Muriel Feelings Collection
Collection ID
BC006
Related Subjects
Collecting Areas
Description
Detailed Collection Information
Biography Note
Muriel Feelings was born Muriel Grey on July 31, 1938, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Both of Muriel’s parents appreciated Art and Education, and though Muriel’s mother was not formally educated, Muriel received her strongest influence from her mother, who eventually self-taught from the books that gradually filled her home. Upon her completion of high school, Muriel went on to attend the Philadelphia College of Art, and moved to California a year later with her mother and sister. There, she attended the California State University of Los Angeles., graduating with a Bachelor’s degree in Art and a minor in Spanish and Education.
Following graduation, Feelings started teaching at a junior high school in Philadelphia. After working in Philadelphia, Muriel moved to New York and taught in the city’s public school system for several years. When political upheaval laid itself upon the United States, Muriel found herself wanting to serve in Africa, away from political entities. While in New York, Muriel met Malcolm X, a black nationalist who further convinced her that Africa is where she wanted to be. Accepting X’s post-Nation of Islam message, Feelings committed herself to the Organization of Afro-American Unity. This organization worked to unite and fight against white oppression. Muriel’s interest in traveling to Africa deepened after meeting United Nations workers who were associated with a mission to Uganda. She soon served in Africa after considering how critical it was for black American culture to embrace their heritage.
From 1966-1968, Feelings taught Art at a boy’s school in Kampala, Uganda. There, she drew inspirations for her books from her surroundings, as well as the learning experiences she gained from her students. Feelings became immersed with the culture and inspired by her heritage as she traveled throughout Africa. When she moved back to New York in 1968, Muriel rekindled an old flame with artist/illustrator Tom Feelings; later the two wed in 1969. Tom suggested to Muriel that she write a children’s book, of which he would illustrate. Muriel created her first children’s book in 1970, Zamani Goes to Market, which was inspired by her visit in Kenya.
After the birth of their son, Zamani (whose name means “infinite” in Swahili), Muriel and Tom moved to Guyana, South America. There, Muriel collaborated on her second book with her husband, Moja Means One: A Swahili Counting Book. Widely accepted by critics, the book went on to win the Randolph Caldecott Medal in 1972. While in Guyana, Muriel also served as an Art teacher and teacher trainer for 2 years. She also served as an Editor and writer for the Guyana Government Textbook Project of the Ministry of Education. After moving back to New York, Muriel had another son, Kamili. In 1974, the Feelings published another children’s literature book, Jambo Means Hello: A Swahili Alphabet Book, which was also reviewed very well and appeared in Best Books and Recommended Literature lists. Both Moja and Jambo were Caldecott Honor Books, and both received awards from the Pennsylvania State Library Association (PSLA) and the American Library Association Notable Books in 1972.
After a divorce in 1974, Muriel soon retired and remained out of the public eye. She busied herself working on programs that exposed new works by black artists and writers to the public. She also conducted workshops on children’s literature, and Africa culture and language. From 1981-1986, Feelings was the Director of Education at the Afro-American Historical & Cultural Museum in Philadelphia, PA (known today as the African American Museum in Philadelphia). In 1986, Muriel served as Director to the Pan-African Studies Community Education Program at Temple University, Philadelphia, PA. In addition to serving as Director, Muriel was also a Lecturer on African American Children’s Literature/Folklore in the African American Studies Department at Temple University.
Description of Collection
The Muriel Feelings Collection houses a variety of print media materials. The materials are divided into specific series. The collection includes collected video recordings and cassettes (Series 1), a myriad of documents (Series 3), posters and drawings (Series 5), and paintings (Series 12). Ms. Feelings has also received a myriad of awards, most of which can be found in Series 4. Some of Ms. Feelings’ personal items, such as photographs, can also be viewed in Series 10.
Overview of Arrangement
Series 1. Video Recordings & Audio Cassettes 2 Boxes
Series 2. Magazines 1 Box
Series 3. Print Media & Miscellaneous Documents 3 Boxes
Series 4. Awards 1 Box
Series 5. Posters and Drawings by Tom Feelings 2 Boxes
Series 6. John T. Harris’ Art 1 Box
Series 7. Posters and Clippings 2 Box
Series 8. Correspondence 1 Box
Series 9. Phonograph records 1 Box
Series 10. Photographs 1 Box
Series 11. John T. Harris Awards 1 Box
Series 12. Paintings 1 Box
Patron Information
Catalog Record
A record for this collection is available in Diamond, Temple University’s online library catalog: [URL]
Research Access
Collection is open for research.
