Us Magazine. Vol. 1, No. 1.
[Memphis: Us Incorporated], February, 1954. 32pp. Quarto. Original pictorial wrappers printed in brown and orange, stapled. Mild wear to wrappers, small marginal stain to top edge of last several leaves. Very good. Item #6094
The rare inaugural, and only, issue of this well-illustrated African-American magazine from Memphis. The stated goals of the magazine were to "Portray the achievements of the Southern Negro in pictorial format" and to "Show advancement, created by teamwork and mutual understanding, in the fields of industry, business, religion, education, sports, society, entertainment, government, civic endeavor, and the professions...." The first article is a well-illustrated essay focused on "Beale Street, USA." This is followed by an article on the annual "Blues Bowl Game," a love and marriage column, a fashion column, spotlights on local business and community leaders, and article on the "many beautiful homes" belonging to local African Americans, and more. An excellent example of African-American life and culture during the Eisenhower years. OCLC reports three holdings, at Yale, Kentucky, and the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston.
Price: $450