What was the American Negro Academy (ANA), and when and where was it founded?

The American Negro Academy (ANA) was established in Washington, D.C., in 1897. It holds the distinction of being the first organization in the United States dedicated to supporting African-American academic scholarship. The academy operated until 1928.

What was the primary objective of the American Negro Academy?

The primary objective of the American Negro Academy was to support African-American scholars and artists engaged in classical academic studies and the liberal arts. It aimed to foster intellectual development and achievement within the Black community.

How did the ANA's educational philosophy contrast with that of Booker T. Washington's Tuskegee University?

The American Negro Academy's philosophy centered on encouraging African Americans to pursue classical academic studies and the liberal arts. This approach stood in contrast to Booker T. Washington's educational model at Tuskegee University, which emphasized vocational and industrial training. Washington believed these practical skills were more suited to the lives most Black individuals would lead in the rural, segregated South of that era.

Until what year did the American Negro Academy operate?

The American Negro Academy operated from its founding in 1897 until 1928.

Who were the primary types of individuals who founded the American Negro Academy?

The founders of the American Negro Academy were primarily authors, scholars, and artists. They were intellectuals dedicated to advancing African-American scholarship and cultural contributions.

Who served as the founding president of the American Negro Academy?

Alexander Crummell, an Episcopal priest, served as the founding president of the American Negro Academy.

Can you list some of the key founding members of the American Negro Academy mentioned by name?

Key founding members of the American Negro Academy included Alexander Crummell, John Wesley Cromwell, Paul Laurence Dunbar, Walter B. Hayson, Archibald Grimké, and Kelly Miller.

Who was Alexander Crummell, and what were his contributions mentioned in relation to the ANA?

Alexander Crummell was an Episcopal priest and a prominent figure who served as the founding president of the American Negro Academy. He had previously lived and worked in Liberia for two decades and established the first independent Black Episcopal church in Washington, D.C.

Who was Kelly Miller, and what academic distinction did he hold?

Kelly Miller was a scientist and professor of mathematics who was a founding member of the American Negro Academy. He is noted as the first Black graduate student to enroll at Johns Hopkins University.

Who was W. E. B. Du Bois, and what was his connection to the ANA?

W. E. B. Du Bois was a scholar and activist, and a co-founder of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). He was associated with the American Negro Academy and presented its second annual address, aligning with the academy's focus on intellectual leadership.

Name at least five individuals who were among the eighteen members present at the ANA's first meeting in 1897.

Among the eighteen members present at the ANA's first meeting in 1897 were Blanche K. Bruce, Levi J. Coppin, William H. Crogman, John Wesley Cromwell, Alexander Crummell, W. E. B. Du Bois, Paul Laurence Dunbar, William H. Ferris, Francis J. Grimké, Benjamin F. Lee, Kelly Miller, William S. Scarborough, John H. Smythe, Theophilus G. Steward, T. McCants Stewart, Benjamin Tucker Tanner, Robert Heberton Terrell, and Richard R. Wright.

Who was Francis J. Grimké, and what was his background?

Francis J. Grimké was a PhD holder and a Presbyterian clergyman trained in theological studies. He was the brother of Archibald Grimké and was among the eighteen founding members of the American Negro Academy.

Besides founding members, who were some other prominent individuals associated with the American Negro Academy?

Other prominent members associated with the American Negro Academy included Orishatukeh Faduma, George Washington Henderson, John Hope, James Weldon Johnson, Alain Locke, Robert Pelham Jr., Arturo Alfonso Schomburg, Carter G. Woodson, and Monroe Work.

What significant role did James Weldon Johnson play in the civil rights movement, and how is he connected to the ANA?

James Weldon Johnson was a writer and a prominent civil rights advocate associated with the NAACP. He is listed as one of the other prominent members of the American Negro Academy.

Who was Arturo Alfonso Schomburg, and what important institution did he found?

Arturo Alfonso Schomburg was a historian, writer, and activist who was a prominent member of the American Negro Academy. He is also recognized as the founder of the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture.

What was Robert Tecumtha Browne's contribution to the Negro Library Association and his publication *The Mystery of Space*?

Robert Tecumtha Browne co-founded the Negro Library Association in New York City in 1914. In 1919, he published his significant work, *The Mystery of Space*, which synthesized mathematics, Eastern religious philosophy, theosophy, and mysticism, and was praised by the mainstream press.

In what year did Robert Tecumtha Browne serve as vice president of the ANA and deliver a keynote address?

