Signed First Edition of Margaret Burroughs’ Poetry on Black Identity and Pride, "What Shall I Tell My Children Who Are Black," 1968

Margaret Burroughs

First Edition

BURROUGHS, Margaret T. G. What Shall I Tell My Children Who Are Black? Chicago: M.A.A.H. Press, 1968. First edition, first printing. 32 pages. Inscribed and signed by the author on the title page in 1969. In the title poem, Burroughs confronts the question of how a Black mother can teach her children to take pride in their heritage while preparing them to face racism. An artist, educator, and co-founder of Chicago’s DuSable Museum of African American History, Burroughs linked the preservation of Black history with the education of a new generation.

Published during the Black Arts and Black Power movements, this collection joins a broader effort to affirm Black identity and challenge the exclusion of African American history from mainstream education and culture. Through poetry, Burroughs brought the cultural mission of the DuSable Museum into a personal conversation about motherhood, racial pride, and the responsibility to educate future generations. The collection also includes “The Beauty of Black,” “Open Letter to Black Youth of Alabama and Other Places,” and “Homage to Black Madonnas.” The title-page inscription reads, “For Elaine Haynes / from / Margaret Burroughs / 5/11/69.” Brown cloth boards with gilt lettering to the front cover; illustrated title page. Light rubbing and wear to the boards and extremities. Overall very good condition.

Item #24082

Price: $780.00