Collection ID: LMC 1791
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Collection context

Summary

Creator:
Nichols, Lee, 1915-2011
Abstract:
The Nichols mss., 1967 and 1974-1978, consist of tape recorded interviews of African writers. The interviews were conducted by Lee Nichols, 1915-2011, author and Africanist, for the U.S. Information Agency.
Extent:
1 Box (1 standard)
Language:
Materials are in English.
Preferred citation:

[Item], Nichols mss., Lilly Library, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana.

Background

Biographical / Historical:

Lee Nichols, 1915-2011, was a journalist for the Voice of America African Division. He received a B.A. in journalism and an M.A. in International Relations from American University in Washington, D.C. From 1963-1985, he worked for the African Division of Voice of America (VOA), which was then part of the United States Information Agency. The USIA, which existed from 1953-1999, conducted soft diplomacy overseas via information programs like VOA's radio programming. Nichols' work for VOA included radio programs on African universities, African authors, and African scientists. For the African writers series, interviews for which began in 1973, Nichols spoke with 83 African authors from mostly Anglophone countries. Most of the interviews present in this collection were broadcast as a Voice of America series during the summer of 1975.

Note on Indexing Term – "Literature—Translating": Portions of the authors' vernacular works were translated into English for purposes of the radio program.

Scope and Content:

The Nichols mss., 1967 and 1974-1978, consist of tape recorded interviews of African writers. The interviews were conducted by Lee Nichols, 1915-2011, author and Africanist, for the U.S. Information Agency. Most of those present here were broadcast as a Voice of America series during the summer of 1975.

Included in the collection are interviews with Abdilatif Abdalla of Kenya; Kofi Anyidoho of Ghana; Thomas Alexander Leighton Decker, Sierra Leone; Bessie Amelia Head, South Africa; Akínwùmí Ísòlá, Nigeria; Charles Salieu Yusupha Jow, Gambia; Albert William Kayper-Mensah, Ghana; Euphrase Kezilahabi, Tanzania; Kona Khasu, Liberia; Henry Rufus ole Kulet; Adwoa Kwegyirba, Ghana; Yulisa Amadu Pat Maddy, Sierra Leone; Ismael Raphael Mbise, Tanzania; Penina Mlama, Tanzania; Bai Tamiah Moore, Liberia; Es'kia Mphahlele, South Africa; Dominic Chola Mulaisho, Zambia; Meja Mwangi, Kenya; Flora Nwapa, Nigeria; Grace Emily Akinyi Ogot, Kenya; Gabriel Inomotimi Gvaingbain Okara, Nigeria; Guillaume Oyono-Mbia, Cameroon; Patu Simoko, Zambia; Ndabaningi Sithole, Zambia; and 'Zulú Sofola, Nigeria.

For an account of how this series of interviews came to take place see African Writers at the Microphone by Lee Nichols, Washington, D.C., Three Continents Press, 1984 (Main PL8010 .N52).

Also present are six reels containing discussions with various writers and artists participating in the Holiday Festival of African Arts, December 18, 1967.

Acquisition information:
Gift. 1985.
Physical location:
Lilly - Stacks

Access

RESTRICTIONS:

This collection is open for research.

Many collections are housed offsite; retrieval requires advance notice. Please make an appointment a minimum of one week in advance of your visit.

TERMS OF ACCESS:

Photography and digitization may be restricted for some collections. Copyright restrictions may apply. Before publishing, researchers are responsible for securing permission from all applicable rights holders, then filling out the Permission to Publish form.

PREFERRED CITATION:

[Item], Nichols mss., Lilly Library, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana.

CAMPUS:
Indiana University Bloomington
LOCATION OF THIS COLLECTION:
1200 East Seventh Street
Bloomington, Indiana 47405-5500, USA
CAMPUS:
Indiana University Bloomington
CONTACT:
(812) 855-2452
liblilly@iu.edu