Another noteworthy periodical is Our Women and Children, first published in 1888, by Dr. William J. Simmons. It was unique in that it practically confined itself to the feminine world. Its contributors were chiefly women and the articles which appeared on its pages concerned themselves primarily with questions which affected home-life.
Over 100 Magazines in Existence
Many other Negro magazines have been attempted; many of more or less note, but of the magazines established prior to 1900, scarcely a one, if any, are in existence today. Of the leading present day magazines, none can boast of as long a period of publication as the present day newspapers. At present about one hundred magazines are being published by Negroes. However, this number includes school periodicals, church organs and fraternal organs, and only a small fraction of the total number are purely literary or secular publications.
The Crisis Edited by Dr. DuBois
Among the foremost Negro magazines of general literature is The Crisis, published at New York City, under the editorship of Dr. W. E. B. DuBois, perhaps the leading literary figure among the race today. While the publication is the official organ of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, it contains short stories, essays, sketches and poetry of a high literary quality.
Special Educational Number
A special feature of The Crisis is the emphasis it places on higher education. Each July it publishes an educational number containing the photographs of Negro college graduates from white Northern institutions during the past school year. The issue also contains a resume of the educational progress of the year.
The Messenger, a Journal of Social Science
The Messenger, published in New York City by Phillip Randolph and Chandler Owen, is devoted to economic, political and sociological subject-matter, with special emphasis upon the Negro and his relation to the labor problem. The tremendous influence of this magazine, devoted as it is to such a special field, is clearly shown by the fact that at present it has a circulation of over 26,000.