Found 6 collections related to African Americans -- History -- 1877-1964

Since the early 1960's August Meier has been a major force in the study of African-American history in his examination of late nineteenth and twentieth century America by his application of rigorous social and intellectual analysis. Meier was actively involved in the civil rights movement and studied its origins and development. He taught at three historic black colleges followed by twenty years at Kent State University. As editor of two major series on blacks in America, he influenced scholars and students alike. less

The Berry family collection consists of seven pieces of correspondence, apparently written by members of the Berry family, dating from 1863 to 1918, and spanning three states and Europe. There is also one typescript entitled "My Bit in the World War or the Story of 2921486." The correspondence begins with James Tate in West Point Georgia, although his wife and children appear to be in Mobile, Georgia, or Alabama. The other writers appear to be his wife, son, and nephew, although their relationship to Tate is not indicated. The documents cover important periods and topics in African-American history. James Tate's letter, written in 1863, expresses the anguish and difficulties African Americans faced with trying to establish and maintain a family while enslaved. A letter dated June 20, 1868 documents the role of a Black church as "post office;" the writer indicates mail for him and news for other people in town can be sent care of the church pastor. The letter from Olivia Tate dated July 28, 1887 describes her excitement at the possibility of a "Great Colored National Fair" in Georgia to exhibit the "arts, mechanics and productions of colored people throughout the union." Both of the letters written by Henry S. Berry during World War I, in 1918, tell of his experience in the Army's Medical Unit, 331st Labor Bureau. He expresses his pride in being a soldier and tells how the army built character. The autobiographical typescript, "My Bit in the World War, or the Story of 2921486," is twenty-five pages long and follows Berry, a member of the American Expeditionary Forces, from the receipt of the telegram calling him to duty to being one of fifty men chosen for the Army Medical Department, through war torn France. The typescript seems not to have been finished. Throughout this piece as well, is the theme of pride in being a good soldier. less

Morris Levitt served as a consultant for the Negro History Associates, founded by Middleton "Spike" Harris in 1963, whose purpose was to educate the public and school children about the role of African Americans in American history. Levitt was a co-author with Harris of The Black Book (1974), a survey of African-American history from the time of slavery through the 1940s, emphasizing contributions in many fields of endeavor. He also co-authored three articles about historic and sports figures. The Morris Levitt Research Collection consists principally of handwritten notes and photocopies of documents and articles Levitt compiled concerning African-American history, particularly the Revolutionary War period and sports. Nearly all of the notes have no attribution, i.e. no sources are given, and there are frequently no citations for photocopies of news clippings and images, other articles, and pages from books. In addition to the published articles Levitt co-authored, the collection contains typescripts (1970) concerning Fleet Walker (1856-1926), the first black major league baseball player; notes about Weeksville in Brooklyn, New York; and Levitt's research letters and photocopies of the writings of the Pennsylvania poet and painter, Edwin Garnet Riley. less