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.

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.

Box 1 contains materials documenting the life and work of Allen P. Turner from 1930 to 1972, with the majority of items dating between 1940 and 1968. This box includes academic and business papers, playscripts, correspondence, and printed materials that reflect Turner’s roles as a reverend, playwright, and educator. The contents highlight his professional involvement with organizations such as the Interdenominational Ministers Alliance of Tallahassee and Vicinity, the Young Men’s Christian Association, and the Florida Inter-Scholastic Speech and Drama Association. Materials provide insight into his leadership in religious, scholarly, and theatrical communities, as well as his contributions to institutions including Albany State College and Florida A&M University. Some items within this box are undated or lack clear titles, which may limit full contextualization.

For more than 130 years, Florida A&M University has served the citizens of the State of Florida and the nation by providing preeminent educational programs...programs that were the building blocks of a legacy of academic excellence with caring. FAMU, “Florida’s Opportunity University,” is committed to meeting the challenges and needs of future generations.

In 1884, Thomas Van Renssaler Gibbs, a Duval County educator, was elected to the Florida legislature. Although his political career ended abruptly because of the resurgence of segregation, Representative Gibbs successfully orchestrated the passage of House Bill 133 in 1884. This bill established a white normal school in Gainesville and a school for African Americans in Jacksonville. The bill passed, creating both institutions; however, the state decided to relocate the school for African Americans to Tallahassee.

After the bill’s passage, FAMU was founded on October 3, 1887. It began classes with 15 students and two (2) instructors. Thomas DeSaille Tucker (1887-1901), an attorney from Pensacola, was chosen as the first president. Former State Representative Gibbs joined Mr. Tucker as the second faculty member.

In 1891, the College received $7,500 under the Second Morrill Act for agricultural and mechanical arts education. The State Normal College for Colored Students became Florida’s land grant institution for African Americans, and its name was changed to the State Normal and Industrial College for Colored Students.

In 1905, the management of the College was transferred from the Board of Education to the Board of Control. This significant event officially designated the College as an institution of higher education.
In 1909 the name was changed from The State Normal College for Colored Students to Florida Agricultural and Mechanical College for Negroes (FAMC). The following year, with an enrollment of 317 students, the college awarded its first degrees.

President Nathan B. Young (1901-1923) directed the growth of the College to a four-year degree-granting institution, despite limited resources, offering the Bachelor of Science degree in education, science, home economics, agriculture, and mechanical arts.

Under the administration of John Robert Edward Lee Sr. (1924-1944), the College acquired much of the physical and academic image it has today. More faculty were hired, courses were upgraded, and accreditation was received from several state agencies. By the end of Lee’s term, FAMC had 812 students and 122 staff members.

In 1949, under William H. Gray Jr. (1944-1949), expansion and reorganization continued. The College obtained an Army ROTC unit, and student enrollment grew to more than 2,000.

October 3, 1887. It began classes with 15 students and two (2) instructors. Thomas DeSaille Tucker (1887-1901), an attorney from Pensacola, was chosen to be the first president. Former State Representative Gibbs joined Mr. Tucker as the second faculty member.

President Nathan B. Young (1901-1923) directed the growth of the College to a four-year degree-granting institution, despite limited resources, offering the Bachelor of Science degree in education, science, home economics, agriculture, and mechanical arts.

Under the administration of John Robert Edward Lee Sr. (1924-1944), the College acquired much of the physical and academic image it has today.

In 1949, under William H. Gray Jr. (1944-1949), expansion and reorganization continued.

Perhaps one of the most outstanding achievements came under the presidency of Dr. George W. Gore (1950-1968).

With Dr. Benjamin L. Perry, Jr., at the helm, the 1970s brought further growth to the University.

The 1980s served as a model for productive development. Under the administration of Dr. Walter L. Smith, the University grew to eleven schools and colleges and a division of graduate studies, research, and continuing education.

In 1985, the construction of a new corridor of history began as Dr. Frederick S. Humphries became the eighth president of Florida A&M University. Under his leadership, FAMU experienced significant growth and unsurpassed accomplishments.

Under Dr. Robinson’s leadership, FAMU continues to thrive, has implemented new recruitment and retention strategies, has strengthened the university’s academic programs, and more!

This file contains administrative papers and related records dating from 1950 to 1964 generated during the presidency of Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU) President George W. Gore Jr. The materials are arranged alphabetically by subject and reflect the routine administrative, academic, and institutional activities of the Office of the President during this period.

The papers include records relating to miscellaneous committees and materials associated with the Dean’s Council. The file also contains documentation concerning Demonstration High and Elementary Schools, including faculty information and data on degrees, certifications, and salaries. Additional materials include papers from Lucy Moten Elementary School and records produced by its Survey Committee. Topics represented include academic administration, faculty qualifications and compensation, laboratory and demonstration school oversight, and internal evaluation and planning.

Collectively, these papers provide insight into Florida A&M University’s administrative oversight of affiliated educational programs and internal governance structures during the mid-twentieth century. The materials illustrate the role of the university presidency in supervising academic initiatives, faculty development, and institutional assessment during a period of growth and educational reform.

Location: AC.2.B.3.2.2- AC.2.B.3.2.5

This collection consists of personal papers from Florida A&M University’s Arthur L. Kidd. Kidd, a native of Pennsylvania, earned a B.A. degree in 1924 from the University of Michigan, and in 1929, a Masters of Arts degree from Columbia University. Kidd also did additional studying at the University of Iowa, Columbia University, and New York University. He began his teaching career at Tuskegee Institute in 1924 before accepting a position at Florida A&M College (FAMCEE) in 1925 as Principal of the High School. Kidd worked at FAMCEE until 1944. During his nineteen years of service to the college, Kidd worked in numerous positions, including: Head of the Department of History, Acting Director of the Extension Division, Acting Dean for the College of Arts and Sciences and College Registrar. In October 1944, Kidd left his position at FAMCEE to work with the United Nations Relief and Rehabilitation Administration, where he worked in various capacities in Washington, D.C., and abroad in locations including France, Germany, and Holland. He returned to the United States in 1950 and worked for a year at Maryland State College before accepting a second appointment at FAMCEE in 1951 as Director of the Division of Social Studies. Upon the college reaching university status in 1954, in the academic re-organization, Kidd consequently became the Associate Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. Until 1969, he served FAMU in various capacities, including director of institutional studies and director of university administrative planning.

The material type in this collection were mainly magazines, news articles, and news clippings from 1949-19687 that followed local and national events affecting Negro people and occurrences impacting their lives. The records of this collection are especially important and informative in that they as resources that document firsthand the many historic events that occurred during the American Negro Civil Rights Years. Most of the records document the passing of school integration and public desegregation legislation, mass boycotts, sit-ins, and other forms of protest, as well as the brutal, nationwide social turbulence that accompanied this period. Additionally, a small amount of materials related to Kidd's instructional duties at FAMU are included.

Biographical data and inclusive subjects were acquired from Murell Dawson circa 2002.