Loretta Manggrum Collection English collection 4 boxes Loretta Manggrum (1896-1992), composer of sacred music and Ohio native, was age 49 when she completed her high school education. Manggrum went on to earn a Bachelor's degree from Ohio State University and then broke the color barrier at the University of Cincinnati's College Conservatory of Music in 1953, becoming the first African American to receive a degree--a Master of Music in composition. Nearly thirty years later, at the age of 88, after beginning her doctoral studies, Manggrum was presented with an honorary doctorate from the University of Cincinnati. The Loretta Manggrum Collection documents the career of this African American woman, who balanced family, education, and a music career at a time when the nation's social climate seriously impeded the ability of African American women to achieve the kind of success and recognition that Manggrum earned. The collection includes manuscript and printed scores, correspondence, clippings and magazine articles concerning the composer, music programs featuring her works, as well as a scrapbook on her life and work. Of particular interest are the scores for Manggrum's seven cantatas, her most celebrated compositions, which include a combination of holograph, published, and blackline scores. The cantatas, as well as other original works, are supplemented with handwritten notes offering Manggrum's personal commentary. Music scores, writings, correspondence, clippings and magazine articles, programs, and a scrapbook. Loretta Manggrum Collection, Music Division, Library of Congress Manggrum Papers documenting the life of African-American composer Loretta Manggrum. Researchers wishing to work with special collections are advised to inquire in advance about availability of material since many special collections are stored off-site. Certain restrictions to use or copying of materials may apply. African American Music Women Composers Manggrum, Loretta Performing Arts Encyclopedia scdb IHAS 110125 loc.natlib.scdb.200033878