box 16 Folder 12 League of Chicago Theatres, correspondence, 1979-1984
Box 16 Folder 13 League of Chicago Theatres, membership list, newsletters, 1979
Box 30 Folder 1 Lu’s Notebook, transcripts of Lu Palmer’s broadcasts nos. 1137-1600, 1973 December 18-1875 June 21
Box 30 Folder 2 Lu’s Notebook, transcripts of Lu Palmer’s broadcasts nos. 2814-2921, 1979 August 2-December 31
Box 30 Folder 3 Lu’s Notebook, transcripts of Lu Palmer’s broadcasts nos. 2922-3008, 1980 January 1-April 30
Box 30 Folder 4 Lu’s Notebook, transcripts of Lu Palmer’s broadcasts, nos. 3009-3117, 1980 May 1-September 30
Box 30 Folder 5 Lu’s Notebook, transcripts of Lu Palmer’s broadcasts, nos. 3161-3242, 1980 December 1-1981 March 31
Box 30 Folder 6 Lu’s Notebook, transcripts of Lu Palmer’s broadcasts, nos. 3286-3439, 1981 June 1-December 21
Box 31 Folder 1 Lu’s Notebook, transcripts of Lu Palmer’s broadcasts, nos. 3441-3540, 1982 January 4-May 24
Box 31 Folder 2 Lu’s Notebook, transcripts of Lu Palmer’s broadcasts, nos. 3547-3600, 1982 June 1-August 13
Box 31 Folder 3 Lu’s Notebook, transcripts of Lu Palmer’s broadcasts, nos. 3619-3673, 1982 September 9-November 24
Box 16 Folder 14 National Black Human Rights Coalition (NBHRC), pamphlet, circa 1979
Box 16 Folder 15 National Conference of Artists, newsletter and promotional material, 1982, 1984
Box 16 Folder 16 OLPAC, minutes, 1978
Box 16 Folder 17 Palmer Institute of Communications (Lu Palmer Foundation), brochure, undated
Box 16 Folder 18 Research Center for the Federal Theatre Project, Federal One, newsletters, 1977-1980

Series 3: Artistic Files, 1970-1984, undated

Scope and Contents

Series 3 contains casting and programming information, as well as a collection of unproduced scripts by a variety of playwrights, including Wole Soyinka, Eugene Perkins and Samm-Art Williams.

Arrangement

Series 3 is arranged alphabetically by material type.

Box 32 Folder 1 Casting resumes, photos and audition sheets, A-D, [1977-1984]
Box 32 Folder 2 Casting resumes, photos and audition sheets, E-L, [1977-1984]
Box 32 Folder 3 Casting resumes, photos and audition sheets, M-Z, [1977-1984]
Box 34 Folder 10 Poetry [various poems and passages], undated
Box 34 Folder 11 Poetry [various poems and passages], undated
Box 34 Folder 12 Poetry [various poems and passages], undated
Box 32 Folder 4 Programming research, correspondence, [1976-1984]
Box 32 Folder 5 Programming research, promotional material, [1977-1980]
Box 33 Folder 1 Scripts - The Ancestor by Gayl Jones, published (photocopy), 1974
Box 33 Folder 2 Scripts - Before the Flood, typescript (photocopy), undated
Box 33 Folder 3 Scripts - Behold, A Unicorn by Ihunanya, typescript (photocopy), 1972
Box 33 Folder 4 Scripts - The Biko Inquest, published (photocopy), undated
Box 33 Folder 5 Scripts - The Black Nativity, typescript (photocopy), undated
Box 33 Folder 6 Scripts - The Bust by Ebon, typescript (photocopy), undated
Box 33 Folder 7 Scripts - Come, Liberty by Beth Turner, typescript (photocopy), 1980
Box 33 Folder 8 Scripts - Death and the King’s Horseman by Wole Soyinka, published (photocopy), 1982
Box 33 Folder 9 Scripts - Get Me to the Church on Time, typescript (photocopy), 1981 September 1
Box 33 Folder 10 Scripts - Hero in the Strife by Stafford A. Garbutt, typescript (photocopy), 1982
Box 33 Folder 11 Scripts - How the Snake Got His Rattles by Julius Lester, adapted by Nora Brooks Blakeley, typescript (photocopy), undated
Box 33 Folder 12 Scripts - Ju Ju Death Ritual, Act II, Scenes 1 and 2 only [marked ‘Doyle’s second half’], typescript (photocopy), undated
Box 33 Folder 13 Scripts - Martin Luther King: A Man of All People by Nathan Uwen, [marked with sound cues], publication and typescript photocopy, 1970
Box 33 Folder 14 Scripts - Motion for the Defense by Carlyle F. Stewart, III, typescript (photocopy), undated
Box 33 Folder 15 Scripts - My Brother’s Brother by Leonard Noel, typescript (photocopy), undated
Box 33 Folder 16 Scripts - Nat Turner by Randolph Edmonds, published (photocopy), undated
Box 33 Folder 17 Scripts - No Spring for Eve by Eugene Perkins (Useni), inscribed to Val Gray Ward, typescript (photocopy), 1976
Box 33 Folder 18 Scripts - Ode to Mariah by Beth Turner, typescript (photocopy), 1978
Box 33 Folder 19 Scripts - Our Street by Eugene Perkins, typescript (photocopy), undated
Box 34 Folder 1 Scripts - Pop Corn, Sweet Potatoes and Hot Corn Bread by Edward Richardson, script synopsis, typescript, with set drawing, undated
Box 34 Folder 2 Scripts - Prophecy: The Complex Road of a Black Family by Aki Llorens AKA Bruce Llorens, typescript, [1978]
Box 34 Folder 3 Scripts - Queen Bee by William Mayfield, with critique sheet, typescript (photocopy), 1980
Box 34 Folder 4 Scripts - The Road by Wole Soyinka, Oxford University Press, 1970
Box 34 Folder 5 Scripts - Salome by Samantha Stamper, inscribed to Val Gray Ward, typescript (photocopy), 1981
Box 34 Folder 6 Scripts - Sergeant General by Kenneth Brown, with correspondence, typescript (photocopy), 1981
Box 34 Folder 7 Scripts - Sing on, Ms. Griot by Beth Turner, typescript (photocopy), 1979
Box 34 Folder 8 Scripts - The Seventh Round by Samm-Art Williams typescript (photocopy), 1977
Box 34 Folder 9 Scripts - When the Chickens Come Home to Roost by Laurence Holder, typescript (photocopy), 1980
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