The main research objective is to produce a digital edition of selected issues of the Dawn of Tomorrow. Including contextual material and scholarly annotations) and to publish this resource as an online and open-access research archive.

A digital edition of Dawn of Tomorrow

Dawn of Tomorrow Project
Firstly, this project is a continuation of a community-based research partnership between Huron History classes  and the London Public Library. Secondly, the main research objective is to produce a digital edition of selected issues of the Dawn of Tomorrow. Including contextual material as well as scholarly annotations  and to publish this resource as an online and open-access research archive. Thirdly, the project is funded through a Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council grant on the Black Press in Canada. Also, where does the project fit in the course? The Dawn of Tomorrow was a Black newspaper published in London, Ontario beginning in 1923. Its founding editor was an African American, James Jenkins, who came to London from Chicago and envisioned the Dawn of Tomorrow in the Black Press tradition of papers such as the New York Age and the Chicago Defender.

A digital edition of Dawn of Tomorrow

In the pages of the Dawn of Tomorrow, you will see course themes from the fresh. And astonishingly under-explored perspective of local history, and will have the opportunity to explore historical connections and the themes of race, activism, and identity across the Canada-US border. Work with primary sources and local materials brings an immediacy to the themes of the course. By participating in a public history project, you will gain experience in communicating the results and importance of your research to others. And develop a critical understanding of how and why our knowledge of the past matters in contemporary discussions of race, justice, and identity. Research Activity (Research Essay 25% Due March 26 Collaborative CURL post 5% Due March 19).

A digital edition of Dawn of Tomorrow

Fortunately, previous classes of Huron students and research assistants have already digitized the files that we will need for this assignment. So, using the files available here, each of you is responsible for choosing one news article from the news paper.. Between 1923 and 1926, and writing a research essay that addresses the question… What does this article contribute to a critical understanding of the themes of race and civil rights in American history?  Additionally, the research essay (1200-1300 words) should include an annotated bibliography of secondary sources.

Additional Files