Alkebu Motapa Collection
Scope and Contents
The collection contains artwork created by Alkebu Motapa and includes photographs, letter-sized copies of posters, post cards and posters duplicated on T-shirts. Contains some original artwork, most are reproductions. The remaining items include an application for an Individual Artist Grant, audiotapes, a civil rights lawsuit, a compact disc, correspondence, newspaper clippings, tee shirts, and videotape. His work show cases community relations affecting the Black community.
Dates
- Creation: 1966-2002 1986-1989
- Creation: Majority of material found within 1986 - 1989
Creator
- Motapa, Alkebu (Person)
Access Restrictions
None.
Use Restrictions
Permission to publish or reproduce materials must be obtained from the African American Library at the Gregory School or the appropriate copyright holder.
Biographical Note
Alkebu Motapa, originally known as Carl Eugene More Austin, was born in the Fifth Ward of Houston, on August 29,1946 to Viola Mary Austin. He also used the name, "Humanity Chants," on his artwork. He attended Phillis Wheatley High School and E.E. Worthing Senior High School. Houston. As a youth, he became involved with numerous organizations in human rights movements and worked with the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and various agencies. He attended several universities such as Texas Southern University, Howard University, UCLA, Charles Drew Medical School, Cleveland, Life, and Sherman Chiropractic Colleges, obtaining a B.A. and an M.A. He also spent time with indigenous natives in the United States, Africa and the West Indies. In 1980, he began work as an Indigenous Natural Health Doctor and Clinical Supervisor, specializing in substance abuse programs. Motapa also founded the Sankhore’ Natural Health Foundation, Motapa Museum of Natural Health, Science & Fine Arts Museum in Houston.
Extent
1.75 Linear Feet (2 boxes, including cassettes, and video cassettes)
Language of Materials
English
Arrangement
Arranged in three series; folders are arranged in alphabetical order by title. When known, dates are listed.
Series I: General Information- contains information about the artist and museum founder, Alkebu Motap which discuss his life and activities.
Series II: Artwork-
Examples of his artwork using the media of posters, post cards and T-shirts
Series III: Audiovisual Materials- contains music composed and produced by Motapa.
Custodial History
These records were formerly housed at the Houston Metropolitan Research Center, Houston Public Library as MSS 0317 Alekebu Motapa Collection and was transferred to the African American Library at the Gregory School, Houston Public Library in April] 2019.
Acquisition Information
Alkebu Motapa donated the collection in 1999 and 2001.
Processing Information
Processed by Ron Drees, May, 2008; Addition proccessed by Sheena Wilson July 2020
Subject
- Motapa, Alkebu (Person)
- Title
- MSS 0150 Alkebu Motapa Collection
- Subtitle
- An Inventory of Records at the African American Library at the Gregory School, Houston Public Library
- Status
- Completed
- Language of description
- Undetermined
- Script of description
- Code for undetermined script
- Language of description note
- Finding aid written in English.
Revision Statements
- July 1, 2020: Addition processed, July 2020
Repository Details
Part of the African American History Research Center Repository
