American Historical Ephemera and Photography

Attention Negro Citizens! Let's Finish the Job! [Kansas City, MO?]: [Democratic Campaign Committee], [1960s?]. 8 1/2 x 11 in. flyer (some small pinholes to left side, occasional spots/stains). Announces a Democratic rally at Lincoln Hall featuring speakers including Democratic candidates James McKinley Neal, John H. Thompson, Fred W. Klaber, and Bernard W. Gnefkow.

Attend Monster Mass Meeting / The Provisional Committee for the Organization of Colored Locomotive Firemen. Washington, DC: Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters Provisional Committee for the Organization of Colored Locomotive Firemen, n.d. 8 1/2 x 11 in. flyer (toning, some residue, soiling). Announces a meeting at which one could hear "Negro Railroad Firemen Telling their own Amazing Story of the Worst Discriminatory Practices in History" at the Vermont Avenue Baptist Church in Washington, DC. Speakers include North Dakota Senator William Langer, Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters A. Philip Randolph, and others.

One page typed letter signed by B. F. McLaurin as Field Organizer for the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters. New York, NY, 8 January 1945. 8 1/2 x 11 in. (lower right portion torn away, folds, soiling and dampstaining throughout). On Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters letterhead. Addressed to "Brother Washington," this letter regards a disagreement over the allowance for women to become officers of the organization. McLaurin writes, in part: "As I see it, the Secretary should be a fireman, a brakeman or switchman. Nowhere in our setup have we made provisions for women to become officers and I trust that this matter will be given consideration and adjusted..."

One page typed letter signed by C. A. Franklin as Editor of The Kansas City Call. Kansas City, MO, 13 October 1924. 8 1/2 x 11 in. (folds, staining, toning). On The Kansas City Call letterhead. Addressed to Missouri Secretary of State Charles U. Becker. Franklin reminds Becker of his promise to give attention to the matter of placing a "colored employe [sic] in Kansas City "for the good will it would create." He laments that he has received no answer to his letters asking about the progress of that matter. He writes, "We are now face to face with a bitter contest, and Jackson county republicans will be needed in maximum strength. As publishers of a Negro newspaper, we lack the personal argument with which to make the fight for you, which we would have had if the appointment had been made...I cannot let you rest under the impression that you have helped colored people to have good will for you...You are taking too much for granted in your attitude toward Negro voters."

And 2 other letters including one from Fred D. Williams as President and Chairman of the Building Committee of the Montgomery County Colored Republican Organization including donation slip and envelope; and one from Lorenzo H. King as Pastor of St. Mark's Methodist Episcopal Church.

Together, 6 items related to organizing and advocacy on behalf of African Americans including from Democratic and Republican organizations.