When Death Means the Loss of an Archive

By DANIEL J. WAKIN
Published: May 18, 2005

Joe Nash's vast archive on black dance in America made him a leading figure in the dance world. It also may have helped kill him.

Last Thanksgiving, he stumbled over a pile of materials in his packed apartment in a West Harlem housing project. As he fell, he clutched at a stack of books, which tumbled down on him, according to Rashidah Ismaili AbuBakr, a friend who took care of him. Mr. Nash, a lecturer and essayist whose flowing African robes made him a familiar figure at dance events in New York, lay on the floor for five days, until friends heard his cry for help, she said. "Every single room was storage - his bathroom, his bedroom," Ms. AbuBakr said. "He just had enough space to lay down."

more...

It's just the sort of situation which sets Jane Pritchard's heart beating faster. Jane is the archivist for Rambert and has done sterling work for several other companies and venues.

Given that NY has an arts-friendly Mayor, Michael Bloomberg, I hope that this important collection is kept together.

A general message for all of us - WRITE A WILL.