Collections Stored Off-Site
This collection may be housed off-site at the Library Depository and require up to two business days to retrieve. Please review the finding aid and be prepared to identify specific materials to be retrieved. Contact the Charles L. Blockson Afro American Collection in advance of your visit so that materials may be relocated to the reading room for research.
Patron Information
Publication and Copyright Information
All requests subject to limitations noted in departmental policies on Reproduction.
Information on copyright (literary rights) available from repository.
Preferred Citation
[Identification of item(s)], Muriel Feelings Collection, Charles L. Blockson Afro-American Collection, Temple University Libraries.
Administrative Information
Processing Information
Collection processed and finding aid prepared in August 2012 by Lateefat O. Durosinmi-Etti and Gwendolyn Alexandre; Supervised by Leslie Willis-Lowry.
Inventory
Series 1: Video Tapes & Cassettes
Box Folder Content
1 - Autobiography of Malcolm X
1 - Great Performances: To Be Young, Gifted and Black
1 - African Film: Yaaba (Grandmother) Fatimata Sango 1989
1 - Philadelphia Memories (PBS) “Xala”
1 - “Buffalo Soldiers” (Danny Glover); John H. Clarke: A Great and Mighty Walk” (Wesley Snipes)
1 - The Overground Information Tribe (Lectures and Speeches)
1 - African and African American Celebration of Literature. Kiva Hall Auditorium Feb. 26, 1992
1 - Blacks on TV (Past)
1 - Kwanzaa- New Covenant Dec. 29, 1996
1 - The Civil War: Struggle for Freedom 1993
2 - Slavery part I, II, III. Goree Island, Dakar, Senegal. 1990
2 - Philly Live: “Pan-African Studies” Jan. 13, 2000
2 - Morrison, Toni. The Bluest Eye. Audio Books 1970
2 - Mumai Abu Jamal, Readings from his Book Live From Death Row. 1995
2 - A Different Image
2 - Shanghai Princess 1990
2 - The Magic Crown 1991
2 - Xica: A Film by Carlos Diegues 1993
2 - Black Girl Donkey Cart. Directed by Ousmene Sembene. 1965
2 - Cassette: The Beast of Monsier Racine; Anansi the Spider
2 - Cassette: The Days When Animals Talked
2 - Cassette: National Anthem of South Africa
2 - Cassette: The Be One Storytellers
2 - Cassette: Malcolm X ‘Talks To Young People’
Series 1: Video Tapes & Cassettes
Box Folder Content
2 - Cassette: Hair Stories Soundtrack
2 - CD: We Believe in Freedom
Series 2: Magazines
Box Folder Content
3 - Jet Sep. 1992
3 - Ad. Booklet: Please Touch Museum “Children’s Play, Past, Present and Future”. 1985
3 - Booklet: “Museum Ethics” American Association of Museums. 1978
3 - Tempo – Temple University Public Radio. 2000
3 - Black Family Digest, Fall 2000. 2000
3 - TIME LIFE- Quality Education Products For Children & Adults. 1999
3 - Ebony- Gregory Hines Sep. 1992
3 - Ebony, “Winning” Aug. 1992
3 - Ebony, “The Year of the Black Woman” Oct. 1992
3 - Emerge – Our Voice in Today’s World Oct. 1990
3 - Emerge – Our Voice in Today’s World Jan. 1990
3 - Ebony, Barbara Bush Sep. 1989
3 - Caring 4 Cancer- What’s Cooking? 2010
3 - Guidance Channel- February is Black History Month
Series 3: Documents
Box Folder Content
4 1 Compilation of Writings from the Adult Literacy Community, Pennsylvania
4 2 Action
4 3 African American Literature Bibliographies
4 4 Afro-American Museum Education Department: Docent Training Materials Correspondence
4 5 An Art Exhibit by Muhsana Ali
4 6 Archibald J. Motley Jr.: American Artist of the Afro-American People 1891-1928
4 7 Art Sanctuary: Celebration of Black Writing
4 8 Biography of Muriel Feelings
4 9 Brochures: About people, Museums and Events
4 10 Course Prospectus
4 11 Daniel “Kauli Ongoza” Gailliard, Jr.
