The papers of African-American poet and playwright, peacemaker, community activist, and television producer Sojourner Kincaid Rolle, have been established in CEMA. Her poetry includes chapbooks, inclusion in various anthologies and literary journals and a body of uncollected work, some of which has been choreographed for dance presentation and performed as theater. In 2002, she co-wrote with Robert A. Potter “Ayo’s Journey”, a multidimensional theater performance about the transatlantic slave trade, based on a 12-poem cycle. This production was directed by Val Limar. Four of her poems were produced as short plays by the group “Dramatic Women.” This collections consists of correspondence, photographs, broadsides, ephemera, and audio and video recordings. It will be expanding to include her literary manuscripts and scrapbooks that document her educational, activist and artistic activities in the Santa Barbara community.

15.0 linear feet (105 videos and 13 crates)

Copyright has not been assigned to the Department of Special Collections, UCSB. All requests for permission to publish or quote from manuscripts must be submitted in writing to the Head of Special Collections. Permission for publication is given on behalf of the Department of Special Collections as the owner of the physical items and is not intended to include or imply permission of the copyright holder, which also must be obtained.

Collections is open for research. Service copies of audiovisual items may need to be made before viewing or listening. Please consult Special Collections staff for further information.