Over the past week, the Project on the History of Black Writing have released our Look Back Series as part of HBW’s 30 year anniversary. Collectively, the video series has given a glimpse into key events, conferences, literary scholars, grants, and institutions that have helped to ensure the success and mission of the project.

Although HBW’s history spans all the way back to 1983 at the University of Mississippi, (1989-1997) at Northeastern University, and (1998-Present) now at the University of Kansas, one factor has remained fixed—Dr. Maryemma Graham. Graham’s emphasis on collaborative work, board member support, and her persistence, has been integral for the success that HBW has enjoyed throughout the years.

While at the University of Kansas, HBW has been very successful in receiving funding from the National Endowment in the Humanities and other external funding devoted to public outreach, professional development, and literary recovery. Below, I have compiled a list of NEH funded projects [at KU] that has helped Dr. Graham advance and promote African American Literature and culture.

*2001–“Speaking of Rivers: Taking Poetry to the People”

*2002–“Language Matters I: Reading and Teaching Toni Morrison”

*2003–“Speaking of Rivers: Taking Poetry to the People”

*2004–“Language Matters II: Reading and Teaching Toni Morrison, The Cardozo Project Model”

*2009–“Making the Wright Connection: Teaching Black Boy, Native Son, and Uncle Tom’s Children”

*2010–“Language Matters IV: Reading and Teaching Toni Morrison in Translation”

*2013–“Don’t Deny My Voice: Reading and Teaching African American Poetries”

Related:

HBW Celebrates 30 Years
Look Back Series-Featuring Jerry W. Ward, Jr.
Look Back Series-Featuring Michael Eric Dyson
Look Back Series-Featuring Eugene Redmond