Alkebu Motapa Collection:
An inventory of records at Houston Metropolitan Research Center, Houston Public Library
Descriptive Summary | ||
| Creator | Motapa, Alkebu | |
| Title | Alkebu Motapa Collection | |
| Date | 1966-2002 | |
| Bulk Date | 1986-1989 | |
| Identification | MSS0317 | |
| Extent | One large flat box. If arranged horizontally, 0.5 linear feet | |
| Language | Materials are in English | |
| Repository: | Houston Metropolitan Research Center, Houston Public Library | |
Biographical Note
Alkebu Motapa, originally known as Carl Eugene More Austin, was born in the Fifth Ward of Houston, about 1947, as per a grant application. He also used the name, Humanity’ Chants,’ on his posters. His autobiography, which does not list a date of birth, states that he attended public schools in 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 a number of 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 Motapa’ Museum of Natural Health, Science & Fine Arts located in Houston.
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. 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.
Arrangement | ||
| The contents are generally in folders arranged in alphabetical order by title. When known, dates are listed. The first series contains information about the artist and museum founder, Alkebu Motapa. A biography, correspondence and newspaper articles provide information about his life and activities. The second series contains examples of his artwork using the media of posters, post cards and T-shirts. | ||
Restrictions
Access Restrictions
None.
Use Restrictions
Permission to publish or reproduce materials must be obtained from the Houston Metropolitan Research Center or the appropriate copyright holder
Index Terms | ||
| Subjects (Persons) | ||
| Motapa, Alkebu | ||
| Leeland, Mickey | ||
| Subjects | ||
| African American artists | ||
| African Americans—Texas—Houston | ||
| Artists—Texas—Houston | ||
| Subjects (Organizations) | ||
| Houston (Tex.)--Police Dept. | ||
| Motapa’ Museum of Natural Health, Science & Fine Arts | ||
Related Material
|
RG E 073 Afro-American Cultural Museum SC 0309 African American Heritage Museum of Houston (TSU) |
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Administrative Information
Preferred Citation
Alkebu Motapa Collection. MSS 0317. Houston Metropolitan Research Center, Houston Public Library.
Acquisition Information
Alkebu Motapa donated the collection in 1999 and 2001.
Processing Information
Processed by: Ron Drees, May, 2008.
Detailed Description