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Sterling A. Brown papers

 Collection
Identifier: MC-330

Dates

  • Creation: circa 1890-1989

Conditions Governing Access

In-process collection. For information regarding access, please contact il6@williams.edu.

Conditions Governing Use

Most of the material in this collection is subject to copyright. Queries regarding permission to publish from the work of Sterling A. Brown may be directed to his estate using contact information recorded in the WATCH file (Writers, Artists, and their Copyright Holders).

Sterling Allen Brown (1901-1989)

Sterling Allen Brown (May 1, 1901 – January 13, 1989) was an African-American poet, professor of English, folklorist, and literary critic. A graduate of Dunbar High School in Washington, D.C., he graduated Phi Beta Kappa from Williams College in 1922 and received his master’s degree from Harvard University in 1923. Brown taught for most of his career at Howard University until his retirement in 1968 to focus on poetry.

Extent

120 Linear Feet

Language of Materials

English

Custodial History

Most material in this collection was held on deposit at Howard University's Moorland-Spingarn Research Center from 1984 until 2019. Some material was in the custody of the Dennis family prior to transfer to Williams in 2019.

Immediate Source of Acquisition

Gift of Elizabeth Dennis, 2019.

Processing Information

As of September 2024, the Sterling A. Brown Papers are currently being processed with the finding aid being constantly revised. Any current arrangement and description can change at any time until processing has been completed in early 2025. Please contact the processing archivist at il6@williams.edu for questions.

The finding aid of Sterling A. Brown includes terms some might find racist, outdated, and/or harmful. The use of this description in the finding aid is not an endorsement of the language contained in the collection. Original descriptive language has been retained to promote searchability and discoverability of the collection and materials.

Title
Sterling A. Brown Papers
Date
2019
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin

Repository Details

Part of the Williams College Archives Repository

Contact:
Sawyer Library
26 Hopkins Hall Drive
Williamstown, MA 01267