"The Crisis" was an integral part of the struggle to combat racism in America. As editor of the magazine (1910-1934), W E B Du Bois addressed the important issues facing African Americans. This book is an exploration of how W E B Du Bois created a "visual vocabulary" to define a collective memory and historical identity for African Americans.

"The Crisis" was an integral part of the struggle to combat racism in America. As editor of the magazine (1910-1934), W E B Du Bois addressed the important issues facing African Americans. He used the journal as a means of racial uplift, celebrating the joys and hopes of African American culture and life, and as a tool to address the injustices black Americans experienced - the sorrows of persistent discrimination and racial terror, and especially the crime of lynching. The written word was not sufficient. Visual imagery was central to bringing his message to the homes of readers and emphasizing the importance of the cause. Art was integral to his political program. "Art in Crisis: W E B Du Bois and the Art of The Crisis Magazine" is an exploration of how W E B Du Bois created a "visual vocabulary" to define a new collective memory and historical identity for African Americans. Amy Kirschke is Associate Professor of Art History and African American Studies at Vanderbuilt University. She is author of "Aaron Douglas: Art, Race, and the Harlem Renaissance".

Introduction
1. W. E. B. Du Bois and African American Memory and Identity
2. A History of Black Political Cartoons and Illustrations: The Artists
3. The "Crime" of Blackness: Lynching Imagery in The Crisis
4. Theories of Art, Patronage, and Audience
5. Images of Africa and the Diaspora
6. Art, Political Commentary, and Forging a Common Identity
Conclusion