4 12 Delta Sigma Theta Sorority
4 13 Dr. Cecil Gray
5 15 Education
5 17 Enon Tabernacle Baptist Church
5 18 Genealogy
5 19 Hickory Museum of Arts
5 21 John T. Harris
5 22 Kwanzaa
5 23 Malcolm X
5 25 New Orleans, LA – School District Consultation 1994
5 26 Organization: Concerned Neighbors of 8400 Block of Bayard/Pickering Streets
5 27 PASCEP
6 28 Reflections in Black 2000
6 29 Survival Bulletin #1 (9-1-1: For Blacks Only) 2001
6 30 The Afro-American Historical and Cultural Museum
Series 3: Documents
Box Folder Content
6 31 The African Heritage Ministry
6 32 The Biblical Institute for Social Change (BISC)
6 33 The Paul Robeson House
Series 4: Awards
Box Folder Content
7 - The Community Service Award. 2000
7 - Appreciation from Friends of SOMAFCO. 2001
7 - Certificate: The Young Writers’ Conference. 1990
7 - Pennsylvania General Assembly. 2001
7 - Certificate of Achievement from Pennsylvania House of Representatives. 2001
7 - 181 Points of Light Dedicated Service Award
7 - Distinguished Service Award from Pro Arts Society of Pennsylvania. 2001
7 - The Brooklyn Art Books for Children Citation. 1974
Series 5: Photographs
Box Folder Content
8 - Photography of Navy man, black and white
8 - Color Photographs
8 - Ali Program – negatives
8 - Museum of the African Diaspora (MOAD), Invitation. 2005
8 - Frank Diaz Escalet postcard
8 - Writings by students in the Pan African Studies 1985
8 - Photo Album, National Liberty Week 1988
8 - Amye Nkama,” color lithograph by Carl Olafemi Uright, 2/500
8 - Profile Drawing of Man, pencil, Larry Gray, 5/78
Series 5: Photographs
Box Folder Content
8 - Branch with leaves, pencil drawing by Muriel Feelings
8 - Patrice Lumumba, print by Douglas 1971
8 - Marcus Garvey, print by Douglas 1972
8 - Kwame Nkrumah, print by Douglas 1974
8 - Woman, print by Tom Feelings 1999
8 - Woman with braids and beads, original pencil drawing by Tom Feelings
8 - Jitterbugs, reproduction by William H. Johnson
8 - Men on the Bench, reproduction by Brenda Joysmith
8 - Bird, silk print handmade in Vietnam
8 - Muriel Feelings, sketch notebook with 12 drawings
8 - Serendib, The Tree of Return, poster by Tom Feelings 1994
Series 6: John T. Harris’ Art
Box Folder Content
9 - Lady – Pen
9 - Man with hat and cigarette – charcoal drawing
9 - Woman – drawing, a copy of original
9 - Saxophonist – pen drawing
9 - Boxer – charcoal drawing
9 - Boy praying – pencil drawing
9 - Man with suit and tie – ink drawing
9 - Racer – pencil drawing
9 - Woman named Netty – Print drawing
9 - Woman – Ink drawing
9 - African Study – Watercolor
9 - Drawing of Man on Couch, pencil original signed by Tom Feelings 1995
Series 6: John T. Harris’ Art
Box Folder Content
9 - Drawing of Male Trumpeter, pencil original signed by Tom Feelings 1995
9 - Painting: Man in a suit with glasses on
9 - Pen & Ink Illustration for Philadelphia Tribune 1916- by T. Mack Harris 1916
9 - Illustration on “Williams Singers,” Philadelphia Tribune 1916 by T. Mack Harris
9 - Illustration by T. Mack Harris for the Cincinnati Union
9 - Pencil drawing: U.S.O. Hostess- by Harris
9 - Illustration by T. Mack Harris; Class of 1915- Southern High School 1915
9 - Painting: A Man Operating a film machine
9 - Painting: A horse-drawn carriage by John T. Harris
9 - Painting: A Truck with wood in its trunk, and men
9 - Pencil Drawing of men playing checkers
