African American stories and tales for children.
Publisher DuBois and Dill
The Brownies' Book was the first magazine published for African-American children and youth. The first issue was published during the Harlem Renaissance in January 1920, with issues published monthly until December 1921. It is cited as an "important moment in literary history" for establishing black children's literature in the United States.
One of the goals of the magazine was to dispel the "grotesque stereotypes" of the "Dark Continent", a disparaging term used for Africa and its people.
The seven goals stated in "The True Brownies" were:
To make colored children realize that being "colored" is a normal, beautiful thing.
To make them familiar with the history and achievements of the Negro race.
To make them know that other colored children have grown into beautiful, useful and famous persons.
To teach them a delicate code of honor and action in their relations with white children.
To turn their little hurts and resentments into emulation, ambition and love of their homes and companions.
To point out the best amusements and joys and worth-while things of life.
To inspire them to prepare for definite occupations and duties with a broad spirit of sacrifice.
— W. E. B. Du Bois, "The True Brownies", The Crisis, October 1919
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