Inventory of the Black History Pamphlets Collection SPC.2022.064
California State University Dominguez Hills, Gerth Archives and Special Collections
July 27, 2022
University Library South -5039 (Fifth Floor)
1000 E. Victoria St.
Carson, CA 90747
Business Number: 310-243-3895
archives@csudh.edu
Contributing Institution:
California State University Dominguez Hills, Gerth Archives and Special Collections
Title: Black History Pamphlets Collection
Identifier/Call Number: SPC.2022.064
Physical Description:
.42 Linear Feet
Physical Description:
1 box
Date (inclusive): ca. 1890-2018
Condition Description: Amanda Smith notice placed in sleeve, Paul Robeson notice encapuslated. Some items worn, but no special handling instruction
needed.
Abstract: This collection contains pamphlets, ephemera, booklets, joutrnals, comic books, and other materials related to Black history
in the last 200 years. Subjects include slavery, economics, Black/White relations, as well as noted Black figures, including
Rev. Martin Luther King, Malcolm X, Anglea Davis, Huey Newton, Paul Robeson, C.L.R. James, and Amanda Smith. Publications
include Black journals, zines, and comic books introducing Black superheroes.
Language of Material:
English
.
Content Description
This material covers a wide range of issues related to Black history over the last 200 years. While some of the work is scholarly,
and takes a retrospective, historical view, much of it is contemprary with the issues discussed. The historical materials
includes two published essays by noted American Marxist historian Herbert Aptheker, regarding labor and slavery in the American
south: one talks about labor in general, while the other rebuts many of the claims of a 1974 book Aptheker felt presented
a pro-slavery viewpoint.
The largest portion of materials deal with Black rights, with much of the material covering the period from World War II to
the 1980s. These include communist and capitalist viewpoints and critiques of political and labor movements, along with overviews
of Black rights and equality with Whites.
The Noted Figures section focuses on some of the key figures in recent and distant Black history. These include appreciations
of Martin Luther King and political activity done in his name, a retrospective of Malcolm X published two years after his
assassination, and a 1968 essay by Huey Newton about the state of the Black Movement, published by Students for a Democratic
Society.
There are several items related to Paul Robeson, including a reprint of his s 1950 speech about Negro-Labor unity, delivered
at the national Labor Conference for Negro Rights. There is also a publication protesting the injustice of Robeson's passport
being revoked in 1950. A related item is the full-page reprint of an ad taken out by the National Ad Hoc Committee to End
the Crimes Against Paul Robeson, a collection of Black actors, writers, academics, and activists, protesting the play "Paul
Robeson" in 1978.
There is also an undated program for an appearance by the celebrated Black evangelist Amada Smith, probably around 1890.
Periodicals include a copy of the Black Politician, discussing varied issues (notable especially as longtime California politician
Mervyn Dymally served as Editor-in-Chief; a zine about the Black Panther party, and a collection of Black poetry. The two
comic books represent early efforts to introduce Black superheroes into mainstream comics: Captain Confederacy and Black Lightning
(notable for being the first Black member of the DC comcic Justice League of America).
This is expected to be a growing collection.
Conditions Governing Access
Therte are no access restrictions on this collection.
Conditions Governing Use
All requests for permission to publish or quote from manuscripts must be submitted in writing to the Director of Archives
and Special Collections. Permission for publication is given on behalf of Special Collections as the owner of the physical
materials and not intended to include or imply permission of the copyright holder, which must also be obtained.
Preferred Citation
Processing Information
This collection was processed by Tom Philo in July, 2022.
Arrangement
Arranged in six series:
Series I: Black Life. 1944-1979
Series II: Black Rights. 1947-1984
Series III: Slavery. 1942-1974
Series IV: Economics. 1970-1992
Series V: Noted Figures. ca. 1890-2018
Series VI: Black Publications. 1970-2018
Subjects and Indexing Terms
African Americans -- Politics and government
African Americans -- Comic books, strips, etc
African Americans -- Civil rights
Equality
Racism
Anti-racism
Labor movement
Communism -- United States -- History -- 20th century
Slavery -- United States -- History
African Americans -- Poetry
King, Martin Luther, Jr., 1929-1968
X, Malcolm, 1925-1965
Davis, Angela Y. (Angela Yvonne ), 1944-
Jackson, Jesse, 1941-
Black Panther Party
Newton, Huey P.
Robeson, Paul, 1898-1976
Series I. Black Life
1944-1979
Physical Description: 2 folders
Scope and Contents
Contains items reflecting everyday Black life, and its influence in all aspects of American and world culture.
box 1, folder 1
Women's Missionary Society of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. Yearbook: a mission education study guide. Nashville,
TN.