9 - Painting of a girl doing artwork
9 - Pen Drawing of a man operating laboratory equipment
9 - Poster of an elder man in a suit, reading
9 - Posterboard: Kyoto’s Festival of the Ages
9 - Painting: Miss Adrienne Brown, Cheyney Alumna
9 - Painting: A house and trees
9 - Painting: of a man playing basketball
9 - Painting: of flowers
9 - Painting: of a woman, side view
9 - Pen Drawing of teacher and students in a classroom
9 - Pencil drawing of a man playing a guitar
9 - Pen drawing of men running with caption “Build Strong Legs, Run for Cheyney”
9 - Photograph: of a woman wearing grey clothes
9 - Painting: of a woman with short hair
9 - Painting: of flowers #39
9 - Incomplete Painting of a bottle and a mask
Series 6: John T. Harris’ Art
Box Folder Content
9 - Pen Drawing of college students during a lecture
9 - Pen Drawing: of a woman using a typewriter
9 - Photograph of a girl with an open textbook
9 - Pencil Drawing of a man named Yoshikazu Ohshiro, Kyoto Japan
9 - Newspaper Article: “’Tsutsumu’ Benefits Honorable Consumer”
9 - Pencil Drawing of a man sitting with his legs crossed (3)
9 - Pencil Drawing of men gathered together watching 2 men play a board game
9 - Ink drawing of 2 men playing a board game with 2 other men watching, all 4 wearing hats
9 - Pen Drawing of 2 men playing a board game while 2 other men watch, only 2 men wearing hats
9 - Pencil Drawing of a group of men watching two men playing a board game. One man leaning on a wall
9 - Pencil Drawing of a group of men watching two men play a board game with the back view of one man
9 - Pencil Drawing of a man wearing a hat and pipe
9 - Pencil Drawing of two men playing a board game with onlookers
9 - Drawing of men playing board game on black paper with white
9 - Drawing of man sitting with his legs crossed on black paper
9 - Painting of men playing a board game with onlookers
9 - Pen drawing of playing a board game and another sitting beside him
9 - Incomplete painting of men looking down at a board game
9 - Pencil drawing of men looking down at a board game
9 - Pencil Drawing of men seated on a bench playing a board game, with onlookers
9 - Pencil Drawing of two men looking at a game board
9 - Pencil Drawing of two sets of men playing a board game
9 - Pencil Drawing of a young man with a hat and a stick in his mouth
9 - Pencil Drawing of two men wearing hats, and one smoking
9 - Pencil Drawing of two men, one standing, one sitting
Series 6: John T. Harris’ Art
Box Folder Content
9 - Drawing of a man with a moustache staring to the left by Harris 1933
9 - Painting of a man in a white suit
9 - Painting of a man in an African hat and attire
9 - Drawing of two men playing a board game, seated on a chair and a stool
9 - Painting: “Old Faithful”
9 - Painting of a man sculpting
9 - Drawing of a checker player
9 - Painting of a boxer
9 - Art Department, Howard University, poster signed 1980
9 - Braids Again, poster 1989
9 - A Cultural Celebration for the Family, KWANZAA, poster (2 copies) 1996
9 - W.E.B. Dubois: A Biography on Four Voices, poster 1997
9 - A Black Literary Festival & Cyberfair, poster 1996
9 - Moving with the Dreaming, poster signed by Nadine Patterson
9 - The African Children Choir, poster
Series 7: Posters and Newspaper Clippings
Box Folder Content
10 - Newspaper: The Philadelphia Inquirer, Sep. 12, 2001
