(LITERATURE) Thurman Wallace Letter as editor of the short l

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(LITERATURE.) Thurman, Wallace. Letter as editor of the short-lived Harlem: A Forum of Negro Life. Letter Signed to Nellie R. Bright. One page, 11 x 8 1/4 inches, on illustrated letterhead of Harlem: A Forum of Negro Life; mailing folds, minimal wear. New York, 3 October 1928

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The novelist Wallace Thurman (1902-1934) was an important figure in the Harlem Renaissance, best known for The Blacker the Berry. In 1928 he launched an ambitious magazine, "Harlem: A Forum of Negro Life." Only two issues made it to press, and are now great rarities. In this letter, Thurman writes to author Nellie Rathbone Bright: "Here I am launched on another venture and writing for your cooperation once more. Harlem is to fill what we believe to be a much needed want in Negro journalism. . . . It is not to be limited to Negro contributors, but is going to strive to give its Negro public the best of current thought from any source possible. And it seems to have enough financial backing to remain independent. In fact, the publishers have authorized me to say that beginning with the January issue I can pay for any material used." Perhaps not coincidentally, the magazine was shuttered after the December issue. Thurman asks Bright to send a piece for the inaugural issue within twelve days: "That is not giving you much time, but it is necessary that I rush this first issue out, and I assure you that I will be glad to receive anything you may prepare or have on hand."