National Negro Fair Prospectus
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No requestable containers
Scope and Contents
This prospectus announces the National Negro Fair, scheduled to be held in Mobile, Alabama, in the fall of 1909. It details the event's objectives, emphasizing the promotion of African American industrial and intellectual achievements on a larger scale than ever before. The document highlights the fair’s mission to inspire and encourage greater productivity within the race while seeking to reshape public perception of African Americans. Additionally, the prospectus outlines the opportunity to invest in the fair through the purchase of 20,000 shares of capital stock at $5.00 each. It serves as both an invitation to participate in the event and a financial appeal to potential investors.
Dates
- Creation: 1909
Conditions Governing Access
Collection is open for research. Researchers must register and agree to copyright and privacy laws before using this collection. Manuscript collections and archival records may contain materials with sensitive or confidential information that is protected under federal or state right to privacy laws and regulations. Due to the nature of certain archival formats, including digital and audio-visual materials, access to certain materials may require additional advance notice.
Conditions Governing Use
Researchers are responsible for using the materials in conformance with United States copyright law as well as any donor restrictions accompanying the materials. The user assumes all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any copyright claimants in collection materials. Copyright for official University records is held by The University of Alabama. The library claims only physical ownership of many manuscript collections. Anyone wishing to broadcast or publish this material must assume all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any claimants of literary property rights or copyrights. Please contact Special Collections (archives@ua.edu) with questions regarding specific manuscript collections.
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Researchers are advised that the disclosure of certain information pertaining to identifiable living individuals without the consent of those individuals may have legal implications, for which the University of Alabama assumes no responsibility.
Biographical / Historical
The National Negro Fair of 1909 was proposed as a large-scale event in Mobile, Alabama, aimed at highlighting the economic, industrial, and intellectual achievements of African Americans. Announced through a prospectus, the fair sought to provide a platform for Black entrepreneurs, artisans, and professionals to showcase their contributions while fostering racial pride and economic self-sufficiency. The organizers also promoted a stock offering of 20,000 shares at $5.00 each to finance the event, emphasizing collective investment and community support.
However, there is no confirmed record that the National Negro Fair of 1909 actually took place. While similar fairs and expositions were successfully organized during this era, evidence of this specific event’s execution remains unclear.
Extent
.209 Linear Feet
Language of Materials
English
Immediate Source of Acquisition
The University of Alabama Libraries acquired the National Negro Fair Flyer from Between the Covers Rare Books, Inc. in 2019.
Condition Description
Good. One leaf folded to make four pages. Slight wear at the extremities, very near fine.
Processing Information
Processed by Courtney Tutt, March 2025.
Geographic
Topical
- Title
- Guide to the National Negro Fair Prospectus
- Status
- Completed
- Author
- Finding aid created by Courtney Tutt, March 2025.
- Description rules
- Describing Archives: A Content Standard
- Language of description
- English
- Script of description
- Latin
Repository Details
Part of the The University of Alabama Libraries Special Collections Repository