The Givens Collection of African American Literature is a part of Archie Givens Jr.'s personal and cultural history. The collection itself carries his father's name, and it consists of rare books (see below), correspondence, photos, playbills, and sound and video recordings depicting nearly 300 years of African American history. The collection began in private hands, and in 1985 the Givens family led 10 African American families in raising money to acquire the initial 3,000 items. Today, the Givens Foundation for African American Literature works to advance and celebrate the collection, now with over 10,000 book and archival items, keeping the literature alive and relevant for teachers, students, and community members who want to better understand the contribution of African Americans to our shared cultural heritage.
Holding history in his hands Photographed by Tom Wallace
The mission of the Givens Foundation for African American Literature (www.givens.org) is to enrich cultural understanding through programs that promote and celebrate African American literature and writers. The Foundation, which serves nearly 5,000 youth and adults in the Twin Cities and beyond, is an outgrowth of the Givens Collection of African American Literature. The Collection itself is located in the Special Collections and Rare Books unit of the University of Minnesota Libraries' Department of Archives and Special Collections. While all materials must be used on site, the collections are available to anyone with a desire to explore, discover, and learn. The Archives and Special Collections unit sponsors an active program of exhibitions, lectures, seminars, and symposia, most free and open to the public.
