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Archival description
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Meek-Eaton Archival Collection MS_0016 · Collection · 1942 - 2017

This collection is comprised of printed records that document Davis' military career and his various recognitions for rendering service to the United States as a member of the historic Montford Point U.S. Marines. Included in the records are: cassette tapes (inaudible); correspondence; legislative recognitions from the U.S. Congress, State of Florida, and City of Quincy; news articles, photographs of medals, awards, and resolutions; and a copy of Davis' World War 2 service record.

Chester L. Davis, Sr.
Meek-Eaton Archival Collection MS_0010 · Collection · 1941-1987

Born June 24, 1907, Dean Maxwell S. Thomas was a highly honored Dean of Mechanic Arts at FAMU, educator, advocate for students, and native of Ocala, Florida. The documents in this collection consist of reports, correspondences amongst FAMU presidents and faculty, and documents that highlight his involvement in organizations such as the Orange Blossom Classic Committee and FAMU Foundation. In addition to Dean Thomas’ professional documents, news articles honoring his life and correspondence to his wife, Jaqueline Holloway-Thomas, expressing condolences can be found.

Dean M.S. Thomas
Meek-Eaton Archival Collection AR_0012 · Collection · 1800-2004

In 1975, James N. Eaton spearheaded the effort that ultimately gave rise to the creation of FAMU’s Black Archives. By 1976, the ‘Black Archives Research Center and Museum’ came into existence, and Eaton was recognized and appointed as its inaugural archivist, curator, and director.

For the next three decades, he helped amass a collection of memorabilia and printed records that now comprise one of the region’s most extensive collections of first-source material relating to the history, culture and contributions of people of African descent living in the United States.

James Eaton constructed in 1976 the first exhibits, using historical memorabilia from his own family. Afterward, he petitioned the university and community members to contribute historical material to the repository. Ilis call was answered by the first Black Archives donors and volunteers, who included: Donald Hill, Frank Pinder, John F. Matheus, and a host of other individuals and groups. Thus, the Research Center was chartered in 1976 and was officially opened in 1977.

James N. Eaton
Meek-Eaton Archival Collection MS_0009 · Collection · 1907 - 2021

Joseph “Joe” Lang Kershaw, Sr. was the first African American legislator elected to the Florida Legislature since Reconstruction. Born on June 27, 1911, in Live Oak, Florida, Kershaw was a 1930s Florida A&M University alumni who saw the beginning of football at the college, pledged Kappa Alpha Psi, and worked as a janitor inside the Florida Legislature. After working as a teacher in what is now known as Miami-Dade County, Kershaw was elected to the State House of Representatives in 1968 and served for 14 years. He also served as chairman of the Elections Committee, where his work led to the formation of the Florida Human Rights Commission. Kershaw died in Miami, Florida, at age 88 on November 7, 1999. The documents in this collection mostly pertain to aspects of his personal and academic life and his role as a legislator in the Florida House of Representatives. It also has documents about his father, A. J. Kershaw, and friends/colleagues like Gwendolyn Cherry and Althea Gibson.

Joseph "Joe" Lang Kershaw, Sr.
Meek-Eaton Archival Collection MS_0005 · 1948 - 2000

The material of this collection is comprised of both archival records and museum memorabilia relating to the life and death of Jazz legend Julian "Cannonball" Adderley. The material in this collection includes awards, books, correspondences, magazines, newspapers, pictures, programs, and artifacts.

Julian Adderley
Meek-Eaton Archival Collection MS_0022 · Collection · 1893 - 2000

Dr. James L. Hudson was born in 1904 in Birmingham, Alabama. He attended Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia. He graduated from the institution in 1926. After graduating, he was ordained as a minister and then enrolled in Colgate-Rochester School of religion, where he camed a divinity degree in 1931. Afterwards, he worked as a chaplain at Leland College in Louisiana until 1946. Later he was carned a doctoral degree from Boston College. Following this, he accepted a position as a chaplain and professor at Florida A&M University (FAMU). At FAMU he created the institution's Department of Religion and Philosophy and served as its first departmental chairperson. In Tallahassee, Hudson was a close friend with another Morchouse graduate, Rev Charles K. Steele, pastor of the city's Bethel Baptist Church. The two religious leaders worked on numerous civil rights campaigns including the 1956 Tallahassee Bus Boycott.
Hudson was also president of the Tallahassee Ministerial Alliance, a co-founder and active member of the Inter-Civic Council. Even after retiring from FAMU in 1973, Rev. Hudson remained active in civil rights and social justice initiatives. He died in 1980.

Reverend Dr. James Hudson
Meek-Eaton Archival Collection MS_0017 · Collection · 1934 - 1967

This collection consists of the personal papers and sermons of Rev. Elvis W. Spearman, who served as Florida A&M University's postmaster from 19 until his retirement in 1964, and as the FAMU hospital chaplain 1955 to 1964. Rev. Spearman earned an A.B. degree from lega College, and did additional study at FAMU, the University of Chicago, and Deering Community Center.

The materials in this collection were mainly speeches delivered by Rev. Spearman. Most of the speeches are undated. A small amount of materials were from Rev. Spearman's administrative duties at Florida A&M University.

Reverend Elvis Wardell Spearman