Robert Tecumtha Browne served as the vice president of the American Negro Academy in 1921. In the same year, he delivered the keynote address, titled "Einstein's Theory of Relativity."

Where was the American Negro Academy organized, and when did its first meeting take place?

The American Negro Academy was organized in Washington, D.C., and its first meeting occurred on March 5, 1897.

How did Black newspapers react to the founding of the American Negro Academy?

Black newspapers expressed excitement about the founding of the American Negro Academy, anticipating that it would provide opportunities to serve a large audience and elevate the race through educational enlightenment.

What was the ANA's approach to addressing issues like black illiteracy and disenfranchisement in the South?

The American Negro Academy planned its work, including publications in its Occasional Papers series, based on assessments of statistical trends, particularly concerning Black illiteracy. These scholarly contributions were intended to bolster the spirit of Black individuals in the South who were facing disenfranchisement and the imposition of Jim Crow laws by white-dominated legislatures.

Where were the annual meetings of the American Negro Academy typically held?

The annual meetings of the American Negro Academy were generally held at Lincoln Temple United Church of Christ in Washington, D.C.

Who was invited to attend the ANA's annual meetings, and which sessions were members-only?

The public was invited to attend the annual meetings of the American Negro Academy, with the exception of the business meetings, which were reserved exclusively for members.

What typically occurred during the evening session of the ANA's annual meetings?

During the evening session of the American Negro Academy's annual meetings, an annual address was delivered, followed by presentations of papers and subsequent discussions on the efficacy of the scholars' work.

How did the ANA contribute to the early struggle for equal rights for Black Americans?

The American Negro Academy was part of the early struggle for equal rights for Black Americans by actively supporting their academic efforts and intellectual pursuits. It aimed to elevate the race through scholarship and enlightenment.

What significant Supreme Court decision preceded the organization of the ANA and is mentioned in the text?

The organization of the American Negro Academy occurred shortly after the United States Supreme Court upheld the principle of "separate but equal" in the landmark 1896 case *Plessy v. Ferguson*.

How did W. E. B. Du Bois's concept of the "Talented Tenth" relate to the ANA's mission?

W. E. B. Du Bois proposed that a "Talented Tenth" of African Americans, primarily those trained in classical higher education, could lead in educating the masses of Black citizens. The American Negro Academy was founded to support these elite scholars and artists, aligning with Du Bois's vision of intellectual leadership guiding the community and providing opportunities for those who could surpass limitations.

What was the purpose of the ANA's "Occasional Papers" publication?

The "Occasional Papers" published by the American Negro Academy served as a vehicle to expand the reach of its scholarship and intellectual contributions. This publication was intended to aid the spirit of Black individuals in the South and disseminate the academy's findings and perspectives.

What did Alexander Crummell envision as the ultimate goal for the influence of the black intellectual?

Alexander Crummell envisioned that the influence of Black intellectuals would extend into "his schools, academies and colleges; and then enters his pulpits; and so filters down into his families and his homes... to be a laborer with intelligence, enlightenment and manly ambitions."

What differing scholarly perspectives exist regarding the efficacy and influence of the American Negro Academy?

Scholarly views on the American Negro Academy's impact are divided. Alfred A. Moss Jr., in his work *The American Negro Academy: Voice of the Talented Tenth*, argued for its efficacy. However, Moss also noted that, according to private letters from founder Alexander Crummell, the academy faced significant challenges almost from its inception, suggesting a struggle that may have led to its eventual decline.

According to Alfred A. Moss Jr., what factors contributed to the ANA's decline?

Alfred A. Moss Jr. suggested that the American Negro Academy was bound to decline nearly from its beginning due to an inability to consistently organize, struggles in recruiting new members, and difficulties in raising scholarship funds for student education.

What specific criticisms did Moss raise regarding Archibald Henry Grimké's involvement with the ANA?

Regarding Archibald Henry Grimké, Moss claims that while Grimké's writings showed an understanding of the socio-economic hardships faced by African Americans, he allegedly spent more effort on self-serving interests, particularly amidst efforts to unseat him as ANA president.

What related topics are listed under the "See also" section of the article?

The "See also" section of the article lists "Talented Tenth," "Negro," and "African-American upper class" as related topics.

What international and national databases are used for the authority control of the American Negro Academy?

The authority control databases mentioned for the American Negro Academy include international identifiers like VIAF, and national identifiers for the United States (Library of Congress) and Israel (National Library). Other databases listed are SNAC and Yale LUX.

What was the significance of the *Plessy v. Ferguson* Supreme Court decision in the context of the ANA's founding?

