.MTYyNQ.MTQzMTg2

P.O. Box #15057 Phila. PA. 19130 8 July 1976

Jack Conroy 701 Fisk Avenue Moberly, Missouri, 65270

Dear Mr. Conroy.

    We are presently investigating the development of black writers from 1925-1945.  Our interest was greatly stimulated by a current project we're doing on Prof. Sterling A. Brown.  It will be completed this summer.  Gerre Mangione suggested you as being quite knowledgeable about the black writers involved in the WPA Writer's Project.   We would appreciate your reflective comments on the following black writers:
   Gwendolyn Brooks, Katherine Dunham, Margaret Walker, Horace Cayton, Sterling Brown, Ross D. Brown, Harry Denn, Margaret Burroughs, Langston Hughes, Anna Bontemps, Roscoe Dunjee, Richard Wright, Frank Yerby, Fenton Johnson, Paul Robeson and any others which may be omitted.

Keep in mind the following questions when commenting on these individuals: A. When and how did you first meet them? B. Did you have any experience with them as an editor, friend, colleague, political comrade, etc.? C. Did your publications give critical attention or space for including their works? D. What is your evaluation of their writings? E. Cite some memorable experience with the individual or folk tale regarding said individual. Generally speaking what was the attitude of white editors and authors toward their "black" peers. Or were they perceived in that way? The evidence suggest [sic] that general American Anthologies excluded the works by blacks. do you feel this is/was due to a racial bias on the part of the editor?

    Thanks for your consideration given this inquiry.  If you want to do it in installments begin with Sterling Brown, Ross O. Brown, Gwendolyn Brooks & Katherine Dunham.
    We shall await your earliest possible reply.

What black writers were there in Moberly, Joplin, St. Louis & other parts of Missouri. Sincerely, James G. ?Sposdy, Editorial AMuM