Civil Rights

Elements area

Taxonomy

Subjects

Code

Scope note(s)

    Source note(s)

      Display note(s)

        Hierarchical terms

        Civil Rights

          Equivalent terms

          Civil Rights

            Associated terms

            Civil Rights

              31 Archival description results for Civil Rights

              Only results directly related
              The Rosewood Massacre Papers
              The Rosewood Massacre Papers
              Meek-Eaton Archival Collection MS_0001 · Collection · 1900 - 1996

              Location: AC.6.B.2.4.7-AC.6.B.3.4.4

              The Rosewood Massacre was a racially motivated attack on the predominantly African American town of Rosewood, Florida, in January 1923. Sparked by false accusations and fueled by racial tensions under Jim Crow segregation, white mobs destroyed homes, churches, and businesses, forcing residents to flee and permanently abandon the town. For decades, the event remained largely suppressed in public memory until renewed attention in 1982 by journalist Gary Moore prompted survivors and descendants to seek justice. Their efforts led to a state investigation and compensation legislation, marking one of the first instances of reparations for racial violence in the United States.

              Archival Description:
              The Rosewood Massacre Papers Collection spans 35 boxes with materials dating from 1900 to 1996 and documents the historical, legal, and commemorative efforts surrounding the 1923 massacre. The collection includes narrative reports, multiple versions of documented histories, survivor affidavits, administrative files, correspondence, interview transcripts, handwritten notes, vital records such as birth certificates, census records including the 1920 U.S. Census, property records such as Levy County deed indexes, and materials related to claims verification.

              Folders within the collection contain complete narrative reports and reproduced copies used for research, review, and preservation; affidavits from survivors including Bertha Fagin, Ivory T. Fuller, Vera G. Goins Hamilton, Thelma Hawkins, and Dorothy G. Hosey; correspondence from agencies such as the Florida State Department of Health and Rehabilitative Services and Offices of Vital Statistics; as well as administrative communications, genealogical documentation, and evidentiary records supporting compensation claims.

              Collectively, these materials document both the historical reconstruction of the Rosewood Massacre and the legal and administrative processes undertaken to verify survivors, establish lineage, and secure restitution.
              Senator Arthenia L. Joyner Collection
              Senator Arthenia L. Joyner Collection
              Meek-Eaton Archival Collection MS_0071 · File

              Location: AC.2.B.2.4.4 - AC.2.B.3.1.3

              Arthenia L. Joyner born 1943 in Lakeland, Florida, and raised in Tampa. She emerged as a leader during the Civil Rights Movement, participating in protests as both a high school and college student at Florida A&M University. Joyner attended the original FAMU College of Law, graduating in 1968, and went on to break significant barriers as the first Black woman to practice law in Hillsborough County and the first African American to practice law in Polk County. She later served as a legislative aide to State Representative Joe Lang Kershaw, the first Black legislator in Florida since Reconstruction, and was elected to three terms in the Florida House of Representatives representing the 59th District.

              The Senator Arthenia L. Joyner Collection consists of eight boxes of materials documenting her career in law, public service, and civil rights advocacy. The collection includes correspondence, meeting records, travel documents, and speeches that reflect her work as an attorney, legislative aide, and elected official.

              These materials provide insight into Joyner’s role in shaping public policy, her legislative activities, and her engagement with constituents and colleagues. The collection also highlights her involvement in civil rights initiatives and her contributions to expanding opportunities for African Americans in the legal and political arenas. Collectively, the records document her impact on Florida’s political landscape and her legacy as a pioneering African American woman in law and government.
              Reverend Dr. James Hudson, Sr. Collection
              Meek-Eaton Archival Collection MS_0022 · Collection

              Location: AC.2.B.2.3.2 - AC.2.B.2.3.5

              Reverend Dr. James L. Hudson, Sr. (1904–1980) was a minister, educator, and civil rights leader. Born in Birmingham, Alabama, he graduated from Morehouse College in 1926 and later earned a divinity degree from Colgate-Rochester School of Religion in 1931. He served as a chaplain at Leland College until 1946 before completing doctoral studies at Boston College. Dr. Hudson later joined Florida A&M University as a chaplain and professor, where he founded the Department of Religion and Philosophy and served as its first chair. A close associate of Rev. Charles K. Steele, he played a key role in civil rights efforts, including the 1956 Tallahassee Bus Boycott, and was active in organizations such as the Tallahassee Ministerial Alliance and the Inter-Civic Council.

