Arturo Alfonso Schomburg (1874–1938) was a Puerto Rican historian, writer, and activist who played a key role in preserving and promoting African and Afro-Caribbean history. His work was foundational in documenting the contributions of people of African descent to world history, particularly in the Americas.

Early Life & Background

Born on January 24, 1874, in Santurce, Puerto Rico, to a Black mother from St. Croix and a German merchant father.

As a child, a teacher reportedly told him that Black people had no history or achievements, which ignited his lifelong passion for researching African heritage.

Career & Contributions

Moved to New York City in 1891, where he became involved in the Harlem Renaissance and the Pan-African movement.

He was a key member of several organizations advocating for Black history and civil rights, including the Negro Society for Historical Research and the American Negro Academy.

Collected a vast archive of books, manuscripts, and artworks related to African history, the African diaspora, and Black achievements worldwide.

Schomburg Collection & Legacy

His extensive collection was purchased by the New York Public Library (NYPL) in 1926, forming the basis of what is now the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture in Harlem.

He continued working as a curator and researcher at the NYPL, making significant contributions to the study of Black history.

His research influenced many Black intellectuals, including Langston Hughes, W.E.B. Du Bois, and Marcus Garvey.

He passed away on June 10, 1938, but his legacy lives on through the Schomburg Center, which remains one of the most important institutions for Black history and culture.