Scope and arrangement
These papers largely chronicle the last several decades of Oscar Micheaux's professional life as an author and his work as America's first Black filmmaker (1871-1951, bulk dates 1935-1951). The collection primarily consists of business records that include professional correspondence to and from Micheaux Pictures Corporation and his publishing company, Book Supply Company in Harlem of New York City. Correspondence are with film and filmmaking supply houses, theaters, film distributors, public relations firms, and legal documents regarding lawsuits against Micheaux. Noteworthy in the Writings series are materials that document the transformation of the book Wind From Nowhere to the film The Betrayal. Also included are clippings and ephemeral related to some of his works such as the Case of Mrs. Wingate. There is a synopsis for this same title. The Film series includes scenarios and dialogue for films such as God's Stepchildren, Lying Lips, and Notorious Elinor Lee.
Arrangement
Papers organized into four series: I. Personal; II. Business Records; III. Writings; and IV. Films