Location: AC.8.B.1.2.1 - AC.8.B.1.2.2

This file documents the life, professional career, and institutional impact of Dean Maxwell S. Thomas, a highly respected educator, administrator, and advocate for students at Florida A&M University. Spanning the years 1941 to 1987, with concentrated materials dating from 1973 to 1983, the collection provides a comprehensive view of Thomas’s contributions to higher education, his involvement in key university initiatives, and his broader engagement with community and professional organizations.

Born on June 24, 1907, in Ocala, Florida, Dean Maxwell S. Thomas served as Dean of Mechanical Arts at Florida A&M University and was widely recognized for his leadership, commitment to student development, and dedication to institutional advancement. The materials within this collection reflect his extensive professional network and influence, including correspondence with university presidents, faculty, and external organizations. His work with entities such as the Orange Blossom Classic Committee and the FAMU Foundation is well represented, illustrating his role in shaping both academic and extracurricular aspects of the university. In addition to documenting his professional achievements, the collection also captures personal dimensions of his life, including biographical materials, handwritten notes, and correspondence addressed to his wife, Jacqueline Holloway-Thomas, particularly letters of condolence following his passing in 1983.

The collection consists of manuscripts, photographs, publications, reports, correspondence, organizational records, programs, and printed materials that collectively highlight Thomas’s contributions to Florida A&M University and the broader educational landscape. These materials include annual and financial reports, institutional evaluations, program development documents, and publications that reflect the evolving priorities of the university during the mid- to late-twentieth century. News articles and obituaries further contextualize his legacy, emphasizing his impact as an educator and leader within the Tallahassee community and beyond.

At the time of processing, the collection had no discernible original order. The materials were therefore reorganized by subject and record type, with correspondences grouped by date and organizational records categorized by affiliated institutions or committees. Items were arranged in both alphabetical and chronological order to enhance accessibility and preserve contextual relationships. The collection was rehoused in acid-free folders and archival boxes, expanding to two boxes totaling approximately one linear foot. Processing also included preparation for digitization and the replacement of deteriorating fasteners with archival-safe materials. This collection serves as a significant resource for researchers examining the history of Florida A&M University, African American leadership in higher education, and the institutional development of historically Black colleges and universities during the twentieth century.

Box 1 of the Dean Maxwell and Jacqueline Holloway-Thomas Collection contains materials dated from 1969 to 1987 and represents a well-organized body of archival records documenting professional activities, community engagement, and institutional connections reflected through a range of correspondences, programs, and supporting documents. The folders within this box are arranged alphabetically by subject and correspondent, including files such as Correspondence (A–C), Correspondence (D–H), Correspondence (I–M), and Correspondence (N–Z), as well as topical files such as Programs, Publications, and Miscellaneous Materials. This alphabetical arrangement allows for efficient navigation across individuals, organizations, and subjects associated with Dean Maxwell and Jacqueline Holloway-Thomas.

Within each folder, the materials are arranged in chronological order, enabling a clear understanding of the progression of events, communications, and professional relationships over time. The contents include letters exchanged with colleagues and community members, event programs documenting institutional and civic activities, and publications that reflect the broader cultural and educational impact of their work. The chronological sequencing within each alphabetically arranged file allows researchers to trace the development of key themes, follow sustained correspondences, and observe shifts in institutional and community engagement throughout the 1969 to 1987 date range. Collectively, Box 1 provides a cohesive and accessible archival unit that highlights both the organizational clarity and the historical significance of the Dean Maxwell and Jacqueline Holloway-Thomas Collection.

Location: AC.6.A.1.3.2 - AC.6.A.1.6.4

The Florida Counties Black Community News Collection consists of twenty boxes of materials documenting African American community life across Florida through local newspaper coverage. The collection contains newspaper articles and advertisements highlighting a wide range of events and experiences, including social gatherings, community programs, obituaries, and wedding announcements.

The materials are organized by county, providing a geographically structured view of Black life in various regions throughout the state. This arrangement allows for comparative research and offers insight into both shared and unique community experiences across Florida.

The collection serves as a valuable resource for understanding the social, cultural, and personal histories of African American communities, capturing everyday moments that are often underrepresented in traditional historical records. Through its focus on local news and announcements, the collection preserves the voices, relationships, and milestones that shaped community identity and cohesion across generations.

The materials in this box of the Attorney Joseph Gibbs Collection document his legal and professional work related to education and civil rights, with records dating from 1967 to 1978. This box consists of forty folders containing correspondence and court case materials that reflect Gibbs’ involvement in legal efforts addressing school desegregation, higher education policy, and the protection of civil rights during a critical period of social and institutional change.

The correspondence files include communication with legal organizations, government officials, and educational institutions, while the court case materials document significant litigation and legal developments pertaining to integration and equal educational opportunity. Together, these records provide insight into the legal strategies, challenges, and policy discussions surrounding civil rights and education during the late twentieth century.

The folders within this box are arranged in alphabetical order, allowing for organized access by subject, correspondent, and case name. Collectively, this box offers valuable documentation of Attorney Joseph Gibbs’ contributions to advancing educational equity and civil rights.