Loading...
Creator
Weaver, Robert C. (Robert Clifton), 1907-1997
Call number
Sc MG 810
Physical description
71.84 linear feet (48 boxes, 34 volumes)
Preferred Citation
[Item], Robert C. Weaver papers, Additions II, Sc MG 810, Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, Manuscripts, Archives and Rare Books Division, The New York Public Library
Repository
Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, Manuscripts, Archives and Rare Books Division
Access to materials
Request an in-person research appointment.Restrictions apply

Robert Clifton Weaver (1907-1997) was a black economist, public administrator, educator, and author. The Robert C. Weaver papers, Additions II date from 1882 to 2008 (bulk dates 1950s-1980s) and primarily document Weaver's writing on urban development, his appointment as secretary of the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), and his autobiographical project. Additions II contain notes, articles, drafts, typescripts, photographs, correspondence, calendars and appointment books, interview transcripts, clippings, and publications.

Biographical/historical information

Robert Clifton Weaver (1907-1997) was an economist, public administrator, educator, and author. He was the first black American appointed to a United States cabinet-level position when he became the secretary of the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD, 1966-1968). He also served in the John F. Kennedy administration as the Housing and Home Finance Administrator (1960). During the Franklin D. Roosevelt administration, Weaver was one of forty-five members in the Black Cabinet, an informal group of public policy advisors. Weaver held three degrees from Harvard University, including a doctorate in economics (1934). Weaver authored Negro Labor: A National Problem (1946); The Negro Ghetto (1948); The Urban Complex: Human Values in Urban Life (1964); Dilemmas of Urban America (1965); and numerous articles.

Throughout his career, Weaver was often called upon for his advisory services at the federal, state, and local government levels because of his expertise in urban development and economics. He played critical roles in the Lyndon B. Johnson administration's initiatives to develop public housing and rent-supplement programs; and other HUD efforts towards slum-clearance and metropolitan city improvements.

For a detailed chronology on Weaver's life and career, see the biographical note of The Robert C. Weaver papers finding aid.

Scope and arrangement

The Robert C. Weaver papers, Additions II date from 1882 to 2008 (bulk dates 1950s-1980s) and primarily document Weaver's writing on urban development, his appointment as secretary of the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), and his autobiographical project.

Weaver's interest in urban development and his evolving ideas are illuminated in his writing, such as his Urban Complex manuscript (1964, box 26 folders 3-5); "The Negro Comes of Age in Industry" (1943, b.19 f.11) and the "Land and Opportunity" (1975, b.19 f.5) articles; and various unpublished drafts. Weaver also offered feedback and expertise to others writing on the subject. This is reflected through the drafts and accompanying correspondence for John W. Shively's "History of Urban Renewal From 1966 to 1968," (b.26 f.7-8).

Weaver's appointment as secretary of HUD is the main subject in the Clipping Scrapbooks, and the congratulatory and farewell letters (b.11). The HUD files contain proposals and papers such as "Goals in Housing" (b.17 f.10). The chronology of HUD prepared by Joseph Garonzik provides details on the department from 1965 to 1976, including organizational charts (b.17 f.11 and b.18 f.1).

The National Committee Against Discrimination in Housing (NCDH) files demonstrate another aspect of Weaver's work, as he was the leader of a few organizations, and member of various visiting committees. While president of the NCDH, he oversaw the Housing Mobility Project, the proposed merger with the Center for National Policy Review (CNPR, 1986), and the termination of the NCDH activities (1987).

Comprehensive accounts of Weaver's work are exhibited in a transcription of Joe B. Frantz's interview (1968), in which Weaver discussed his early career up until the late 1960s; and Alma Rene Williams's thesis titled Robert C. Weaver: From the Black Cabinet to the President's Cabinet (1978). There is a chronology of Weaver's activities from 1960 through 1963, which includes details of his role in the signing of an executive order on equal opportunity in federally assisted housing by President Kennedy (1962). The calendar and appointment books dating from 1956 to 1992 provide glimpses into Weaver's daily personal and professional activities. Weaver intended to author an autobiography, and after he passed away, Walter Stafford, and possibly others, attempted to complete the project. This work is conveyed through the genealogy and research notes; various drafts of the text; and a notebook with information on Weaver's life and death (b.22 f.4). The materials from Weaver's memorial tribute in 1997 also contain pertinent information about his legacy. Based on the writing style of the autobiographical drafts, historical context for significant places and time periods, it appears most of the included publications from Weaver's personal library were used for reference and research during this project. A few books have marginalia, and several others have highlighter marks and post-it notes.

Arrangement

The collection is arranged alphabetically by subject or format.

Administrative information

Custodial history

In the 1970s and the 1980s, Weaver gave some of his papers to the Schomburg Center, but held onto the body of them because he planned to write his autobiography. Walter Stafford was tasked with completing this project; which is how Weaver's remaining papers ended up with his estate.

Source of acquisition

Donated by Estate of Walter Stafford, 2015.

Processing information

Compiled by Joyce Joseph, 2015

Separated material

Robert C. Weaver papers (Additions), SCM 20889. Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, The New York Public Library.

(The Robert C. Weaver papers (Additions) further recount Weaver's career during the Kennedy and Johnson administrations; and his work post-1968 as an educator, public speaker, and author. ).

Robert C. Weaver papers, SCM 20790. Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, The New York Public Library.

(The Robert C. Weaver papers record Weaver's early professional endeavors, from his entry into federal service in 1933 until 1961 when he worked in the Kennedy administration. ).

Using the collection

Location

Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, Manuscripts, Archives and Rare Books Division
515 Malcolm X Boulevard, New York, NY 10037-1801
Second Floor

Conditions Governing Use

Information on copyright available from repository.

Access restrictions

All reproduction requests subject to limitations noted in divisional policies on reproduction. Audio visual materials are unavailable pending digitization.