Information On The Harlem Writers Guild

By Donna Brown


It was in the 1920s, when the first group of writers met to form a support group. After what was originally The Harlem Writers Club lost funding along with the Black Arts Movement and others in the 1960s, The Harlem Writers Guild was born. For, the group of authors which had been part of other organizations in the past still believed it important to help young African-American writers hone the craft.

The Harlem Writers Club began as a method for helping young African-Americans interested in writing. One reason the group formed was due to the dilution of "The Committee For Negro In The Arts, " a committee which worked to promote different type of arts and artists in the area. Then, when funding ended for the Black Arts Movement and other groups in the 1960s, the guild became part of the mainstream literary movement of New York.

Even today, the organization remains focused on the original goal of helping African-American writers hone writing talents. For, the group still meets on a regular basis. At which time, more advanced authors work with new and emerging writers to teach about how to format, and write in a way that is exciting to a a number of readers. By teaching issues related to audience response, fellow members show young authors how to better relate to different elements of society.

The organization found success early on when several members had published over 300 works which included poetry, screenplays, scripts, plays, fiction and non-fiction books, and other writings. All of which took place in a very short period between the mid-1960s and early 1970s. After which, the United Society of Writers honored the guild and associated membership for these outstanding contributions.

As of the late 1960s, many authors have been able to mix more freely with others from different economic, racial and social backgrounds. Then, in the early 1970s, whether attending or teaching at prestigious universities or participating in white-led writing groups, African Americans had the freedom to share knowledge and writings more than ever before.

While this is the case, it could also be that following literary icons like Langston Hughes and others in the Renaissance of the 1920s were just more difficult to live up to. As such, the editors might have been trying to set standards too high in comparison to many of these first published authors of African-American descent.

Today, the world of the author has taken on new challenges. For example, e-books have replaced hard and paperback books. Whereas, individuals can now self-publish online far more easier than in the past. Although, there are still those whom want to be published by a national or international publisher rather than creating a book and cover which one can only sell to friends. As such, these groups are still needed to teach new and emerging artists these new and more traditional methods related to writing and publication.

Ultimately, this group has gone through several different formations since the 1920s. Although, the original goal in the early 1920s remains the same. To teach young African-American writers how to develop a voice, style and tone that is captivating to all readers. Whereas, to also support in finding the appropriate periodicals, books and publishers which are often accepting of many different voices.




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