All Of It - Episode Summary: "Historical Fiction About the First Woman to Helm 'The Crisis,' A Black Literary Powerhouse"

Release Date: February 3, 2025
Host: Alison Stewart
Guest: Victoria Christopher Murray
Book Discussed: "Harlem Rhapsody" by Victoria Christopher Murray

Introduction

In this episode of All Of It, hosted by Alison Stewart, WNYC delves into an illuminating discussion celebrating Black History with a special focus on Harlem. The spotlight is on Victoria Christopher Murray, a New York Times bestselling author, who introduces her latest historical novel, "Harlem Rhapsody." The book centers around Jessie Redmond Fawcett, a pioneering Black woman who played a crucial role in the Harlem Renaissance.

Exploring Jessie Redmond Fawcett

Alison Stewart opens the conversation by presenting the central figure of Murray's novel, Jessie Redmond Fawcett. Jessie, as portrayed in "Harlem Rhapsody," moves to Harlem in 1919 to assume her dream role as the literary editor for the NAACP's official magazine, The Crisis. Notably, she is the first Black woman to hold this prestigious position.

Victoria Christopher Murray shares her inspiration for the character:

[01:58] Murray: "I wanted to write a historical fiction... I listened to someone who had done a show called Harlem on My Mind and they mentioned Jessie Redmond Fawcett. And then when Langston Hughes said that she was the midwife of the Harlem Renaissance, I decided to go down that rabbit hole."

Jessie's Role in the Harlem Renaissance

Jessie's tenure at The Crisis was marked by her mentorship of emerging Black writers such as Countee Cullen, Nella Larson, and Langston Hughes. Murray emphasizes Jessie's dual role as both a creative force and a nurturer:

[14:53] Murray: "Each of these young men and women came to her very young. They hadn't been published... she was able to nurture them, creatively editing them. She also helped them with their personal situations."

Jessie's contributions extended beyond mentorship. She was instrumental in creating the beloved children's magazine, Brownies Book, fulfilling W.E.B. du Bois's vision to provide positive representations for Black children.

The Personal Life of Jessie Redmond Fawcett

A significant aspect of Jessie's character is her secret affair with the influential intellectual, W.E.B. du Bois. This clandestine relationship poses a threat to her reputation in a society that expects Black women to conform to traditional roles.

Murray reveals the complexity of their relationship:

[03:25] Murray: "They had, at that point, had been involved for five years. And I think he said this would be a little bit of a way to keep her close."

Impact of the Step-Mother Character

Jessie's stepmother, Bella, adds another layer of complexity to her life. A Jewish woman and an integrationist, Bella pushes Jessie to excel academically and professionally. Murray discusses how Bella's expectations shape Jessie's character:

[05:28] Murray: "Her stepmother made Jessie very aware of who she was, but pushed her to the greatest limits. It was her stepmother who encouraged her to overachieve."

Setting the Scene: Harlem in the 1920s

The novel meticulously captures the zeitgeist of Harlem during the early 20th century—a time when Black pride surged amidst pervasive racism and segregation. Murray explains how this duality informs the characters' worldviews:

[06:27] Murray: "Harlem was this little corner of America where black pride was growing while people were being lynched in certain parts of the country... Pride, black pride was rising in Harlem in terms of everything."

The Crisis Magazine: A Pillar of Black America

The Crisis magazine was the most important periodical for Black Americans at the time, providing news and fostering a sense of community and pride. Murray elaborates on its significance:

[09:07] Murray: "It was the most important periodical in the country. If your name was in The Crisis, you were somebody."

W.E.B. du Bois envisioned The Crisis as a tool for an informed and empowered Black populace. Jessie's appointment as the literary editor was not just a professional milestone but also a strategic move in their personal relationship.

Challenges Faced by Jessie Redmond Fawcett

Murray sheds light on the unique challenges Jessie faced as a Black woman in a predominantly male and white-dominated field:

[17:04] Murray: "She had to prove herself in Black America because she was a woman. There were no women working in publishing at that time, not even at a Black magazine."

Jessie's interactions often required her to maintain composure in the face of sexism and racism, exemplified in a scene where a vendor dismissively refers to her as "doll."

Excerpt from "Harlem Rhapsody"

Victoria Christopher Murray shares a poignant excerpt from her novel, illustrating Jessie's early interactions with young Countee Cullen and the burgeoning literary community:

[12:06] Murray:
"The receiving line is long as we wait to pay our respects to the Reverend and his wife. When it is finally our turn, Reverend Cullen reaches for my mother's hands. It's nice to meet you, Reverend, my mother says. I'm Mrs. Bella Fawcett and this is my daughter, Ms. Jessie Fawcett. [...] I'm Countee Cullen. It is my absolute pleasure to meet you."

This passage highlights Jessie's role in fostering connections among young Black intellectuals and creatives.

Victoria Christopher Murray's Writing Journey

Beyond discussing her novel, Murray reflects on her personal journey as an author. With a career spanning 28 years, she shares insights into her evolution and the perseverance required to succeed in the literary world.

[18:33] Murray: "I wanted to be a writer my whole life. It was never going to be a transition for me. It was going to be when I could find my place in this industry."

Murray also offers valuable advice to aspiring writers:

[19:58] Murray: "Two things. Writers write. You cannot call yourself a writer if you're not writing. And if you keep treating it like a hobby, it's going to stay a hobby. [...] The best writers are readers."

Community Engagement and Upcoming Events

Alison and Victoria touch upon the community's reception of "Harlem Rhapsody," noting high demand and sold-out events at the Schomburg Center. This underscores the enduring interest in Harlem's cultural legacy and Murray's contribution to its literary history.

Conclusion

This episode of All Of It offers a deep dive into the life of Jessie Redmond Fawcett, her pivotal role in the Harlem Renaissance, and the intricate interplay of personal and professional challenges she navigated. Through Victoria Christopher Murray's insightful narration, listeners gain a nuanced understanding of a woman who not only shaped a literary movement but also left an indelible mark on Black American culture.

Notable Quotes:

• Victoria Christopher Murray [01:58]: "I wanted to write a historical fiction... I decided to write about somebody that would interest me."

• Victoria Christopher Murray [14:53]: "She was able to nurture them, creatively editing them. She also helped them with their personal situations."

• Victoria Christopher Murray [06:27]: "Harlem was this little corner of America where black pride was growing while people were being lynched in certain parts of the country."

• Victoria Christopher Murray [19:58]: "Writers write. You cannot call yourself a writer if you're not writing. [...] The best writers are readers."

This comprehensive summary captures the essence of the episode, highlighting the key discussions, insights, and narratives shared between Alison Stewart and Victoria Christopher Murray. It provides a vivid portrayal of Jessie Redmond Fawcett's legacy and Murray's literary accomplishments, serving as an engaging overview for both listeners and those new to the content.