Glory Edim on Jessie Redmon Fauset’s Remarkable—and Forgotten—Plum Bun

Key Takeaways:

• Fauset played a foundational role in the emergence of the Harlem Renaissance.
• Her keen editorial oversight shaped The Crisis, the official NAACP magazine.
• Plum Bun disrupted prevailing racial and gender norms in literature.
• Despite contemporary acclaim, Fauset’s legacy has been overshadowed by other writers of her era.
• Her work remains a key reference point for understanding issues of race, colorism, and passing in American letters.

Introduction

Jessie Redmon Fauset is often overlooked in discussions about the Harlem Renaissance—even though her influence on this artistic and cultural movement started well before it became a recognized phenomenon. By curating voices and nurturing talent, she was already carving out new spaces in American literature.

Fauset’s Foundations

Early in her career, Fauset’s gift for discovering new talent made her an undisputed force. She shaped conversations around race and gender through her editorial lens, setting the stage for contributions from other luminaries.

The Crisis Magazine

During her tenure at The Crisis—an official publication of the NAACP—Fauset wielded her editorial brilliance to highlight emerging writers. Under her guidance, the magazine became a critical platform for voices that would later define the literary aspects of the Harlem Renaissance. Her approach was both inclusive and discerning, reflecting her belief that Black writers deserved institutional support and celebration.

The Remarkable Plum Bun

One of Fauset’s most notable accomplishments was the novel Plum Bun. Though often overshadowed by other Harlem Renaissance works, Plum Bun is recognized for its subtle yet powerful examination of the racial and gendered hierarchies that shaped early 20th-century American life. By tackling issues such as colorism and passing, Fauset quietly challenged society’s expectations, paving the way for richer and more nuanced portrayals of Black experiences.

Legacy and Continued Relevance

Despite her significant role, Fauset’s name has not always received the recognition it deserves. Nevertheless, her impact remains visible in modern discussions about race, identity, and inequality. Through her editorial oversight, she gave a platform to groundbreaking literary voices, and her own works, including Plum Bun, continue to provide insight into historical perspectives on race and gender.

Fauset’s contributions remain an essential part of the tapestry of American literature. Recognizing her story means acknowledging the hidden figures who shaped the Harlem Renaissance, and by extension, broadened the scope of American cultural and intellectual life.