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Karamu House, located in Cleveland, Ohio, is the oldest African American performing arts and community educational center in the United States. In 2021, Kelvin Smith Library acquired the theater’s archive, which includes a century’s worth of records documenting the administration, governance, educational services, and creative output. 

I'Maya Gibbs

One notable research project by I’Maya Gibbs (CAS ‘24) titled, “Black Nationalism and Black Power’s Influence on Karamu House,” explores how Karamu House's focus on radical Black artistry was influenced by Black Nationalism and Black Power, transforming its leadership, artistry, and goals. It also highlights how Black artists historically used theater as a form of resistance against racial oppression, with Karamu House playing a key role in this movement. As a performer and scholar, I’Maya’s first introduction to Karamu House came in March 2021, when she collaborated with the director on an online performance at �ǿմ�ý, In the Continuum. This initial experience sparked a connection and a lasting interest. When a campus-wide communication announced the acquisition of the Karamu House archive, I’Maya recognized it as the perfect opportunity to blend her passions for theater and history into a capstone project.

I’Maya connected with Eleanor Blackman, Archivist in �ǿմ�ý Special Collections to help navigate the extensive collection, work within the archives, and point her towards online resources. I’Maya commented on the wealth of information available, both publicized moments in the theater’s history, and everyday decisions that shaped its future. Blackman praised I’Maya’s dedication and organizational skills, noting her inquisitiveness and thorough follow-up. I’Maya calls Blackman “an incredible and significant” part of her project. Blackman nurtured a state of curiosity by suggesting new items to look at and making insightful connections. 

Working within the archive as an undergraduate student “truly gave me more confidence going into academia. This archive provided a clear focus, showing me that I can study Black artists and Black art with the support of a foundation and something that can sustain me into the future.” Support from the Special Collections staff and access to invaluable resources contributed to the success of I’Maya’s research paper, featured in of Discussions, �ǿմ�ý’s undergraduate research journal. Further, I’Maya presented her research at the University of Maryland History Student Society International Undergraduate History Conference, winning the top prize, an award for Outstanding Presentation. 

The Karamu House Archive at Kelvin Smith Library preserves the legacy of a groundbreaking institution in cultural history that continues to inform a deeper understanding of the artistic, social, and political movements that shape the African American experience. I’Maya is now continuing her research as a PhD student in Afro-American Studies at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. She plans to incorporate Cleveland and Karamu House into her future projects.