J.D. Condola

[Publicity Placard] J.D. Condola / Luebo Kassai Belgian Congo

Memphis, TN? s.i., 1920. Very Good-. Item #50068

Memphis, TN? s.i., ca. 1920s. Original publicity placard (21.5x28cm) printed offset with two halftone photographic illus. Card a bit chipped and worn at margins with smallish paper losses at corners not approaching text or image, the whole quite dust-soiled and unevenly foxed. About Very Good.

Evidently unrecorded publicity placard promoting the lecture tour of the Rev. J.D. Condola, born and raised in the Belgian Congo and a member of the Batetela Tribe. According to one contemporary newspaper account, Condola was brought to the United States by a Baptist missionary, enrolling him at the historically Black Selma University in Alabama. During his vacations Condola embarked upon a lecture tour, usually delivered to segregated churches throughout the Jim Crow South. During his talks he would dress in traditional Batetela clothes (pictured here) and lecture in detail on the conditions of his homeland. One contemporary newspaper announcement invites "white friends who are interested in the African work and the development of the Land of Darkness" (Selma Times-Journal, February 28, 1925).

This placard is from a slightly later date, issued shortly after Condola's graduation from the Howe Institute, another historically Black university in Memphis, Tennessee. The two photographic portraits depict Condola on his graduation day from Howe, as well as Condola in his native dress. The latter image is accompanied by the song "Jesus Loves Me" in both Susu and in English. 

No examples in the auction record, the trade or OCLC as of September 2026.

Price: $750.00