Harold Jackman (1901-1961) is best known for being Countee Cullen’s best friend. Without Mr. Jackman’s tireless efforts, there would be no Harlem Renaissance. Most of the figures associated with the period were not even in Harlem. They counted upon Harold Jackman for news, research, money, connections, etc. He was a steadfast and loyal friend. Ok, so Claude McKay was an exception, but it took a lot for Harold to stop helping Claude.
There is so much to say about Mr. Jackman, but it is all in my book Unmasking the New Negro: Harold Jackman and the Harlem Renaissance. Years of my life have been spent in front of microfilm machines, in libraries, and in archives–all in an effort to document the life of the man who was at the center of the Harlem Renaissance. He was humble, intelligent, and caring. Yet part of him remains elusive. Was he happy? Why did he keep so many secrets? Why were people so jealous of him? Didn’t he get tired of helping everyone? Who did he turn to after Countee died? They were such good friends (only friends, mind you). It saddens me to think about how devasted he must have been when Countee died. No more of that! This is a celebration.
Look for my upcoming book which I am beginning to realize will alter the history of the Harlem Renaissance. I have published articles on Mr. Jackman in The Encyclopedia of the Harlem Renaissance (ed. Cary Wintz), The Harlem Renaissance Revisited (ed. Jeffrey Ogbar), and in The Langston Hughes Review. I probably forgot something. If only Mr. Jackman could know that his efforts were appreciated. . . .
The Best Man: Harold Jackman and the Harlem Renaissance 