Opening Day: Rudolph Fisher / RI's Gift to the Harlem Renaissance

Rudolph Fisher and his literary genius were Rhode Island’s gift to the Harlem Renaissance an arts and letters movement of young gifted artists who were encouraged by Alain Locke and W.E.B. DuBois to connect their creativity to Afrocentric ideas and ideals. Fisher grew up in Providence attended Classical High School Brown University and formed his enormous ambition and vision in the small parochial limits of Rhode Island yet he remains virtually unknown here. At Howard University he became a doctor specializing in radiation. In his free time he wrote fiction published exciting short stories and invented the Black detective novel. Stages of Freedom’s exhibit is the first ever to showcase Fisher’s life and literary output and includes books periodicals photographs and more.

A novelist short story writer dramatist and musician Fisher’s contributions to Black literature are inestimable. His output in the small window of time he had on earth (he passed at 37) is remarkable instructive and has much to teach us about race relations Black brilliance and excellence. With a mind capable of straddling the worlds of literature and biology (his two majors at Brown) and the capacity to see how the two intersect Fisher forged a unique career in letters and medicine at a time when both were challenging for people of color. His novel “The Conjure-Man Dies” introduced a totally new literary form: the Black detective novel.

As a doctor and writer Fisher’s occupation artistry and probity meet at the crossroads of interracial possibilities and racial inclusivity an exceptionalism he explored and aspired to in his writing and practiced in daily life. Today his multi-talents provide powerful opportunities and road maps for young African Americans to engage in a public discourse on literacy community art humanity and the imperative of integration.

Contact: [email protected]

Thank You to Our Generous Sponsors:

Rhode Island Humanities

Rhode Island State Council on the Arts

The Providence Shelter

National Trust for Historic Preservation

The Iona Dobbins Art Fund

Rhode Island Foundation Community Gifts

Classical High School

Type Punch Matrix Rare Book Dealer

McBlain Books

Host or Publisher Stages of Freedom