10 - Newspaper: Philadelphia Metro, Sep. 12, 2001
10 - Newspaper Comic: The Boondocks
10 - Newspaper: Rediscovering Dox Thrash
10 - The Afro-American Historic Calendar
10 - Schedule of event - A Salute to Sonia Sanchez
10 - Afro-American Programs
10 - Posters: Bill Cosby Comes Home in Concert
Series 7: Posters and Newspaper Clippings
Box Folder Content
10 - Envelope
10 - Newspaper: The Philadelphia Inquirer May 7, 1984
10 - Poster: Roger Guenveur Smith: A Huey P. Newton Story
10 - Take the 80’s: Continue the Revolutionary Tradition of Malcolm X
10 - Poster: Annual Commemoration of Birth and Meaning of Malcolm X
10 - Calendar: Creole Osceola 1991
10 - Christmas card
10 - Poster: The Story of a Government that Almost Didn’t Happen
10 - Poster: “White Man’s Country”
10 - Poster: Protest PFT’s Guest Speaker on South Africa
10 - Office of the Mayor folder
10 - House of Representatives of Pennsylvania folder
10 - Little Girl, print by T. Feelings
10 - Cartoon Print
Series 8: Correspondence
Box Folder Content
11 1 Andrews, Laverne B. Evans 1999
11 2 Bartholomew, Ralph (Dr.) 1984
11 3 Bogle, Mariska 2001
11 4 Bowman, Sherry 2002
11 5 Cary, Lorene 2002
11 6 Chambers, Bradford 1983
11 7 Checole, Kassahun 2001
11 8 D.A. Holmes School 1981
11 9 Denise 1998
11 10 Ericsson, Aprille 2001
Series 8: Correspondence
Box Folder Content
11 11 Ewen, Eric Paul 1980
11 12 Feelings, Muriel 1999, 2007
11 13 Feelings, Tom 1980
11 14 Friends of Philadelphia School Libraries
11 15 Giblin, James C. 1981
11 16 Gieskes, Hans 2002
11 17 Goode, Gloria D. 1981
11 18 Goss, Linda 1981
11 19 Harris, John T. 1975, 1977
11 20 Heiman, Bettina G. 2000
11 21 Humphrey, Mattie L. 1980
11 22 International Platform Association
11 23 Jamil 1983
11 24 Jay, Lewis W. (Rev.) 1984
11 25 Klein, Gerald E. 1979
11 26 Lora, Yenny 2001
11 27 Mama Zamani 2002
11 28 McClain, William J. 1981
11 29 McCray, Carol G. 1982
11 30 Moodley, Roy 1998
11 31 Morrow-Young, Allean 2002
11 32 Mugo, Micere M. 1983
11 33 Mukhtar, Odinga 2001
11 34 Mutashoyas, The
11 35 Oyulla, Rebecca Abitimo 2000
11 36 Prison Correspondence 1997, 1999, 2000
Series 8: Correspondence
Box Folder Content
11 37 Raleigh County Public Library 1987
11 38 Robin, Larry 2001
11 39 Shabazz, Betty 1980
11 40 Shelby 1981
11 41 Slappy, Jean 1980, 1981
11 42 Spady, James
11 43 Stine, Jane 1980, 1981
11 44 Sullivan, Kathryn A. 2002
11 45 The Sylvia Meek Memorial Scholarship Fund 1983
11 46 Thomas, Curtis W. 2000
11 47 Weiss, Bruce David
11 48 Weiss, Jacqueline Shatcher 1983
11 49 Waller, Alyn E. (Dr.) 2001
11 50 Whitney, Ellen M. 1982
11 51 Women Gathner Conference Planning Council 2003
11 52 Wilson, William & Marie Vow Renewal 2002
11 53 Ya Salaam, Kalamu 2002
11 54 Yale Research 1983
11 55 “Kenya Woman May Be World’s Oldest Person” 2000
11 56 “The Boondocks”
11 57 “Goree Island – Last Relic of the Slave Trade” 1979
11 58 Symptoms and Herbs
11 59 “The Hare Report: State of the Black Race” 2001
11 60 Live Free From Prostate Problems, Including Cancer 1998, 1999
11 61 The Prostate Miracle
11 62 The Hidden Hazards of Microwave Cooking 1994, 2000
11 63 Eating Plan for Optimal Health 2002
Series 8: Correspondence
Box Folder Content
11 64 “Why Salt Should Never Be Used”
11 65 “Sharpton Campaign Should Build Agenda”
11 66 “Much In Common But Worlds Apart” 1978
11 67 “Taking on Ali” 2001