              The Reverend Dr. James Hudson, Sr. Collection documents Hudson’s career in ministry, education, and civil rights activism. The collection contains materials related to his work at Florida A&M University, including records associated with the establishment of the Department of Religion and Philosophy, as well as documents reflecting his role as a chaplain and educator.

              Additional materials highlight his involvement in civil rights initiatives in Tallahassee, including his collaboration with local religious and community leaders. The collection may include correspondence, sermons, speeches, and organizational records that illustrate his leadership in religious and civic life. Collectively, these materials provide insight into Hudson’s lasting contributions to higher education, faith leadership, and the advancement of social justice.
              Purdee, Attorney Armstrong
              Meek-Eaton Archival Collection MS_0014-Box 01 · 2017 - 2021
              Part of Attorney Armstrong Purdee Family Collection

              The materials in Box 1 of the Attorney Armstrong Purdee Collection document aspects of Purdee’s professional life and public recognition through a range of materials dated from 2017 to 2021. This box consists of twelve folders containing commemorations, news articles, photographs, and publications that highlight his contributions, achievements, and involvement within the community and legal profession.

              The records reflect both personal and professional milestones, with commemorative materials and publications illustrating recognition of Purdee’s work, while news articles and photographs provide additional context and visual documentation of events and activities associated with his career. Together, these materials offer insight into his impact and legacy during this period.

              The folders within this box are arranged in alphabetical order, allowing for organized access by subject and record type. Collectively, Box 1 provides a concise yet meaningful representation of Attorney Armstrong Purdee’s accomplishments and public presence between 2017 and 2021.
              Porter, Gilbert
              Meek-Eaton Archival Collection MS_0021-Box 01 · 1947 - 1977
              Part of Gilbert Porter Collection

              The materials in this box of the Gilbert Porter Collection document Dr. Gilbert L. Porter’s work and involvement in educational reform and desegregation efforts in Florida, with records dating from 1947 to 1977. The box consists primarily of public school reports, publications, and materials related to integration and desegregation, including general reports and those specifically focused on Dade County. These records reflect the development and implementation of desegregation plans, as well as the broader impact of integration on teachers, administrators, and educational institutions.

              Also included are publications such as The History of the Florida State Teachers Association by Gilbert L. Porter and Leedell W. Neyland, along with supporting materials that provide additional context to Porter’s contributions to educational policy and advocacy. The records illustrate both local and statewide efforts to address inequalities within the public school system and highlight the administrative and social challenges associated with desegregation.

              The folders within this box are arranged in alphabetical order, with materials organized to reflect subject groupings and record types. Collectively, this box provides valuable insight into the policies, programs, and institutional responses that shaped the transition from segregation to integration in Florida’s educational system, as well as Dr. Porter’s significant role in advancing educational equity.
              Kidd, Arthur L.
              Meek-Eaton Archival Collection MS_0013-Box 02 · 1955 - 1967
              Part of Arthur L. Kidd Collection

              The materials in Box 2 of the Arthur L. Kidd Collection consist of news clippings and articles dated from 1955 to 1967 that document significant events and public discourse during the segregation era. The majority of these materials pertain to civil rights–related topics, including boycotts, sit-ins, and contemporary opinions on racial segregation and social justice.

              These clippings and articles reflect the evolving national and regional conversations surrounding the Civil Rights Movement, capturing both the actions of activists and the responses of the broader public. The materials provide insight into how key events were reported and interpreted, as well as the ways in which issues of race and equality were debated during this period.

              The folders within this box are arranged in alphabetical order, allowing for organized access by subject and topic. Collectively, Box 2 offers valuable documentation of mid-twentieth-century civil rights struggles and the media coverage that shaped public understanding of segregation and social change.
              Kidd, Arthur L.
              Meek-Eaton Archival Collection MS_0013-Box 03 · 1954 - 1963
              Part of Arthur L. Kidd Collection

              The materials in Box 3 of the Arthur L. Kidd Collection document organizational activities and related materials connected to civil rights and community relations, with records dating from 1954 to 1963. This box consists of fifteen folders containing documents on organizations, including materials related to the Florida and Tallahassee Council on Human Relations, as well as publications and additional supporting records that reflect efforts to address issues of segregation, race relations, and social reform.

