Chapter 22 - Black Life Writing for Young Readers

Summary

Published monthly from January of 1920 through December of 1921 by W.E. B. Du Bois and members of The Crisis staff, The Brownies’ Book was one of the first periodicals created mainly for African American children. The serial set seven goals, two of which were to familiarize Black children with African American historical achievements and to foster pride and hope in their own capabilities. Issues of The Brownies’ Book frequently featured biographies of famous African Americans such as Benjamin Banneker, Frederick Douglass, Harriet Tubman, Crispus Attucks, and Phillis Wheatley. Although The Brownies’ Book ceased publication after two years for financial reasons, McNair suggests, the goals of this magazine continue to be relevant within the context of African American children’s literature, which she defines as books intended for youth written by and about African American authors. McNair observes one could further argue that The Brownies’ Book laid the foundation for African American children’s literature in terms of its ideological underpinnings.