Untitled

Listen! -- Listen! All you sons of Pharaoh. Who do you think can hold God's people When the Lord God himself has said, Let my people go?

From, "Let My People Go"

The Givens Foundation for African American Literature was established in 1972 as the Archie & Phebe Mae Givens Foundation. Its original purpose was to provide scholarships to African American students. The Foundation's focus shifted in 1985 when the Givens family worked with the Twin Cities African American community to purchase a 3,000-piece collection of African American literature-one of the most important collections of its kind in the nation. Since then, the Archie Givens Sr. Collection of African American Literature housed at the University of Minnesota Library has inspired and supported the Foundation's efforts.

Today the mission of the Foundation is to enrich cultural understanding through programs that advance and celebrate African American literature and writers. The Foundation is guided by a volunteer advisory board.

The Givens Foundation believes that…

Literature is a powerful expression of the traditions, beliefs, and identity of a people
African American literature is dynamic and rewarding to read
African American literature promotes pride, historical awareness, and resilience
The genre of African American literature continues to grow in stature
Connecting individuals to the voices of established and emerging African American authors inspires a desire to read

Contact Us