"Richard Bruce Nugent" [July 2,1906-May27,1987]

He was born in Washington,DC to a middle- class African American family he was the oldest child of Richard H. Nugent Jr.,a train porter,by his wife Pauline.Spending a large part of his life in New York City,he died in Hoboken,New Jersey.In 1926,he published Smoke,Lilies,and Jade,a short story regarded by many scholars as the first publication by an African American to depict homosexuality openly.The story,on which he collaborated with other authors,appeared in the only issue of the art magazine Fire!!.From 1926 to 1928 he lived he lived with writer Wallace Thurman at 267 W 136 Th Street in Harlem New York.The apartment complex in which they stayed was known as "Niggeratti Manor," and the walls were decorated by Richard with murals representing homoerotic scenes.Many of his illustrations were featured in publications,such as Fire!! Opportunity and Palms.Four of his works were included in the Harmon Foundation's exhibition of Negro artist,which was one of the few venues available for black artist to show their work in 1931.His only stand-alone publication,Beyond Where the Stars Stood Still,was issued in a limited edition by Warren Marr 2 1945.He later married Warren sister ,Grace on December 5, 1952.This marriage however was never consummated since he was openly gay,but she insisted they were just very close.He attended the Community Planning Conference at Columbia University in 1964,as an ivited speaker.The conference was held under the auspieces of the Borough President of Manhattan/Community Planning Board 10 and Columbia.The idea of forming an organization to promote the arts in Harlem emerged from the conference's Cultural Planing workshop and led to the formation of the Harlem Cultural Council.Bruce took an active role in this effort and attended numerous subsequent meetings.He was elected  co-hair (aposition equivalent to vice president) of this council.Bruce also served as chair of the Program Committee until March, 1967.