Father of the Negro Press, Claude Barnett Featured Part of UIC Black History Month Events
As Black History Month Kicks off, the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) is offering an array of entertaining events to commemorate the culture and contributions of Africans and African Americans, with its “Sports, Leadership and Legends” themed program.
The American Negro Exposition, which ran from July 4 through Sept. 2, 1940, at the Chicago Coliseum, celebrated the 75th anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation and highlighted African Americans’ accomplishments and contributions to American life since the end of the Civil War, is a featured part of what’s offered at UIC’s Black History commemoration events.
Curated by Jacqueline Yvonne Smith, UIC museum and exhibition studies graduate student and graduate assistant for the African American Cultural Center, UIC’s the “American Negro Exhibition” includes representations of work produced by sculptor Elizabeth Catlett and painter Charles Alston, and highlights the contributions of key black Chicago figures such as journalist and publisher Claude Barnett, founder of the Associated Negro Press agency.
Born in 1889, Claude Barnett, an African American journalist and entrepreneur referred to as the “Father of the Negro Press,” moved to Illinois in 1919 from Sanford, Fla. as a young child. In 1906, he received and engineering degree from Tuskegee Institute and worked as a postal clerk and advertising salesman in Chicago until 1915.
Barnett created a small mail order business, marketing photos of famous Black Americans and along with others, established the Kashmir Chemical Company (a cosmetics firm).
After noticing a need for a news service geared toward Black newspapers, one that was concerned with themes relevant to the African American community, in 1919, Barnett founded the Associated Negro Press (ANP). By 1935, the ANP was serving over 200 subscribers across the country and after WW II its membership grew to include more than 100 African American newspapers.
During World War II, Barnett and other black journalists pressured the U. S. government to accredit black journalists as war correspondents. In his travels Barnett wrote many accounts on the adverse effects of segregation in the armed forces. Barnett was also focused on the terrible living conditions of black tenant farmers. From 1942 to 1953, he served as a consultant to the Secretary of Agriculture in an effort to improve conditions.
A member of the Tuskegee Board of Directors until 1965, Barnett held similar posts with the American Red Cross, Chicago’s Supreme Liberty Life Insurance Company, and was president of Provident Hospital Board of Directors. The ANP ceased operating after Barnett died of a cerebral hemorrhage in 1967.
Events are open to the public. Admission is free to all events except the UIC Theatre performances of “The Piano Lesson”; the UIC Jazz Ensemble performance with Robin Eubanks; the Blues Cabaret; and UIC basketball games.
A partial list of scheduled events, include:
Thursday, Feb. 5--“American Negro Exhibition” opening reception for UIC African American Cultural Center’s objects, images and texts showcase that explores the legacy of the Chicago’s 1940 American Negro Exposition. The event features a lecture and demonstration by Johari Jabir, UIC assistant professor of African American studies from 4:30 – 6 p.m. and will take place at UIC African American Cultural Center Library, Addams Hall, Rm. 200, 830 S. Halsted St.
Thursday, Feb. 5
Poetry Slam. Featuring members of Mojo’s Pen, UIC’s black literary guild. 6 – 9 p.m. UIC Student Center East, Cardinal Room, 750 S. Halsted St.
Wednesday, Feb. 18
Jazz trombonist Robin Eubanks with UIC Jazz Ensemble. 7 p.m. UIC Student Center East, Illinois Room, 750 S. Halsted St. Tickets $7 for students and seniors, $10 general public. Available online.
Friday, Feb. 20
“The Piano Lesson.” Opening night of August Wilson’s Pulitzer Prize-winning play. Directed by Derrick Sanders, UIC assistant professor of theatre. 7:30 p.m. UIC Theatre, 1044 W. Harrison St. Ticket information and scheduled performances: $12 students/seniors, $17 general public.
Monday, Feb. 23
“Behind Uncle Tom’s Cabin: Black Lives in the 19th Century.” Discussion on UIC’s Daley Library Special Collections exhibit “Visualizing Uncle Tom’s Cabin.” 5 – 7 p.m. UIC Richard J. Daley Library, Room 1-470, 801 S. Morgan St.
Tuesday, Feb. 24
“Dear White People.” Film screening and discussion co-facilitated by the UIC Dialogue Initiative staff. 5 – 8 p.m. UIC Student Center East, Room 605, 750 S. Halsted St.
Thursday, Feb. 26
Black History Makers Award Ceremony. 8th annual event honoring the contributions of UIC alumni, faculty, staff and students. 3 – 5 p.m. UIC Student Center East, East Terrace, 750 S. Halsted St.
Friday, Feb. 27
25th annual and final Blues Cabaret featuring Big James and the Chicago Playboys. Opening act: LaJa’ and the Jazz Blue Band. 7 p.m. UIC Student Center East, Illinois Room, 750 S. Halsted St. $15 includes soul food buffet; UIC students free with valid I-card.
A complete schedule of events is available online. For more information on Black History Month programs, call (312) 413-5070.
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