Artistic Activism of Elombe Brath

In 1963, Cecil Brathwaite published a satire of Black leaders called "Color Us Cullud! The American Negro Leadership Official Coloring Book." The book critiques Black leaders and urges a more radical approach to Black activism. Despite its strong illustrations and unique commentary, it has been largely forgotten in histories of the movement. "The Artistic Activism of Elombe Brath" restores the coloring book and its creator to a place of prominence in the historiography of the Black left, analyzing Brath's influences, early works, and the full run of his comic strip. The volume includes annotations that frame and contextualize each entry and selections from Brath's art and political thinking.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 240 pages
Publication date: 30 September 2021
Publisher: University Press of Mississippi

In the midst of the fervent southern civil rights movement of 1963, Cecil Brathwaite, known by his pseudonym Cecil Elombe Brath, emerged with a satirical masterpiece that aimed to expose the duplicity of Black leaders. Titled "Color Us Cullud! The American Negro Leadership Official Coloring Book," this remarkable work served as a scathing critique of a diverse range of Black figures, encompassing political icons such as Adam Clayton Powell and Whitney Young, as well as civil rights activists like Martin Luther King, Bayard Rustin, and John Lewis. Notably, the book also took aim at entertainers like Sammy Davis Jr., Lena Horne, and Dick Gregory, critiquing their roles in the movement and advocating for a more radical approach to Black activism. Despite its bold illustrations and thought-provoking commentary, "Color Us Cullud!" has largely been overlooked in the annals of movement history.
To rectify this oversight, The Artistic Activism of Elombe Brath emerges as a groundbreaking volume that reclaims the significance of the coloring book and its creator. This comprehensive work delves into the life and career of Brath, exploring his development as a Black nationalist thinker and Black satirist. The book encompasses a treasure trove of Brath's early works, including illustrations for esteemed publications like "DownBeat" magazine and "Beat Jokes, Bop Humor, & Cool Cartoons." Additionally, it presents the complete run of his comic strip, "Congressman Carter," and "Beat Nick Jackson," which were featured in the New York "Citizen-Call." Furthermore, the volume includes a comprehensive edition of "Color Us Cullud!" itself, allowing readers to immerse themselves in the satirical world of the book.
To enhance the reader's experience, the illustrations are accompanied by detailed annotations that provide context and insight into each of the coloring book's entries. These annotations shed light on the historical significance of the individuals and events depicted, offering a deeper understanding of the civil rights movement's complex tapestry. The book concludes with a selection of archival material and excerpts from Brath's written work, further showcasing his artistic and political brilliance.
In essence, The Artistic Activism of Elombe Brath serves as a vital contribution to the historiography of the Black left. By restoring the coloring book and its creator to their rightful place, this volume offers a unique perspective on the civil rights movement that is often overlooked but essential for comprehending its full scope. Through its meticulous research, engaging annotations, and captivating artwork, this book provides a fresh lens through which to examine the complexities and challenges faced by Black activists during a pivotal period in American history.

Weight: 780g
Dimension: 203 x 251 x 25 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781496835376