An Introduction to Harold Jackman

Harold Jackman (1901-1961) was a teacher, model, actor, writer, and patron.  His life long interest in documenting African American cultural life resulted in his recreation of what is now the Harold Jackman Countee Cullen Memorial Collection  which is located in Special Collections, Robert Woodruff Library, Clark Atlanta University. Harold Jackman is often referred to as Countee Cullen’s best friend. My research focuses on  exploring the meaning behind Harold Jackman as the first physical representation of the New Negro and how Jackman contributed to the Harlem Renaissance. Harold Jackman is the center of the circle of the Harlem Renaissance. His friendships with Countee Cullen, Langston Hughes, Zora Hurston, Jessie Fauset, Dorothy West, Claude McKay, Dorothy Peterson and others had a remarkable impact of their artistic output and events of the Harlem Renaissance.

I see my research as a recovery project and as a repayment to Mr. Jackman for his diligence and commitment to the arts. After spending years reading his correspondence and documenting the events of his life, I have come to respect Mr. Jackman and to marvel at his selflessness. Yes, he was sometimes petty as when he saw Nella Larsen soliciting sympathy at a party, but he was a man of integrity. He held himself and his friends to the highest standards and they offer sought his opinion on their unpublished works. How would I describe Harold Jackman? The first word that comes to mind is kind. He was selfless in that he put the needs of his family ahead of his own needs.  He was remembered as being a thoughtful friend and a man of integrity.