A Treasure Forever: Chicago’s New Negro Intercollegiate Club and the Wonder Books, 1927 and 1929

In 1927, the Washington Intercollegiate Club of Chicago—a collective of Black college and professional students—embarked on a mission to document the multifaceted Black experience in their city. Their research culminated in two editions of the Intercollegian Wonder Books (1927 & 1929), comprehensive surveys detailing Black progress in early twentieth century Chicago. These publications not only reflected the ethos of the New Negro Movement but also complimented the rich tapestry of Black compilation texts of facts, data, information, and directory.

This paper delves into the origins, development, and impact of the Wonder Books, emphasizing the pivotal role of student voices in their creation. Initially established in 1909 for summer social activities, the Washington Intercollegiate Club was revitalized in 1926 under the leadership of Frederic Robb, a Northwestern University law student and Howard University alumnus. Robb expanded the club's membership and inspired its members to undertake a project that would serve as a tribute to Alain Locke's vision of the New Negro. Through collaborations with institutions like the Chicago Urban League and the Wabash Avenue YMCA, these students engaged in extensive data collection, documenting aspects of Black life including education, business, civic engagement, religion, labor, and leisure.

The Wonder Books stand as a testament to the richness of Black literary and instructive texts of the era. They provided a platform for young Black intellectuals to present their community's narrative, offering an authentic, grassroots perspective that complemented contemporaneous academic studies such as The Negro in Chicago (1923) and Black Metropolis(1945). By foregrounding the voices of the student researchers, this study underscores the significance of youth-led initiatives in preserving and promoting Black history and culture. The Wonder Books exemplify the agency of young Black intellectuals in producing historical knowledge, affirming their role in shaping the legacy of the past and present.