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Larsen (1891-1964) was a nurse, librarian, novelist, key figure in the Harlem Renaissance, and the first black woman to graduate from the New York Public Library's Library School. She is best known for her two novels, "Quicksand" (1928) and "Passing" (1929), which explored complex themes of racial identity, mixed-race heritage, and the struggle for acceptance in both black and white communities. She also made history as the first African American woman to win a Guggenheim Fellowship for creative writing (1930).
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Attributions
Allen, J. (1928). "Nella Larsen". Harmon Foundation Records, Manuscript Division, Library of Congress. https://maint.loc.gov/exhibits/african-american-odyssey/world-war-i-and-postwar-society.html
Attributions
Attributions
Image 2: Larsen, N. (1922). Library school application [Manuscript; "negro" added to document by someone other than applicant]. Rare Book & Manuscript Library, Columbia University, New York, NY.; Image 3: Larsen, N. (1929). Passing [Inscribed first-edition copy to Regina Anderson Andrews and William Andrews]. Manuscripts, Archives, and Rare Books Division, Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, New York Public Library.
Birth
April 13, 1891, Chicago, IL
Death
March 30, 1964 (age 72), New York, New York
Resting Place
Country
Language(s)
Spouse(s)
Elmer Imes (m. 1919; div. 1933)
Partner(s)
Relatives
Associate(s)
Alma Mater
Influenced
Influenced By
Colleague(s)
(135th St. New York Public Library)
Collaborator(s)
Children
Awards & Honors
Chicago Literary Hall of Fame (2022); Guggenheim Fellowship (1930); Harmon Foundation Bronze Award (1928)
Parents
Occupation
Librarian (New York Public Library - 135th St. Children's Librarian), Nurse, Novelist, Poet
Certification(s)
License(s)
Education
New York Public Library (NYPL) School
Organization(s)
Appointment(s)
Notable Performances
Notable Works
Passing (1929), Quicksand (1928)
Notable Moments
Military Rank
Years of Service
Political Affiliation
Associations
Genre(s)
Preceptors
Legacy
Thesis
Books
Website
*some sources say April 6, 1845
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Burke (1900-1955) was a sculptor, educator, art school founder, and fixture in the Harlem Renaissance. Her bas relief image of President Franklin Roosevelt is permanently displayed at the Recorder of Deeds Building in Washington, D.C. and is the disputed inspiration for the American dime.
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