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“How sweet to revel in the world of books" 

Philosopher, scholar, journalist, and educator, Alain Locke is considered the Father of the Harlem Renaissance for his support of, and writings on, the cultural movement that empowered generations of black people. A Harvard graduate, Locke was named the first African-American Rhodes Scholar, but he still experienced racism and discrimination at Oxford—a particularly heavy blow considering, like many black artists and intellectuals, Locke sought in Europe freedom from America’s ceaseless oppression. Compounding his difficulties as a black man, Locke was a homosexual, and the following edited excerpt from The New Negro, Jeffrey C. Stewart’s definitive new biography on the scholar, details his unrequited attempts at wooing legendary Harlem Renaissance poet Langston Hughes.

Malcolm X at Oxford with Eric Abrahams, the Student Union president, before addressing university students on the subject of extremism and liberty on December 3, 1964.

Malcolm X photographed by Gordon Parks for LIFE magazine promoting the Muhammad Speaks newspaper, 1962.

Malcolm X taking a picture of Muhammad Ali at the Hampton House in Miami, 1964.

Suit

1822

Victor Hugo On his deathbed, 1885