11 68 “Ceremony Commemorates First African Footsteps in Virginia” 1999
11 69 “Rebel Leader is killed by Algerians” 2002
11 70 “Saving a Community and its Youth” 2002
11 71 “When Self-Asserting a Self-Image is Self-Defense
11 72 “7 Days of Kwanzaa Begin with Prayers instead of Presents” 1978
11 73 “Women Take to the Front Lines” 1999
11 74 “On the QT” 2002
11 75 Donald “Ducky” Birts 2001
11 76 “Guns & Silence”
11 77 “Jonas Savimbi, 67, Angola’s Leader”
11 78 “Children’s Books”
11 79 “Negro National Anthem-Lift Every Voice and Sing”
11 80 “Runaway Kid Grows into Series” 1972
11 81 “Schools Play Big Role in Industrial Design” 1958
11 82 “Erv Hall Wakes Up to Hurdles Crown”
11 83 “Artists So Superb At Cheyney Wilmington Bids for Exhibit” 1957
11 84 El Shaddai Christian Assembly Newsletter 2002
11 85 “A New Christian Vision Unfolds” 1994
Series 9: Sound Recordings
Box Folder Content
12 - Ohio Players – Fire 1974
12 - Malcolm X – Speaks Again 1963-1964
12 - Merry Christmas Johnny Mathis
12 - Twist with Chubby Checker
12 - Stevie Wonder – Songs in the Key of Life 1976
12 - Lee Andrews – Sings
12 - Soul II Soul – Keep On Movin 1989
12 - Afro-American Tales & Games told by Linda Goss 1980
12 - Mutabaruka – Check It! 1983
12 - Stevie Wonder – Music of My Mind 1972
12 - McDonald’s Black History through Rap 1985
12 - Adventures in Negro History Vol. II: The Frederick Douglass Years 1817-1895 1966
12 - I.D.K.T. (I Didn’t Know That) 1982
12 - Al Green – Greatest Hits 1972, 1973, 1975
12 - Billie Holiday Sings the Blues
12 - MALO 1972
12 - Jon Lucien – Song for My Lady 1975
12 - The Very Best of Chuck Jackson 1975
12 - Leopold Stokowski Conducts Negro Folk Symphony by William Dawson
12 - Nat King Cole – Every Time I Feel the Spirit
12 - Oldies but Goodies Vol. 6
12 - Ray Barretto – La Cuna 1981
12 - Calypso Caribbean with Lord Short Shirt
12 - The Calypso Carnival
12 - Joe Bataan – Saint Latin’s Day Massacre
12 - Rejoice! Music for the Worship of God in the Twentieth Century
Series 9: Sound Recordings
Box Folder Content
12 - Johnny Mathis – Me and Mrs. Jones 1973
12 - Bill Withers – Making Friends 1975
12 - The Heartbeats – A Thousand Miles Away
12 - An original sound track recording the Samuel Goldwyn motion picture production of “Porgy and Bess”
12 - Al Green – Call Me 1972, 1973
12 - Plenas
12 - Gloria Lynne – Where it’s at?
12 - The Billie Holiday Story Volume I
Series 10: Photographs
Box Folder Content
13 - Photographs
Series 11: John T. Harris (Awards and Certificates)
Box Folder Content
14 - To John T. Harris for participation in International Symposia on Japanese Awareness Spring 1979
14 - Pro Arts Society Award- John T. Harris February 24, 1980
14 - Love Night Award presented to Muriel Feelings
14 - Certificate to John T. Harris from Cheyney State College
14 - Wall Hanging: "To Our Beloved Great Mother Muriel Feelings" from Lifers Cultural Affairs Committee
Series 12: Paintings
Box Folder Content
15 - Wall hanging made with Sand- Family in a canoe
15 - Painting: Girl in blue clothing with hair in a bun.
15 - Painting: Bronze Lady, framed.
15 - Painting: Chinese Buddhist Temple in Singapore by John T. Harris, framed.
15 - Painting: Japanese Pagoda, Veno Park, Tokyo, Japan. By John T. Harris, framed.
15 - Painting: Woman in green clothing and hoop earrings.
15 - Ink Drawing: Men playing a board game, framed.