The Cool History of Cleveland

There is no doubt that Cleveland enjoys a rich history. And there is no better month to uncover that rich depth than during Black History Month. I think I may have uncovered a very unique part of Cleveland’s literary past that highlights the very reason we celebrate Black History Month. From 1930 to 1933, a number of local African-American writers, in Cleveland, established the January Club. This was during the influence of the Harlem Renaissance and numerous literary groups began to flourish in the black community. The January Club initially held their meetings at the Karamu House (then located on E. 38th and Central) and later met at the Sterling Branch of the Cleveland Public Library. The Club diligently published three volumes of poetry. The first - Dundo - is widely considered to be the first published anthology of poetry by African-Americans in the United States. Only 500 copies of this anthology were made (and what I would not do to possess but one). The other two anthologies were Shadows and Crispus Attacks. I believe it would be prove to a magical experience to read these anthologies. Seems I will have to travel to the Main Cleveland Public Library for it seems that have saved a single copy of Dundo. I cannot wait.