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Been embargoed from sharing this for 17 mos, but CB was asked to provide books for the set of Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom last summer. Of the 7 books the production purchased, one was a first ed of Countee Cullen’s Copper Sun, pub’ed in 1927, the year in which the drama is set. 1/n
I was told “one of the actors [Turman] is portraying a character [Toledo] who is a reader and wants to take a book out of his bag in a scene.” Could I put together a package and deliver it to the set? I prepared a selection. To my surprise, the prop guy took them all. 2/n
As many Pittsburghers know, the movie filmed for several weeks in the historic Allegheny West neighborhood where the bookstore is located. North Ave. was transformed into 1920s Chicago. Buildings were painted. Facades were constructed. 3/n
I spent a short time on set when I made the delivery. Filming was delayed due to a light rain, so none of the actors were around, but the production staff I met were all friendly & welcoming. I got to hangout in the prop trailer for a while till the squall passed. 4/n
I’ve been waiting to see the movie in hopes of catching a glimpse of something I contributed in the final edit, but it’s going to be a bittersweet triumph. It will be hard sitting through the movie knowing that Chadwick Boseman‘s finest work was his last. 5/n
My thoughts will be w his family & friends as I watch such a consummate artist at the peak of his talent & youth. I am comforted only by knowing that though life is short, art is long. In that way, both August Wilson & Chadwick Boseman will live forever. 
6/6
6/6
