as cause for Van Vechten’s erasure from the Harlem
Renaissance. Yet several African Americans, in addi-
tion to Hughes, came to Van Vechten’s defense,
including James Weldon Johnson, the executive sec-
retary of the N.A.A.C.P as well as writers Nella
Larsen and Zora Neale Hurston. Today there are a
growing number of scholars of the Harlem
Renaissance, including Bernard, who argue that Van
Vechten is ignored by some not because of a contro-
versial book or his “white patronage” but because of
his homosexuality.

Hughes’ leanings toward communism and his
trip to Russia to make a film about American
race relations. Most revealing is their debate about
Hughes’ poem “Advertisement for the Waldorf-
Astoria,” the composition of which was influenced
by Hughes’ participation in the workers rights move-
ment. In a letter ofApril 3, 1933 Van Vechten writes:
“Why attack the Waldorf? This hotel
employs more people than it serves and is at present
one of the cheapest places any one can go to who
wants to go to a hotel... I think it is possible (though
difficult) to be a good revolutionist and a good artist,
too, but I think you’ll have to ask yourself more
questions (more searchingly) in case you decide to
carry on this program.”
In his response over six-weeks later (May
23. I933) Hughes writes:
“About the Waldorf. I don’t agree with you.
At the time I wrote the poem it was one of the best
American symbols of too much as against too little. I

Later in their friendship Van Vechten questions

 

 

Although their relationship changes
over time, with Hughes becoming the
celebrity and Van Vechten slowly
losing his cache, they maintain a
close friendship to the very end.

believe you yourself told me that the dining room
was so crowded that first week that folks wouldn’t
get in to eat $10.00 dinners. And not many blocks
away the bread lines I saw were so long that other
folks couldn’t reach the soup kitchens for a plate of
free and water soups...”

This exchange illustrates some of the under-
lying issues of difference (class, political, etc.) each
man brought to the friendship. Bemard’s careful
selection of letters demands the reader to examine
this unique relationship through a variety of lenses.
Although their relationship changes over time, with
Hughes becoming the celebrity and Van Vechten

slowly losing his cache, they maintain a close friend-
ship to the very end.

emember Me to Harlem leaves one wonder-
Kng about a number of things: from Hughes’
exuality to the demise of the art of letter
writing. Yet more importantly, and perhaps more pro-
foundly, the book begins to fill a gap ofAmerican
history, with a queer twist, particularly in regards to
Van Vechten. Bernard’s research is an important
resource for understanding both the complicated
lives of Van Vechten and Hughes and the society in
which their friendship endured. I

.u.1.2

community
v center

>>NOW HIRING: EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Submit resumé and letter of interest to:
R.U.12? Community Center

c/o ED Search

PO Box 5883

Burlington, VT 05402

or electronically to:
mary@ru12.org

R.U.1.2? is an EOE employer.
Minorities encouraged to apply.

R.U.1.2? Community Center is a charitable
organization with the purpose of providing
venues for the social, cultural, artistic, and
educational endeavors of our lesbian, gay,
bisexual, transgender, intersex, questioning
and allied communities through visibility,
awareness, and community building.

R.U.1.2? Community Center seeks an EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR with a clear commitment to
the lgbtiqa community and the mission of the Center. An experienced leaderiwith strong
communication and public relations skills will supervise and manage the daily affairs of
the center, its personnel, and diverse programs. Working with the Board of Directors, the
.ED will help to develop the organization's annual budget and fundraising strategies,

spearheading much of the outreach and development efforts.

This position will serve as the point person for general membership, public inquiries and
all media contacts. The executive director will work with the committee coordinators to
manage the center's programs and volunteers. Familiarity with the lgbtiqa community,
and a Bachelors Degree in a related field are required for this position, Masters Degree

preferred. Deadline for applications: February 15. A ifulljob description can be found

on our Web site at www.ru12.org