Alan Bell Collection, 1988-1998
Collection context
Summary
- Extent:
- 2 Hollinger Boxes
- Language:
- English
- Preferred citation:
The Alan Bell Collection, African American Research Library and Cultural Center, Broward County Library.
Background
- Scope and content:
The Alan Bell collection consists of original newsprint and magazine copies, poetry, journals, and directories that focus on the lives of the African American lesbian, gay, bi-sexual, transgendered, and queer (LGBTQ) community. Publisher Alan Bell produced a monthly hard news alternative to many of the infotainment-oriented publications that appeared throughout America's Black gay communities during this period. The BLK magazine was published from December 1988 until March 1994. It began as a 16-page black and white newsprint, and later grew to 40 pages with glossy color covers, paid circulation, and national product advertising until it ceased publication in March 1994. A total of 41 issues were published, all of which are in the collection.
- Biographical / historical:
Alan Bell is a LGBTQ journalist and activist. His presence within LGBTQ newspaper writing has sustained for 40 years. As a graphic designer, he founded Gaysweek, New York City's first mainstream lesbian and gay newspaper in 1977. The periodical was printed for three years. African-American HIV/AIDS activist, Phill Wilson, later encouraged Bell to start a news periodical for the African American community; particularly as it related to issues surrounding HIV/AIDS. He eventually continued with the original BLK publication newsletter which provided reliable information in print. The newsletter would later morph into the expanded magazine. Bell would go on to publish Blackfire magazine. The erotica publication focused on gay Black men from 1992 to 1997. Bell also founded Black Jack, a Black gay men's safer sex club in Los Angeles.
- Processing information:
This collection received file level processing. This finding aid may be updated to reflect new descriptions as well as aquisitions to the collection.
- Arrangement:
The Alan Bell Collection is arranged into six series: I.BLK Magazine, II. BLK Guide to Southern California, III. BLK List- National Lesbian and Gay Directory, IV.Blackfire Magazine, V. Kuumba Poetry Journal, and VI.Ephemera.
- Rules or conventions:
- Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Indexed terms
Access and use
- Restrictions:
Collection is open for research.
- Preferred citation:
The Alan Bell Collection, African American Research Library and Cultural Center, Broward County Library.
- Location of this collection:
-
African American Research Library and Cultural Center, Broward County Library2650 Sistrunk BoulevardFort LauderdaleFL33311USA
