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		    T H E  S H A N G O  P R O J E C T: 
    	 National Archives for Black Lesbians and Gay Men
    	  P.O. Box 2341 Bloomington, Indiana 47402-2341
_____________________________________________________

The Shango Project is a newly conceived effort to collect, 
preserve and maintain materials of historical interest 
which document aspects of African-American Lesbian and 
Gay existence in contemporary and historical society.  The 
project entails the acquisition,  collection and preservation 
of newspapers, articles, books, magazines, journals, 
memorabilia, diaries,  and other artifacts (records, field 
recordings and interviews, compact discs, film, video, song 
texts, art pieces, folklore, commentary, fiction, poetry, 
etc.) which document  the Black Lesbian and Gay male 
presence.  

In conjunction with other groups, organizations and 
individuals, The Shango Project will act as a support 
organization to aid in project design, research aims, film 
festivals and other activities whose function is to educate, 
enlighten or promote change, such as initiating an annual Black 
Lesbian and Gay History Day during the month of February, 
Black History Month.  The Shango Project is dedicated to 
increasing the visibility of Lesbian and Gay Blacks and the 
exploration of issues central to our lives.

Through its newsletter, Purple Drum, The Shango Project 
allows writers, filmmakers, scholars, researchers, students, 
activists and others an avenue of communication on a variety 
of events, new works and activities through the announcement 
and critical, informed review of books, film, video, music, 
commentary and television.

A long-range goal of the project is to develop a resource 
center serving not only as archive but maintaining a database 
of all research and historical materials pertaining to Black 
Lesbian and Gay men in the African Diaspora.  Such a central 
database will allow the use of a much-needed resource tool in 
exploring aspects of Lesbian and Gay male life and to further 
much-needed work on the multidimensional issues and 
problems faced by Lesbians and Gay men of African descent in 
society across the world.  

If you would like to contribute to this effort please contact 
the director by writing to the address listed or phoning: 
812.334.8860.  Donations which bear on some aspect of the 
Black Lesbian and Gay experience are always welcome and will 
be maintained and preserved in the donor's name.  Scholars, 
reviewers and writers are always welcome to submit short 
commentary, letters, articles, fiction and nonfiction for 
publication in Purple Drum,  or may deposit such items to the 
archive if they wish them to become a part of the permanent 
collection. 

Each year, The Shango Project announces awards for research
and creative activities (film, video, poetry, novels) which 
contribute significantly to our understanding of the history
and culture of Black Lesbians and Gay men.


			P U R P L E  D R U M
	   The Newsletter of The Shango Project
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Purple Drum is published twice yearly.  Commentary, 
short articles, fiction, poetry,  reviews, letters, course 
syllabi, projects, festivals, conferences, announce-
ments, and contributions are most welcome and 
may be addressed to the editor.  To receive a copy, write 
to:

		Editor, Purple Drum
		The Shango Project
		P.O. Box 2341 
		Bloomington, Indiana 47402-2341

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