Dudley Randall, Broadside Press, and the Black Arts Movement in Detroit, 1960-1995

In 1965 Dudley F. Randall founded the Broadside Press, devoted to publishing, distributing and promoting the works of black poets and writers. In so doing, he became a major player in the civil rights movement. Hundreds of black writers were given an outlet for their work and for their calls for equality and black identity. Though Broadside was established on a minimal budget, Randall's unique skills made the press successful. A veritable who's who of African American poets sought him out, including such writers as Gwendolyn Brooks, Margaret Walker, Etheridge Knight, Sonia Sanchez, Nikki Giovanni, Audre Lorde and Sterling D. Plumpp.