Books and Things, Inc., "Islamic Literature", undated

The Hoyt William Fuller Collection documents his career from 1943-1981. Included in these papers are several autobiographies that together give an account of his childhood and youth. The collection follows his long association with the Bertha Krausner Literary Agency and includes an extensive collection of his short stories as well as those of aspiring writers and established writers, poets, historians and others.

Mr. Fuller's association with Johnson Publishing Company from the 1950's until 1976 is represented by those papers generated during his years as the associate editor of Ebony and as editor of Negro Digest/Black World, 1961-1976. In his capacity as editor of the leading Black literary publication in the nation, Mr. Fuller was mentor, critic, consultant and publisher to many of today's writers. He was a founder of the Organization of Black American Culture (O.B.A.C.). The famous Wall of Respect in Chicago, created by the artist workshop of O.B.A.C. in May of 1976, gave impetus to the wall mural movement of the 1960's.

In 1976 Mr. Fuller left Johnson Publishing Company. This historically significant parting is documented here as is his teaching career at Cornell University, Northwestern University, Atlanta Junior College, and elsewhere.

The struggle to establish First World magazine in Atlanta and the accompanying network of Atlanta supports right up until his death in 1981 complete the collection. These papers and the correspondence, photographs and posters that document his travels in Africa, Europe and the Americas leave a collection of great clarity and great beauty. This collection will prove to be a vital link in the history of African Americans and a most important part of the development of responsible journalism in the United States. It is our strong conviction that for researchers, writers, poets and scholars the Hoyt William Fuller Collection must be a point of reference.

Charles Freeney