The Litt Librarian

“I’ve known rivers ancient as the world and older than the flow of human blood in human veins. My soul has grown deep like the rivers. I bathed in the Euphrates when dawns were young. I built my hut near the Congo and it lulled me to sleep. I looked upon the Nile and raised the pyramids above it. I heard the singing of the Mississippi when Abe Lincoln went down to New Orleans, and I’ve seen its muddy bosom turn all golden in the sunset. I’ve known rivers: Ancient, dusky rivers. My soul has grown deep like the rivers.”
― Victoria Christopher Murray, Harlem Rhapsody

“Who is the author of such brilliance? First, I notice the title: “The Negro Speaks of Rivers.” Then, the name of the poet: Langston”
― Victoria Christopher Murray, Harlem Rhapsody

“This is the gift of Harlem—the dress, the music, the language. It isn’t possible to live here and not begin to breathe and bleed this place.”
― Victoria Christopher Murray, Harlem Rhapsody

“Will glances around the table. “I think everyone knows I withdrew from the Socialist Party to support Wilson, and it was with the vote of colored men who followed me that he won.” There is a sigh in his tone when he continues, “But his betrayal…he says he isn’t a racist, but he awakened every racist in this country. Supporting him was the greatest political mistake I’ve made.”
― Victoria Christopher Murray, Harlem Rhapsody