The American Negro Academy was organized shortly after the Supreme Court's 1896 decision in *Plessy v. Ferguson*, which upheld the constitutionality of racial segregation under the "separate but equal" doctrine. This legal precedent set a challenging backdrop for the ANA's efforts to promote equality and intellectual advancement for African Americans.

What was the nature of the discussions held during the ANA's annual meetings?

During the ANA's annual meetings, discussions typically centered on the efficacy of scholars' ideas and presentations. These intellectual exchanges followed the formal paper presentations and the annual address.

How did the ANA aim to support African Americans facing disenfranchisement and Jim Crow laws?

The ANA aimed to support African Americans facing disenfranchisement and Jim Crow laws by providing intellectual enlightenment and promoting classical academic studies and liberal arts. Their scholarly contributions, published in Occasional Papers, were intended to bolster the spirit and provide intellectual resources for those affected by discriminatory practices.

What was Robert Tecumtha Browne's approach to publishing his book *The Mystery of Space*?

Robert Tecumtha Browne, a member of the American Negro Academy, concealed his race when seeking to publish his 1919 book, *The Mystery of Space*. This action suggests he anticipated potential barriers or biases in the publishing industry related to his racial identity.

What was the title of Robert Tecumtha Browne's keynote address at the ANA in 1921?

In 1921, Robert Tecumtha Browne delivered the keynote address at the American Negro Academy, and its title was "Einstein's Theory of Relativity."

What role did the ANA play in encouraging African Americans to undertake specific types of studies?

The American Negro Academy actively encouraged African Americans to engage in classical academic studies and the liberal arts, promoting a focus on intellectual and scholarly pursuits.

What was the general schedule and format of the ANA's annual meetings?

The American Negro Academy generally held its annual meetings, lasting one to two days, at Lincoln Temple United Church of Christ. The schedule included reports from the secretary and treasurer, consideration of new membership applications, discussions on current business, an annual address in the evening, followed by paper presentations and subsequent discussions the next day.

How were copies of papers presented at the ANA meetings made available?

Copies of papers presented at the American Negro Academy meetings were available upon request, either made directly to the academy's secretary or through requests submitted via newspapers.

What specific publication series did the American Negro Academy use to disseminate its scholarship?

The American Negro Academy published its scholarly contributions through a series known as "Occasional Papers."

Who revised the bylaws of the American Negro Academy at the invitation of Arturo Schomburg?

Robert Tecumtha Browne revised the bylaws of the American Negro Academy at the invitation of Arturo Schomburg.

What is the significance of the reference to W. E. B. Du Bois's essays about the 'Talented Tenth' in relation to the ANA's founding?

The text indicates that the American Negro Academy was intended to provide support for African Americans working in classic scholarship and the arts, as promoted by W. E. B. Du Bois in his essays concerning the 'Talented Tenth.' This concept highlighted the role of educated Black elites in leading and uplifting the broader community.

What specific academic institution is mentioned in relation to Kelly Miller's status as a graduate student?

Kelly Miller, a founding member of the American Negro Academy, is noted as the first Black graduate student to enroll at Johns Hopkins University.

What was the nature of Robert Tecumtha Browne's 1919 publication, *The Mystery of Space*?

*The Mystery of Space*, published in 1919 by Robert Tecumtha Browne, was considered a synthesis of diverse fields including mathematics, Eastern religious philosophy, theosophy, and mysticism.

What was the stated purpose of the American Negro Academy regarding African-American academic scholarship?

The American Negro Academy was founded with the explicit purpose of supporting African-American academic scholarship, making it the first organization in the United States to do so.

What connection does the article draw between the ANA and the broader civil rights movement?

The article states that the American Negro Academy was part of the early struggle for equal rights for Black Americans, specifically by supporting their academic efforts and intellectual development.

What specific type of training did Booker T. Washington emphasize at Tuskegee University?

Booker T. Washington emphasized vocational and industrial training for southern Black individuals at Tuskegee University, believing these skills were more practical for their lives.

What was the general sentiment expressed by Black newspapers regarding the establishment of the ANA?

Black newspapers generally expressed excitement and optimism about the founding of the American Negro Academy, believing it offered significant possibilities to serve a large audience and advance the race through education.

What challenges did scholars like Alfred A. Moss Jr. identify regarding the ANA's operational effectiveness?

Alfred A. Moss Jr. identified several challenges that potentially hindered the American Negro Academy's effectiveness, including difficulties in consistent organization, struggles with recruiting new members, and problems in raising scholarship funds.

