The Fred Ross, Sr. Papers consist of correspondence, photographs, book manuscripts and other materials pertaining to community organizer, Fred Ross, Sr. The date range of this collection is 1945-2003, which encompasses the later decades of Fred Ross Sr's life, as well as the years following his death.

Fred Ross, Sr. born on August 23, 1910 in San Francisco, California, was one of the most influential community organizers in American history. His activism began alongside Dust Bowl migrants, where he managed the same labor camp that inspired John Steinbeck's The Grapes of Wrath. During World War II, Ross worked for the release of incarcerated Japanese Americans forced into concentration camps, and after the war, he dedicated his life to building the political power of Latinos across California. Fred Ross Sr. trained a myriad of successful organizers during his lifetime, including renowned organizer Cesar Chavez, whom he met in San Jose. Ross also trained Dolores Huerta, and his son Fred Ross Jr.

2 boxes (1.21 linear feet)

Copyright has not been assigned to the San José State University Library Special Collections & Archives. All requests for permission to publish or quote from manuscripts must be submitted in writing to the Director of Special Collections. Permission for publication is given on behalf of the Special Collections & Archives as the owner of the physical items and is not intended to include or imply permission of the copyright holder, which must also be obtained by the reader. Copyright restrictions also apply to digital reproductions of the original materials. Use of digital files is restricted to research and educational purposes.

Collection is open for research.