1978-1979
Physical Description: 1 folderBox 1. Folder 1
box 1, folder 2
Becker, John. "The Negro in American Life: sponsored by the Council Against Intolerance in America," Julian Messner, Inc.,
New York.
1944
Physical Description: 1 folder
Series II. Black Rights
1947-1984
box 1, folder 3
"A transitional program for Black liberation" - adopted by the 23rd National Convention of the Socialist Workers Party. Merit
Publishers, New York
1969
box 1, folder 4
"1979 draft resolution: the Afro-American struggle:" issued by the Central committee, Communist Party, USA
April 7, 1979
Scope and Contents
Draft resolution issued "for pre-convention discussion" -- from the cover.
box 1, folder 5
"the Communist position on the Negro Question." New Century Publishers, New York
1947
Scope and Contents
Contains essays by noted contemporary thinkers, including William Z. Foster, Benjamin Davis, Jr., Eugene Dennis, and others
box 1, folder 6
Davis, Benjamin, J. "In defense of Negro rights." New York State Committee, Communist Party, New York
January 1950
Scope and Contents
Item is printed version of Davis's testimony during the trial of the Communist Twelve, at Foley Square. Trial was one of a
series of trials held during the Cold War, when Communists (including Davis) were accused of violating the Smith Act.
box 1, folder 7
Dix, Carl. "Jesse Jackson: the 'right stuff' for U.S. Imperialism." RCP Publications, Chicago, IL
ca. 1984
Scope and Contents
Communist critique of Jesse Jackson and his plans for the Middle East if elected President.
box 1, folder 8
Harris, Cleveland O. "Freedom Destination Corps USA
1961
Content Warning: Item cover contains drawing of graphic violence by gang against Black person.
box 1, folder 9
Lyons, Re. Daniel, S.J. "Right or wrong (The Negro today and Dorothy Day and the Catholic Worker." Our Sunday Visitor, Huntington,
Indiana.
1962
box 1, folder 10
Winston, Henry. "Negro-White unity." New Outlook Publishers, New york
February, 1967
Series III. Slavery
1942-1974
Physical Description: 3 folders
Scope and Contents
This series contains two works by noted scholar Herbert Aptheker on American slavery, a subject of study for which he was
renowned. One looks at the labor movement in the South, and how slavery fit into the overall picture, while the other is a
critique of a then-popular book Aptheker thought was utterly incorrect in its analysis of slavery condition. The last item
is an appreciation of American abolitionist Thaddeus Stevens.
box 1, folder 11
Aptheker, Herbert " The labor movement in the South during slavery." International Publishers, New York
1954
box 1, folder 12
Aptheker, Herbert. "Heavenly days in Dixie: or, the time of their lives"
June/July, 1974
Scope and Contents
Reprinted from the June and July 1974 issues of Political Affairs.
box 1, folder 13
Lawson, Elizabeth. "Thaddeus Stevens: militant democrat and fighter for Negro rights." International Publishers, New York.
1942
Series IV. Economics
1970-1992
Physical Description: 3 folders
Scope and Contents
The items in this series deal with economic aspects of racism, and plans for progress. There is a pamphlet about Racism and
the Workers' Movement, a reprinted article by Carl Dix on Black Capitalism, and a newsletter on the empowerment of Black Women.
box 1, folder 14
Griffin, Jim. "Racism and the workers movements." Philadelphia Workers Organizing Committee, Philadelphia
1970s
Scope and Contents
Two copies. One is original publication, second is provisional copy made for internal use only.
box 1, folder 15
Dix, Carl. "Carl Dix on Black Capitalism: a three-part series." Revolution Books, New York.
1992
Scope and Contents
Collects three essays from the Revolutionary Worker (November 15, 22, 29, 1992). Essays titled "A bloodsucker is a bloodsucker,"
"First time tragedy -- second time even worse," and "The Boozhwah hype and the real way out."
box 1, folder 16
"Black women: organizing for empowerment in the 21st century," Resist, Newsletter 231, Somerville, MA
December 1990
Scope and Contents
Entire newsletter devoted to front-page article.
Series V. Noted Figures
1890-2018
Physical Description: 11 folders
Scope and Contents
This series contains pamphlets about a number of prominent Black Americans. The oldest item is a notice about the upcoming
visit to Albany by Amanda Smith, a former slave who traveled throughout the world as a famous and well-received evangelist.