American Negro Academy Wiki: The American Negro Academy: Pillars of Black Intellectualism

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

When you are ready...
🎮 Play the Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge Game🎮

Overview

Pioneering Institution

The American Negro Academy (ANA), established in Washington, D.C., in 1897, stands as a landmark institution in United States history. It was the first organization specifically founded to champion and support African-American academic scholarship. Operating until 1928, the ANA was instrumental in encouraging Black intellectuals to pursue rigorous classical studies and engage deeply with the liberal arts.

Intellectual Counterpoint

The ANA's mission contrasted sharply with the prevailing educational philosophy of figures like Booker T. Washington, who advocated for vocational and industrial training at Tuskegee University, emphasizing practical skills for the agrarian and segregated South. In contrast, the ANA, aligned with the ideals promoted by W.E.B. Du Bois and his concept of the "Talented Tenth," focused on cultivating an intellectual elite through classical education, believing this cadre would ultimately uplift the entire race.

Foundational Goals

The Academy aimed to provide a crucial platform for African-American authors, scholars, and artists. By promoting classical and liberal arts education, it sought to counter the systemic limitations and prejudices faced by Black Americans, fostering intellectual development and asserting the capacity for high academic achievement within the community.

Historical Context

Establishment and Purpose

Founded in 1897, the American Negro Academy emerged during a critical period following the Supreme Court's 1896 decision in Plessy v. Ferguson, which enshrined the "separate but equal" doctrine. The ANA's founders recognized the urgent need for an organization dedicated to advancing Black intellectualism through classical and liberal arts education, providing a vital counter-narrative to the prevailing emphasis on vocational training.

Scholarly Discourse

The Academy's primary vehicle for disseminating its members' work was the publication of its "Occasional Papers." These scholarly contributions were intended to enlighten and inspire Black communities, particularly in the South, where disenfranchisement and Jim Crow laws were severely limiting opportunities. The ANA sought to empower Black intellectuals to influence educational institutions and foster intelligence and ambition within the broader community.

Annual Engagements

Typically, the ANA convened annual meetings, often lasting one to two days, at Lincoln Temple United Church of Christ in Washington, D.C. These gatherings included business sessions for members, reports from officers, consideration of new applications, and, significantly, an annual address delivered by prominent figures. W.E.B. Du Bois himself delivered the Academy's second annual address, underscoring the organization's intellectual weight.

Distinguished Members

Founding Figures

The ANA was established by a cadre of influential authors, scholars, and artists. Key founding members included:

Alexander Crummell: An Episcopal priest, scholar, and founder of the first independent Black Episcopal church in Washington, D.C. He served as the ANA's founding president.
John Wesley Cromwell: A prominent figure from Washington, D.C.
Paul Laurence Dunbar: Celebrated poet and writer.
Archibald Grimké: Attorney and writer.
Kelly Miller: Scientist and professor, notable for being the first Black graduate student at Johns Hopkins University.

The inaugural meeting on March 5, 1897, comprised eighteen distinguished individuals, including notable figures such as Blanche K. Bruce, Levi J. Coppin, W.E.B. Du Bois, and William S. Scarborough.

Notable Associates

Beyond the founding members, the Academy attracted and included numerous other significant figures in Black intellectual and cultural life:

Orishatukeh Faduma: Missionary and educator.
George Washington Henderson: Theologian and academic.
John Hope: President of Morehouse College and Atlanta University.
James Weldon Johnson: Renowned writer and civil rights advocate.
Alain Locke: Influential philosopher and proponent of the Harlem Renaissance.
Arturo Alfonso Schomburg: Historian and founder of the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture.
Carter G. Woodson: Pioneering historian and editor, often called the "Father of Black History."
Monroe Work: Sociologist, activist, and editor.
Robert Tecumtha Browne: Vice president of the ANA in 1921, author of "The Mystery of Space," and proponent of Einstein's theories.

Enduring Impact

Catalyst for Civil Rights

The ANA played a significant role in the early civil rights movement, advocating for racial equality through intellectual and academic pursuits. Its emphasis on classical education and the "Talented Tenth" philosophy, championed by W.E.B. Du Bois, posited that an educated Black elite could lead the broader community toward progress and social justice, challenging the limitations imposed by segregation and disenfranchisement.

Scholarly Debate

The long-term influence and efficacy of the American Negro Academy remain subjects of scholarly discussion. While Alfred A. Moss Jr. argued in The American Negro Academy: Voice of the Talented Tenth that the organization was crucial, he also noted internal challenges that hindered its progress. These included difficulties in consistent organization, recruitment struggles, and persistent issues with fundraising for scholarships, suggesting that the Academy's potential was perhaps constrained by practical limitations from its early stages.

