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ZAMI Records

 Collection
Identifier: aarl009-005

Scope and Contents

The collection consists of secretarial paper work of ZAMI, organizational Herstory, newspaper clippings and tributes, employment and organizational descriptions of staffing, instructional workshops and presentations, travel expense, ceremonial program handouts, support group developments and meetings, and editorial publications are also included along with letters of correspondences and collaborations. Other materials relating to ZAMI include records documenting the organization’s local involvement and community engagement, such as the Rainbow Basketball Tournament and their annual Audre Lorde Scholarship Fund.


This collection also includes scholarships application, profiles of applicants, thank you notes, financial records and clothing appeal reflecting the evolution and development of ZAMI. The collection also contains some material relating to Mary Ann Adams, Founding Executive Director, and the YouthPride Center in Decatur, Charis Bookstore and the Atlanta Lesbian Cancer Initiative.

Dates

  • Majority of material found within 1990 - 2009

Conditions Governing Access

All Audre Lorde Scholarship applications are restricted unless written permission is provided to Archives staff from applicant.

Biographical / Historical

Founded in 1988, ZAMI NOBLA’s (National Association of Black Lesbians on Aging)— the not for profit collective of lesbians of African descent resides in the Atlanta Metropolitan area. ZAMI’s primary mission is to empower and affirm the lives of lesbians of color through providing advocacy, scholarship funds, leadership development, support/discussion groups, social activities, outreach and education.


Yet, the origin of the organization began October 1989, a Women of Color Caucus (WOCC) created by lesbian members of the African American lesbian and Gay Alliance (AALGA) to focus on their political, social, economic and personal needs. The name ZAMI also honors the late Audre Lorde, a Black lesbian feminist, who was Poet Laureate for New York State and who wrote the biomythography ZAMI: A New Spelling of My Name. Ever evolving, these women renamed themselves ZAMI— A Carriacou word meaning women who work together as friends and lovers.


Historically, ZAMI provides a support base of discussion, information and programming for lesbians of African descent in the Atlanta area. The organization is popularly acknowledged for their Audre Lorde Scholarship Fund and works in the local and metro Atlanta area.

Extent

14 Linear Feet

Language

English

Arrangement

Series are arrangement alphabetically by format. Materials are arranged within series chronologically.

ZAMI Records Ordered List

  1. ZAMI Records
  2. Events
  3. Financial Records
  4. Audre Lorde Scholarships
  5. Publications
  6. Other Organizations
  7. Photographs
  8. Ephemera
  9. Awards
  10. Audiovisual Media (A/V Media)

Related Materials

African American Lesbian and Gay Print Culture Collection
Aide Rentas Papers
Shirlene Holmes Papers

Processing Information

In addition to the Audre Lorde Scholarship, the organization has greatly contributed to the cultural and community of local and metro Atlanta. Yet, the organizing efforts of its member for marches, rallies, protest and fundraising events all reflect the various contributions of ZAMI’s member and the organization as a whole. Other occasions and observances include the ZAMI Dating Game, Support groups and the organization’s Collegiate engagement to assist lesbian and queer women transition from adolescence into their identity.

Processing Information

Processed by: Dr. Ashley Coleman Taylor, Forrest Evans, Derek T. Mosley, Sierra Ruggs and MarQuis Bullock, 2017-2019

Status
Completed
Author
Processed by: Dr. Ashley Coleman Taylor, Forrest Evans, Derek T. Mosley, Sierra Ruggs and MarQuis Bullock, 2017-2019
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin

Repository Details

Part of the Auburn Avenue Research Library on African-American Culture and History Repository

Contact:
101 Auburn Avenue NE
Atlanta GA 30303
404-613-4032