Caribbean Matters is a weekly series from Daily Kos, inviting readers to explore the vibrant stories and histories of the Caribbean every Saturday. If you’re new to the region, check out our introductory article, Caribbean Matters: Getting to know the countries of the Caribbean.
For anyone interested in or studying Black history, Arturo Schomburg is an essential figure. His legacy lives on through the renowned Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, situated in New York City.
“The Schomburg Center is one of the largest and oldest archives available to anyone interested in Black history throughout the diaspora,” notes Leah Drayton, the center’s senior PR manager.
Located at 135th Street and Malcolm X Boulevard, the center honors Arturo Alfonso Schomburg, a Puerto Rican-born bibliophile. Schomburg arrived in America at the young age of 17, facing the discouraging belief that Black people had no significant history. He dedicated his life to disproving that narrative, amassing an extensive collection that serves as a testament to Black achievement and life.
Schomburg initially established what would become the Schomburg Center as The Division of Negro Literature, History and Prints, a special collection within the New York Public Library’s 135th Street branch. This initiative arose during a time when the Black population in Harlem was flourishing, especially during the Harlem Renaissance.
“Schomburg contributed over 10,000 items to the library, a collection that has since grown to 11 million,” Drayton explains.
I previously celebrated Schomburg’s incredible life and contributions during Black History Month in 2018, making his birthday, January 24, 1874, an ideal occasion for a reintroduction. Schomburg passed on June 19, 1938.
The relentless attacks on the celebration and acknowledgment of Black history from figures like Donald Trump and his supporters were strikingly addressed by historian Ibram X. Kendi in a 2025 New York Times op-ed. Kendi emphasized,
“Life is named story. Afterlife is named history. Racist Americans have murdered Black lives and tried to murder Black afterlives…”
In contrast, Schomburg dedicated his life to ensuring Black history was not only preserved but celebrated.
The New York Public Library’s publication “Arturo A. Schomburg: His Life and Legacy” delves into his significant impact:
Born in Puerto Rico to a Black mother and a German father in 1874, young Arturo was often puzzled by the absence of African history in his education. This curiosity laid the groundwork for a lifelong pursuit of research and preservation, culminating in his status as a premier collector of Black literature and cultural materials from the diaspora.
During the 1920s and ’30s, Schomburg expanded his collection through expeditions in Europe, Latin America, and the U.S. His dedication was rewarded in 1926 when the Carnegie Corporation facilitated the purchase of his collection for $10,000, marking a pivotal transformation of the 135th Street branch into the Schomburg Center.
His expertise was recognized at Fisk University, as President Charles S. Johnson invited him to curate the library there. Schomburg’s efforts led to the expansion of the library’s collection, significantly enhancing its contributions to Black research and studies.
An array of short documentaries about Schomburg available on YouTube highlights his lasting influence. For instance, one produced by the Caribbean Cultural Center African Diaspora Institute presents insights into his contributions to both the Spanish and English-speaking African Diaspora, particularly in early 20th-century New York City.
Episode two of Nothing About Us Without Us covers Afro-Puerto Rican historian, Harlem Renaissance leader, and community builder Arturo Alfonso Schomburg.
Another compelling piece from The Root notes:
Did you know that one of the most influential curators of Black history was Afro-Puerto Rican? His name is Arturo Schomburg, and his work significantly shaped the foundations of modern Black studies.
Additionally, from the Schomburg Center:
Explore how to incorporate Arturo A. Schomburg into classroom lessons to instill a deeper appreciation for his legacy.
Education about Schomburg also extends to PBS, which featured him in “Arturo Schomburg | American Historia: The Untold Story of Latinos.”
In this segment, viewers learn about Schomburg, an Afro-Latino activist who dedicated his life to uplifting the African diaspora and played a crucial role in the Harlem Renaissance.
His passions encompassed not only his ethnic identity but also systemic issues such as Puerto Rican and Cuban independence and the broader narrative of African American achievements.
Recently, Schomburg’s legacy was highlighted when New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani took the oath of office, using a Qur’an from the Schomburg Center’s collections:
On January 1, 2026, this Qur’an, noted for its unique simplicity and authenticity, became a symbol, connecting diverse cultures and histories within the rich fabric of New York City.
This item was originally part of Schomburg’s personal library and exemplifies his commitment to documenting the history and culture of people of African descent, furthering his vision of inclusivity.
Please join me in the comments section below for more on Arturo Schomburg, and for the weekly Caribbean News Roundup.
