[Self Culture Club]

Self Culture Club [Bedford-Stuyvesant Community Organization Promotional Brochure]

Brooklyn, NY: n.p., [1916]. Folded pamphlet (5.75 x 8.25 inches) printed in blue ink to both recto and verso on cream paper . [4]pp. Informational pamphlet regarding the "Self Culture Club" in Brooklyn's Bedford-Stuyvesant neighborhood, then a Jewish and Italian working class neighborhood but on the precipice of becoming a historically Black enclave. The Self Culture Club (dating itself back to ca. 1910), describes itself as a laterally-structured group developed in the interest of empowering its members through cultivating self-expression. It states: "There were no sex, religion, naionality [sic], age, educational or any other qualifications for membership. No dues were collected. The club had no officers." It then goes on to outline its plan for a Cultural Center "where the youth of then eighborhood may find the necessary environment for self expression. Teaching will be replaced by an atmosphere that will inspire original activity, higher interests, finer emotions and deeper thoughts."

An interesting and uncommon document from a little-known effort for alternative, intuitive community betterment. OCLC locates no holdings as of October 2024. Trifle edge worn and soiled; paper wrinkled; but well-preserved and bright nonetheless; approaching Near Fine. Item #2897

Price: $100.00