Scope and arrangement
The Clarence L. Holte papers reflect Holte's desire to educate people about Black history and culture, and his attempts to assist with the economic development of Nigeria, Ghana, and Liberia through the advertising company that he represented. The collection includes writing, research, and bibliographic material related to his book collecting; materials related to the Clarence L. Holte Prize; and records on his advertising career.
The Clarence L. Holte papers are arranged in three series:
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1953-2003
This series includes some of Holte's writings, represented by manuscripts and research material and addresses that he delivered about the Black press and as an ethnic market specialist, and writings by others. The book collection is represented primarily by catalog cards containing full bibliographic citations. The catalog cards are roughly arranged by geographic area and subject, and the major categories are "African Americans" and "Africa". The dates of publication range from the 17th century to the 1970s. The entire continent of Africa is covered in the collection, as well as the West Indies and Latin America. There are also appraisal reports, financial information, lists, and descriptions of the books in the first set of books published by the "Basic Afro-American Reprint Library", and the second set of books sold to Bolerium Books in 2002-2003.
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1977-1986
This series of the award consists of correspondence, lists of books submitted by the applicants, and press clippings.
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1947-1976
This series includes information on Batten, Barton, Durstine and Osborne's initiatives in establishing American companies in West Africa. Included are plans to construct plants and mills in Nigeria and investment opportunities in Ghana. Holte's long-standing personal relationship with prime ministers Nnamdi Azikiwe of Nigeria and Kwame Nkrumah of Ghana, which was utilized by the advertising agency, is documented through correspondence and news clippings, 1947-1965. Included are files pertaining to Holte's role in hosting Nkrumah's 1951 visit to the United States, sponsored by Lincoln University, where both Nkrumah and Holte were classmates.