Brother Insider

Honoring Bayard/

Lover of humanity/

Truth and principle.

Bayard Rustin,1912-1987.

Pre-"Dutchman" Bohemianism

Newark-born poet/

Of art and controversy/

Battle-warrior.

 

Amiri Baraka (Everett LeRoi Jones) (b. 1934), by Van Vechten, 1962.

Gifts of Art and Nature

On this “Eartha” Day/
Nature’s bounteous gifts/
Regarded with awe.

  Eartha Kitt (1927-2008), by Van Vechten, 1954.

 

Street Scene

With wrought-iron strength/

The strivings of a people/

 Set in bold relief.

Striver's Row, Harlem, by Van Vechten, 1940

En Pointe

 

The ballet’s “Porgy”/

Master of grace and movement/

Black dance pioneer.

 Claude Thompson (d. 2007), by Van Vechten, 1959.

The Only "Ruth Younger" I Know

 

Lasting impression/

The legendary drama/

Of sweet Ruby red.

 

Ruby Dee (b. 1924), by Van Vechten, 1961.

Sanctified

Glass shop and stained glass/

Windows of saints and sinners/

True transparency.

 Harlem Church and Glass Shop, by Van Vechten, 1940.

Meeting Place

Lenox Avenue/

Rendezvous with destiny/

Joyful cabaret.

 

Rendezvous Cocktail Lounge, by Van Vechten, 1940.