Subseries 7: New Jersey Poet Laureate and Somebody Blew Up America Materials, 2001-2004

Scope and content:

This subseries contains the manuscript drafts of Baraka's poem "Somebody Blew Up America," as well as contracts, orders, and other materials relating to the print edition. Also found here are materials surrounding the controversial afterlife of the poem in which Baraka was removed from the position of New Jersey Poet Laureate—materials include drafts of essays about his removal, correspondence, letters of support and petitions, press packets, and schedules of NJPL events prior to Baraka's dismissal.

Contents

Access and use

Parent restrictions:

This collection is located on site.

Boxes 82a, 82b, and 82c are located off-site. You will need to request this material at least three business days in advance to use the collection in the Rare Book and Manuscript Library reading room.

Material containing information about Baraka's students or that have personal information or grades about students are restricted for 75 years from the month of creation.

Unique time-based media items have been reformatted and are available onsite via links in the container list. Commercial materials are not routinely digitized. Email rbml@columbia.edu for more information.

Parent terms of access:
Reproductions may be made for research purposes. The RBML maintains ownership of the physical material only. Copyright remains with the creator and his/her heirs. The responsibility to secure copyright permission rests with the patron.
Location of this collection:
6th Floor East Butler Library
535 West 114th Street
New York, NY 10027, USA
Before you visit:
Researchers interested in viewing materials in the RBML reading room must must book an appointment at least 7 days in advance. To make the most of your visit, be sure to request your desired materials before booking your appointment, as researchers are limited to 5 items per day.
Contact:
rbml@library.columbia.edu