Whitmire Article

Whitmire’s article about Regina Andrews is a good example of how even when black librarians were accepted into a given library they still had to continuously prove their right to be there. Andrews was a New York librarian in a unique point in history and I wonder how much of her drive for success and recognition as well as her interest in community outreach programs at the library we from inspiration from her involvement in the Harlem Renaissance. Not to say that her relationship with W. E. B. Du Bois was the definitive factor in her promotion. Andrews was obviously committed and ambitious and the role of “a first” does not go to some one who isn’t talented it what they do. The fact that pressure from Du Bois and others were needed for Andrews to get the title and the pay that she deserved illustrates how difficult it would have been for any one else who had come before this time period to excel like she did.

Whitmire emphasizes how Andrews was a professional before she was an activist. While she was involved in the arts and politics of the Harlem Renaissance, was married to a prominent member of the community and worked with several civic organizations she never stopped being a librarian. Andrews opted out of early retirement and kept up with her career and the international travel that was a component of her civic work. She also was concerned about the fate of her pet outreach project, Family Night, after her retirement.