Research Catalog

Canada Lee Foundation records

Title
Canada Lee Foundation records, 1952-1956.
Author
Canada Lee Foundation.

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5 Items

StatusContainerFormatAccessCall NumberItem Location
Box 1Mixed materialUse in library Sc MG 295 Box 1Schomburg Center - Manuscripts & Archives
Box 2Mixed materialUse in library Sc MG 295 Box 2Schomburg Center - Manuscripts & Archives
Box 3Mixed materialUse in library Sc MG 295 Box 3Schomburg Center - Manuscripts & Archives
Box 4Mixed materialUse in library Sc MG 295 Box 4Schomburg Center - Manuscripts & Archives
Box 5Mixed materialUse in library Sc MG 295 Box 5Schomburg Center - Manuscripts & Archives

Details

Additional Authors
Pearson, Frances Lee, 1919-
Description
3 lin. ft.
Summary
The Canada Lee Foundation Records consist of organizational records including by-laws, minutes of the board of trustees, a draft of the organizational manual and brochures. Correspondence with Frances Lee and members of the board document the promotion of the objectives of the organization, especially the memorial album privately produced in Canada Lee's honor. There is also material regarding the presentation of awards and scholarships, and questionnaires and correspondence used to encourage summer stock theaters and colleges to accept more African-American students.
Donor/Sponsor
  • Schomburg NEH Automated Access to Special Collections Project.
  • Schomburg NEH Blacks on Stage: African-American Theater Arts Collections Project.
Subjects
Note
  • Photographs transferred to Photographs and Prints Division.
Source (note)
  • Pearson, Frances Lee
Biography (note)
  • Canada Lee was an African American actor who performed on stage, screen, radio and television; his most well-known performances included roles in Richard Wright's "Native Son," "Cry the Beloved Country," and "On Whitman Avenue." Born in New York City in 1907, Lee's diverse career included stints as a jockey, prizefighter, bandleader and violinist.
Processing Action (note)
  • Cataloged
  • Accessioned
  • Processed
  • Catalog updated
Call Number
Sc MG 295
OCLC
NYPW088000018-A
Author
Canada Lee Foundation.
Title
Canada Lee Foundation records, 1952-1956.
Biography
Canada Lee was an African American actor who performed on stage, screen, radio and television; his most well-known performances included roles in Richard Wright's "Native Son," "Cry the Beloved Country," and "On Whitman Avenue." Born in New York City in 1907, Lee's diverse career included stints as a jockey, prizefighter, bandleader and violinist.
Following Lee's death in December 1952, his widow, Frances Lee and leaders in entertainment and politics organized the Canada Lee Foundation to preserve his memory and ideals through aid and encouragement to talented youth in the dramatic arts. The Foundation sought to assist in the full integration of African American youth in all phases of the performing arts including writing, producing, directing and acting, both amateur and professional. It provided scholarships to talented young actors and presented awards of recognition to individuals representing various aspects of the theatrical arts. It also produced a posthumus private edition record album, entitled "The Canada Lee Memorial Record," which included readings and dramatic presentations by Lee. The Foundation, which was not conceived as a permanent body, ceased functioning in the mid 1950's.
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Finding Aid
Added Author
Pearson, Frances Lee, 1919-
Research Call Number
Sc MG 295
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