              These materials highlight the role of local and regional organizations in promoting dialogue, advocacy, and policy changes during the Civil Rights Movement. The publications and organizational records provide insight into the strategies, programs, and initiatives developed to improve human relations and advance equality within communities.

              The folders within this box are arranged in alphabetical order, allowing for organized access by subject and organization. Collectively, Box 3 offers valuable documentation of institutional and community-based efforts to address civil rights issues and foster social change during the mid-twentieth century.
              Joseph Lang Kershaw, Sr. Collection
              Joseph Lang Kershaw, Sr. Collection
              Meek-Eaton Archival Collection MS_0009 · Collection

              Location: AC.8.B.1.1.1-AC.8.B.1.1.3

              Joseph “Joe” Lang Kershaw, Sr. (June 27, 1911–November 7, 1999) was the first African American elected to the Florida Legislature since Reconstruction. Born in Live Oak, Florida, he attended Florida A&M University in the 1930s, where he was involved in early campus life, including the beginnings of the football program, and pledged Kappa Alpha Psi. He later worked as a teacher in Miami-Dade County and as a janitor in the Florida Legislature before entering politics. Elected to the Florida House of Representatives in 1968, Kershaw served for fourteen years and chaired the Elections Committee, contributing to the establishment of the Florida Human Rights Commission.

              The Joseph Lang Kershaw, Sr. Collection documents Kershaw’s life, career, and contributions to Florida’s political and educational history. The collection contains materials related to his personal and academic background, as well as records reflecting his tenure in the Florida House of Representatives.

              Included are documents that highlight his legislative work, professional activities, and community involvement. The collection also contains materials pertaining to his family, including references to his father, A. J. Kershaw, as well as correspondence and documents related to colleagues and contemporaries such as Gwendolyn Cherry and Althea Gibson. Collectively, these records provide insight into Kershaw’s role as a pioneering African American legislator and his broader impact on civil rights and public service in Florida.
              Gray, President William H.
              Meek-Eaton Archival Collection AR_0007-_001-_004-Box 18 · 1944 - 1949
              Part of History of FAMU

              This file contains administrative records and correspondence dating from 1944 to 1949 generated during the presidency of Florida A&M College President Dr. William H. Gray, Jr. The materials include institutional records, internal memoranda, program documentation, and presidential correspondence relating to academic departments, faculty, campus programs, and external partners.

              The correspondence to other universities, colleges, and schools is arranged alphabetically by institutional name and individual correspondent, reflecting standard filing practices of the Office of the President during this period.

              Topics represented within this grouping include the FAMC Artist Series, budget reports and recommendations, faculty meetings and rankings, departmental planning documents, legislative investigations into higher education, faculty housing, football and VIP ticket correspondence, graduate programs, journalism seminars, hospital planning, and medical education statistics.

              Collectively, these records provide insight into Dr. Gray’s leadership during a critical period of institutional development at Florida A&M College in the post–World War II era. They illustrate administrative expansion, financial planning, faculty governance, academic programming, and the College’s growing cultural and public presence within Florida and the broader higher education landscape.
              Gray, President William H.
              Meek-Eaton Archival Collection AR_0007-_001-_004-Box 07 · 1942 - 1956
              Part of History of FAMU

              This file contains special correspondence dating from 1942 to 1956 generated during the presidency of Dr. William H. Gray, Jr., President of Florida Agricultural and Mechanical College. The materials are arranged alphabetically by correspondent, institution, or subject, and document communications between President Gray and other colleges and universities, medical professionals, funeral and mortuary service providers, civil rights advocates, business leaders, and educational administrators.

              The correspondence reflects President Gray’s engagement with a wide range of professional, institutional, and civic matters, including Black medical professionals and hospitals, Black-owned insurance companies, mortuary and ambulance services, career transitions, civil rights advocacy, transportation access, and inter-institutional collaboration with colleges and universities across the United States. Topics represented include professional advancement, institutional support, racial discrimination in transportation and public services, healthcare access, administrative leadership, and advocacy on behalf of African American communities during the postwar and early civil rights era.

              Collectively, these records provide significant insight into Florida A&M University’s presidential leadership and broader social influence during the mid-twentieth century. They illustrate Dr. Gray’s role as both an educational administrator and a civic advocate, highlighting the interconnected networks of Black professionals, institutions, and organizations navigating segregation, expanding professional opportunities, and advancing civil rights in the Jim Crow South and beyond.