Moss's analysis of Alexander Crummell's private letters suggests that internal strife and socio-economic hardships significantly impacted the ANA's operational capacity. Furthermore, Archibald Henry Grimké, a founding member and later president, reportedly focused considerable energy on internal politics and self-preservation amidst challenges to his leadership, potentially diverting attention from the Academy's core mission.

Intellectual Foundation

Despite debates regarding its operational effectiveness, the ANA laid crucial groundwork for future generations of Black scholars and institutions. Its commitment to intellectual rigor and the pursuit of knowledge provided a vital foundation for the burgeoning field of Black studies and contributed significantly to the intellectual discourse surrounding race and equality in America during a period of intense racial strife.

Related Concepts

Talented Tenth

The concept, popularized by W.E.B. Du Bois, posits that the top 10% of African Americans, particularly those educated in classical liberal arts, should lead the race's progress. The ANA was a direct embodiment of this philosophy.

Civil Rights

The ANA was part of the early struggle for civil rights, advocating for equality through intellectual achievement and challenging the legal and social structures of segregation.

African-American Upper Class

The Academy drew heavily from and aimed to cultivate the educated Black elite, contributing to the development and visibility of the African-American upper class during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Teacher's Corner

Edit and Print this course in the Wiki2Web Teacher Studio

Edit and Print Materials from this study in the wiki2web studio

Click here to open the "American Negro Academy" Wiki2Web Studio curriculum kit

Use the free Wiki2web Studio to generate printable flashcards, worksheets, exams, and export your materials as a web page or an interactive game.

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Are you ready for the Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge?

Learn about american_negro_academy while playing the wiki2web Clarity Challenge game.

Unlock the mystery image and prove your knowledge by earning trophies. This simple game is addictively fun and is a great way to learn!

Play now

Explore More Topics

Discover other topics to study!

desson thomson

the grand wazoo

han van meegeren

national socialist movement of denmark

hairball

mid suffolk

united nations development programme

william murdoch bishop

history of bbc television idents

henry holt and company

References

Seraile, William. Bruce Grit: The Black Nationalist Writings of John Edward Bruce. Univ. of Tennessee Press, 2003. p110-111

Hall, Steven Gilroy. "Cromwell, John Wesley", in Africana: The Encyclopedia of the African and African American Experience, Anthony Appiah, Henry Louis Gates, Jr., eds., Oxford University Press, 2005

A full list of references for this article are available at the American Negro Academy Wikipedia page

Feedback & Support

To report an issue with this page, or to find out ways to support the mission, please click here.

Disclaimer

Important Notice

This page was generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is based on a snapshot of publicly available data from Wikipedia and may not be entirely accurate, complete, or up-to-date.

This is not professional academic advice. The information provided on this website is not a substitute for scholarly research, critical analysis, or consultation with academic experts. Always refer to primary sources and consult with qualified historians or academics for specific research needs.

The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided herein.

The American Negro Academy

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

Overview 🏛️

🌟 Pioneering Institution

⚖️ Intellectual Counterpoint

📜 Foundational Goals

Historical Context ⏳

🗓️ Establishment and Purpose

🗣️ Scholarly Discourse

🤝 Annual Engagements

Distinguished Members 👥

🖋️ Founding Figures

💡 Notable Associates

Enduring Impact 📈

✊ Catalyst for Civil Rights

🤔 Scholarly Debate

📚 Intellectual Foundation

Related Concepts 🔗

💡 Talented Tenth

⚖️ Civil Rights

🌍 African-American Upper Class

Teacher's Corner 🧑‍🏫

Edit and Print this course in the Wiki2Web Teacher Studio

True or False? 🤔

❓ Test Your Knowledge! ❓

Gamer's Corner 🎮

Are you ready for the Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge?

Explore More Topics

📜 Discover other topics to study!

References

📜 References

Feedback & Support 👍

To report an issue with this page, or to find out ways to support the mission, please click here.

Disclaimer ⚠️

📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Overview

Pioneering Institution

Intellectual Counterpoint

Foundational Goals

Historical Context

Establishment and Purpose

Scholarly Discourse

Annual Engagements

Distinguished Members

Founding Figures

Notable Associates

Enduring Impact

Catalyst for Civil Rights

Scholarly Debate

Intellectual Foundation

Related Concepts

Talented Tenth

Civil Rights

African-American Upper Class

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice