Series 2: Writings, 1969-2008, inclusive
Extent
Scope and Contents
The series contains files relating to Naison's writings, both published and unpublished, dating from 1969 to 2008. In addition to his memoir and poetry, the writings also cover American sports and the relationship between American communists and African Americans. The files include typescripts, clippings, correspondence, and related documents.
Documents relating to his writings can be found in Series 3: Correspondence and Series 4: Professional papers.
Arrangement
The series is arranged into three sub-series:
Sub-series 2.1: Writings on communism
Sub-series 2.2: White Boy: A Memoir
Sub-series 2.3: Articles and other works
Sub-series 2.1: Writings on communism, 1973-1989, inclusive
Extent
Scope and Contents
The sub-series contains files relating to Naison's writings on communism in the United States, specifically Communists in Harlem During the Depression and an unpublished history of American communism, dating from 1973 to 1989. It includes manuscripts, correspondence, contracts, clippings, and research files. Of note are transcripts of interviews with Harlem Communist Party organizer and The Daily Worker editor Abner Berry.
Naison's dissertation was also on African Americans and the Communist Party, and files relating to that work can be found in Series 1: Columbia University student papers.
Arrangement
Arranged chronologically.
Writings on communism
Writings on communism
Sub-series 2.2: White Boy: A Memoir, 1995-2005, inclusive
Extent
Scope and Contents
The sub-series contains files relating to Naison's White Boy: A Memoir, dating from 1995 to 2005. It includes typescripts, correspondence, clippings, speeches, publicity material, one 3.5" floppy disk, and other files.
One additional file, labeled "Black Studies (material relevant to White Boy)" is located in Series 4: Professional papers.
Arrangement
Arranged chronologically.
White Boy: A Memoir
White Boy: A Memoir
White Boy: A Memoir
White Boy: A Memoir
White Boy: A Memoir Word Perfect files
Conditions Governing Access
Access to digital materials is available onsite at the Othmer Library. Requests to access digital materials must be made at least 2 days in advance by emailing library@brooklynhistory.org.
Physical Characteristics and Technical Requirements
Donated on one 3.5 inch floppy disk, containing 14 Word Perfect files. Digital ID 2016_021_media_001.
Sub-series 2.3: Articles and other works, 1969-2008, inclusive
Extent
Scope and Contents
The sub-series is comprised of articles, poems, book reviews, and other writings by Naison, dating from 1969 to 2008. It includes many articles written on sports, mostly for the publication In These Times, as well as pieces on race, labor, politics, education, and other subjects.
Arrangement
Arranged chronologically.
