The Men of Tomorrow, Inc. was a male African American civic and professional organization started in Oakland, California in 1954. Founded by Jefferson Beaver, Richard A.G. Foster, Aramis Fouche, Theodore R. Hardeman, H. Solomon Hill, L. Sylvester Odom, Kenneth F. Smith, and George R. Vaughns, the group eventually grew to include over 300 members including many notable judges and politicians, including Evelio Grillo, Lionel Wilson, and Allen Broussard, and would eventually establish additional chapters in San Francisco, Richmond, Sacramento, and Los Angeles. The Men of Tomorrow, Inc Oakland Chapter records document meetings, conferences, and the administration of the organization between 1959-1985.

The Men of Tomorrow, Inc. was a male African American civic and professional organization started in Oakland, California in 1954. Founded by Jefferson Beaver, Richard A.G. Foster, Aramis Fouche, Theodore R. Hardeman, H. Solomon Hill, L. Sylvester Odom, Kenneth F. Smith, and George R. Vaughns, the group eventually grew to include over 300 members including many notable judges and politicians, including Evelio Grillo, Lionel Wilson, and Allen Broussard, and would eventually establish additional chapters in San Francisco, Richmond, Sacramento, and Los Angeles. The organization’s membership consisted chiefly of lawyers, judges, politicians, doctors, pastors, educators, and businessmen from Oakland and was dedicated to “foster the recognition of the worthiness of all useful occupations and the dignifying by each member of his occupation or profession as an opportunity to serve society through fellowship.” The Men of Tomorrow, Inc. was governed by a moderator, Board of Directors, and a Chairman of the Board and was organized into seven standing committees: membership, program, finance and budget, charter and extension, community relations, youth services, and publicity. The group held weekly business meetings at Jack London Inn, where they would often invite notable speakers to give lectures on politics, education, civil rights, religion, sports, international relations, labor relations, and economics. Beginning in 1959, the group also held a biennial conference on social and economic issues related to the African American community.

1.25 linear feet (3 boxes)

Permission to publish from the Men of Tomorrow, Inc. Oakland Chapter Records must be obtained from the African American Museum and Library at Oakland.

No access restrictions. Collection is open to the public.