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African Americana Library News

Soul Collection
Jul 28, 2008
The University of Alabama has acquired one of the world's largest African-American cookbook collections.

WSU collection will survive
Jul 22, 2008
Wayne State University's African American Literature Special Collection saves local history

Actor's memorabilia goes to KU
Jul 11, 2008
Kansas U's department of theater and film recently acquired a collection of the late Moses Gunn, an alumnus of the university

Vivian Harsh Research Collection
Jul 11, 2008
A Chicago Library is Getting Original Art by Tim Jackson

Rosa Parks memorabilia
Jul 10, 2008
Thousands and thousands of personal items of civil rights legend Rosa Parks are up for auction in New York City

Actor's memorabilia goes to KU

Jul 11, 2008

 

 

Gunn collection: KU to permanently house memorabilia from renowned character actor’s

 

 

By Jon Niccum

(source: LJWorld.com, July 11, 2008)

 

Gunn (1929-1993) is best remembered for his portrayal of mobster Ellsworth Raymond "Bumpy" Jonas in the first two Shaft movies, and for his brief role of Booker T. Washington in the 1981 movie Ragtime, a performance which won him an NAACP Image Award. He was nominated for an Emmy Award in 1977 for his role in the TV mini-series Roots.

The material was bequeathed by his widow, Gwen Gunn. The decision to offer the collection to KU was fostered through Gwen Gunn’s relationship with Kevin Willmott, an associate professor of theater and film at the university who had been invited to her house to view the material. The numerous items had been stored in the attic since Moses’ death. When Gwen (since remarried) had announced she was moving, Willmott helped coordinate the donation.  “I donated his collection to the university because it was a place he had always admired and because I thought it would receive more tender care than at the Schomburg (Center) or the New York Library at Lincoln Center, both of whom are overwhelmed with the lives of actors,” Gwen Gunn says.

KU received more than 20 boxes of material at the beginning of the year. The items include posters, photographs, artwork, masks and various honors (such as his Emmy and Tony Award nomination plaques).