American Historical Ephemera & Photography, including African Americana

Three typed letters signed: STOKES, Louis (1925-2015), signed ("Louis") as Member of the U.S. Congress on Congressional letterhead, to Larry Brown, 12 October 1970; STOKES, Carl B. (1927-1996), signed ("Carl") as Mayor on "City of Cleveland" letterhead, to Larry Brown, 3 December 1969; and LUKENS, Donald E. (1931-2010), signed ("Doug") on "Lukens for Governor" letterhead as candidate for Ohio Governor, to Larry Brown, 20 April 1970. -- Three black and white photographs, comprising: two undated 8 x 10 in. photographs of Congressman Louis Stokes, both with backstamp of prominent Cleveland-area African American photographer Jimmy Baynes; and one undated 4 x 5 in. photograph of Mayor Carl Stokes.

Carl Stokes became the first African American mayor of a major US city when he was elected mayor of Cleveland in November 1967. His brother Congressman Louis Stokes was the first African American congressman elected to the US Congress from the state of Ohio. Jimmy BAYNES (1922-2010) was an amateur photographer who for three decades captured photos of Cleveland's African American community, including music, culture, and community and political figures, as well as prominent musicians of the 1950s and 60s. A large collection of his work is held by Cleveland's Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum.

[With:] Two promotionals for regional African American musical groups: "The City Cry Temple R.W. Club Presents Acclaimed Transiteers," 14 x 15 1/4 in. advertisement on orange poster board, promoting a concert to be held at the Temple Baptist Church on 27 March 1966 concert. The "Transiteers" were "Singing Bus Drivers," an acapella group primarily if not entirely consisting of African Americans working as Cleveland Transit System bus drivers. First formed in 1962, the Transiteers performed hymns, gospel, and pop hits. -- "The Famous Evangelist Singers of Detroit Michigan," approx. 7 x 9 1/2 in. advertisement on cardstock, promoting the "Radio Artists" of W.J.L.B. Detroit. Includes a printed photograph of the singers and identifications, as well as contact information for booking engagements.

[With:] "14th District News," [c 1988], 4pp, 11 x 17 in. bifolium flyer promoting the candidacy of local state representative Ike Thompson, and supporting the tickets of additional candidates including Jesse Jackson for President and Louis Stokes for Congress. Interior features 12 printed photographs associated with the political work of Thompson, back page heralding Thompson's awards and accomplishments. -- "1962 Personality Calendar," 11 x 17 in., on cardstock. Promotional item for William Charles Sims: "American Culture Label Recording Soloist & Choir Director. Also, Temple Minister of Music." Notes he is NAACP Template Captain and Church Award Winner.

Together, 10 items, comprising a mix of photographs, documents, political ephemera, and more.