Scope and arrangement
The Clyde Murphy papers are arranged in five series:
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1965-2011
This series contains biographical materials, such as resumes, materials from Murphy's educational institutions, family documents, correspondence, contact information, bar applications, writing, information on a rental property in Ft. Myers, receipts, memorabilia (such as poems and postcards), printed matter, obituaries, and memorial service programs and tributes. Of note from Murphy's early years are a commencement speech, possibly delivered by Murphy at his high school graduation; a flyer for "Au Naturel", the soul band in which Murphy played the trumpet while at Yale; and a brief from Murphy's first year of law school. The family materials mostly consist of legal and financial documents (from his father and stepmother); speeches written by his wife, Monica; a commencement program for his son, Jamal; business cards and correspondence from his daughters, Akua and Naima; and correspondence and financial documents from his father-in-law, Godfrey Jacobs.
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1964-1995
This series contains background information on LDF; administrative matter such as general correspondence of Murphy's, copies of his business card, staff memos, and grant materials; case material; Murphy's speeches and articles; materials related to statements or discussions by the LDF on various topics (not necessarily cases that were pursued by the organization); and LDF publications (mainly, annual reports). Many of the case material folders only consist of reading material, such as briefs from similar or historical cases, peer-reviewed articles, and reports. Briefs for additional cases in which Murphy was included are filed separately.
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1986-2010
This series contains background information on CLCCRUL; administrative matters, such as Murphy's hiring material, memos, and monthly calendars; material on the board of directors and grants; case materials and statements (briefs, correspondence, and reading material); Murphy's other writing (mainly, speeches and articles); outreach materials (committee and/or task force meetings, correspondence, agendas, etc.); and CLCCRUL publications (mostly annual reports). As with the LDF series, many of the case files only contain reading material and/or correspondence, and represent more of a statement or topic of discussion from the organization.
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1994-1995
Includes syllabus and reading packet for Murphy's New York University School of Law course, "Blacks and American Law".
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1963-2009
This series consists of published and unpublished writing by others (articles, book chapters, books, dissertations, and speeches) mostly used by Murphy as research and reading material for legal cases. Many of these materials overlap with materials in the LDF and CLCCRUL series. There are a few additional materials on other topics, most likely ones of interest to Murphy, such as the art of Jacob Lawrence. Additionally, there is some printed matter on individuals, mostly memorial service programs.