Explore Black History

1978

A white plastic cassette tape with recordings of two episodes of the radio program The Literary Corner. The cassette has a beige label on which typewritten text on one side reads [THE LITERARY CORNER / B W O T W Ron Karenga (Poet/essayist / life & Works)]. The typewritten text on the other side reads [THE LITERARY CORNER / B W O T W Margaret Dinner (life&works)].
Side A: “Ron Karenga’s Life and Works”
Episode 15 of the Literary Corner radio program entitled “Ron Karenga’s Life and Works.” The episode begins with Dr. Ron Karenga commenting on, and critiquing, the poems of the 1960s, before segueing to an introduction by host Brooks Robinson. In the episode, Dr. Karenga discusses his views about literature being an instrument of change with Professors Sarah Fabio and Edris Makward. Some of the topics they discuss include the importance of literature; ideological struggle being necessary for political struggle; Dr. Karenga’s foray into poetry and his transition from writing essays to writing poems; Dr. Karenga’s incarceration under the Raegan administration; the reciprocal/mutual influence of Dr. Karenga and black poets such as Sonia Sanchez and Amiri Baraka; the three elements of the black aesthetic: functionality, collectivity, and commitment to a new society. Most of the last half of the program features Dr. Karenga reading some of his work. The episode concludes with Dr. Karenga reading one of his poems, “Your Seasons Are Always Softness.”
Side B: “Margaret Danner’s Life and Works”
Episode 16 of the Literary Corner radio program entitled “Margaret Danner’s Life and Works.” It begins with Margaret Danner stating that “Poetry isn’t white. Poetry isn’t black. Poetry is individual and it attains the creative height that makes it belong to mankind.” Immediately after, host Brooks Robinson introduces Margaret Danner as the episode’s guest. Professor Sarah Fabio then recalls how she met Margaret Danner at the First World Festival of Negro Arts, 1966, in Dakar, Senegal. Professor Fabio then asks Margaret Danner, “What kinds of things did 1966 bring to you?” Danner responds by stating that 1966 was a rebirth because she found so many of her friends on their native soil (in Africa)—the familiarity of walking down the street and seeing individuals such as Langston Hughes, St. Claire Drake and Sarah Fabio. Some of the topics discussed in this episode include how Margaret Danner acquired Boone House, and how she met individuals such as Robert “Bob” Hayden there; the significance of Detroit as a cultural hub; Margaret Danner’s experience working with Dudley Randall on their book Poem Counterpoem; the relationship between poets and librarians; her inspiration for writing poetry; her experience of writing poetry when she was a child. At the end of the episode, Brooks Robinson asks Professor Fabio if she has any other questions for Margaret Danner, to which Professor Fabio replies no, and thanks Margaret Danner for joining them. Danner responds by saying she is “just tickled to be here.”

Transcribed by digital volunteers

Cassette tape with two episodes of the Literary Corner radio program

National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

The Literary Corner: Black Writers of the World

Time-based Media - Audio

BAM (Black Arts Movement 1965-1976)

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Contributed in memory of Professor Sarah Webster Fabio (1928-1979), poet, educator, Black Arts Movement icon, and one of the Literary Corner's analysts.

National Museum of African American History and Culture

2010.17.1.8a

audiotapes

© Brooks B. Robinson
Permission required for use. Proper usage is the responsibility of the user.

plastic and tape

H x W (audiocassette): 2 3/4 × 4 1/4 × 5/8 in. (7 × 10.8 × 1.6 cm)
Duration (side a): 00:15:10
Duration (side b): 00:15:12

Title • The Literary Corner: Ron Karenga’s Life and Works (side a) / Margaret Danner’s Life and Works (side b)

nmaahc_2010.17.1.8a

NMAAHC

THE LITERARY CORNER: RON KARENGA’S LIFE AND WORKS (SIDE A) / MARGARET DANNER’S LIFE AND WORKS (SIDE B)

National Museum of African American History and Culture

CC0

1970s

Fabio, Sarah • Robinson, Brooks B. • Makward, Edris • Danner, Margaret Esse • Randall, Dudley • Karenga, Maulana • Cham, Robert • Brown, William Wells • Chesnutt, Charles W.

Detroit • Dakar • United States • Senegal • North and Central America • West Africa • Wayne County • Michigan

Literature • BAM (Black Arts Movement 1965-1976) • United States History • Poetry • Radio

Country • United States • Continent • North and Central America • City • Dakar • Country • Senegal • Region • West Africa • Continent • Africa • City • Detroit • County • Wayne County • State • Michigan

Sound recordings

Limited Use