Though the notice is undated, evidence puts its date at approximately 1890. There are several items about famous athlete,
actor, singer, and political activist Paul Robeson. There is a q 1976 reprint of a 1950 pro-labor speech Robeson made to the
National Labor Conference for Negro Rights. Also, there is a 1950 publication by a group formed to protest the seizure of
Robeson's passport by the U.S. government, and advocating for its return to Robeson. There is also a graphic biography of
activist C.L. R. James. The bulk of the items regard figures active in the turbulent 1960s and 1970s. Several documents pay
tribute to slain activist Reverend Martin Luther King; there is a contemporary appreciation of Malcolm X; there is also a
1968 published interview with Black Panther Huey Newton while he was serving time for murder (the conviction was later reversed).
box 1, folder 17
Knight, Milton. "The young C.L.R. James: a graphic novelette." PM Press, Oakland, CA
2018
Scope and Contents
Biographical novelette of the activist's life.
box 1, folder 18
Gerasimov, G., et al. "Fire bell in the night," Novosti Press, Moscow
1968
Scope and Contents
Descriptions of incidents of Martin Luther King's life. Work began on this collection soon after King's assassination, and
was published on the day of King's funeral.
box 1, folder 19
April 4th Committee. "International Day of Solidarity with U.S. Youth Fighting Rascism," New York
1975
Scope and Contents
Flyer for upcoming event, with form to contribute money or sponsorship.
box 1, folder 20
Citizens For an End to Racism, "Honor Martin Luther King, Jr." Richmond, Virginia
1970
Scope and Contents
Flyer for march for several causes, including equality in education and commitment to integration.
box 1, folder 21
Aptheker, Herbert. "Dr. Martin Luther King, Vietnam, and civil rights." New Outlook Publishers, New York
1967-06
Scope and Contents
Reprinted from May, 1967 issue of Political Affairs, a monthly journal of Marxist thought and opinion.
box 1, folder 22
Malcolm X. "Malcolm X on Afro-American history." Merit Publishers, New York
1967
box 1, folder 23
The Movement. "Huey Newton talks to The Movement." Students for a Democratic Society, San Francisco.
1968-08
Scope and Contents
Interview published while Newton was incarcerated.
box 1, folder 24
Robeson, Paul. "Forge Negro-Labor unity for peace and jobs: reprint of speech delivered at June, 1950 National Labor Conference
for Negro Rights." Political Affairs Publishers Inc., New York
1976-04
Scope and Contents
Reprinted from April 1976 issue of Political Affairs magazine.
box 1, folder 25
Provisional Committee to Restore Paul Robeson's Passport. "The case of Paul Robeson's passport. New York
1950
Scope and Contents
Fact sheet prepared to inform public of how the U.S. government was treating Robeson. Sheet includes suggestions for offering
support, and an order form to order more copies of the fact sheet. Item is encapuslated to prevent further tearing.
box 1, folder 26
National Ad Hoc Committee (in formation) To End the Crimes Against Paul Robeson. "A statement of conscience: an open letter
to the entertainment industry." New York.
1978-01-11
Map Case Removal
Moved to maps case 4.
box 1, folder 27
Smith, Amada. "Cheery Christianity" YMCA, Albany, New York
ca. 1890
Scope and Contents
Program announces arrival of Amanda Smith (1837-1915), billed as "the famous Colored Evangelist." She toured widely, typically
coming to a city and conducting several services.
Series VI. Black Publications
1970-2018
Physical Description: 5 folders
Scope and Contents
This series contains a variety of journals, pamphlets, and comics dealing with Black America. A copy of The Black Politician
from 1970 shows thinking on a number of contemporary issues, and a zine from 2018 gives and introduction to the Black Panthers.
The two comic books in this series are notable for introducing Black superheroes into mainstream comics, one from 1979 and
one from 1990.
box 1, folder 28
Shetterly, Will and Stone, Vince, "Captain Confederacy," no. 4, Epic Comics, New York
1992
Scope and Contents
Captain Confederacy presents an alternate-Earth universe in which the South won its independence in the Civil War, and the
former United States now exists in multiple independent sections, each with its own superheroes. Holding is the fourth issue
of Captain Confederacy storyline in which Captain Confederacy is embodied by Kate Williams, a Black woman. Notable for being
one of the first mainstream comics to feature a Black superhero.
box 1, folder 29
Conway, Gerry (writer)."Testing of a hero." Justice League of America, v. 20, no. 173. DC Comics, New York
December, 1979
Scope and Contents
Comic is notable for introduction of Black Lightning, the first Black superhero invited to join the established Justice League
of America. In this issue, Black Lightning turns down the invitation to focus on crime in his neighborhood. In later issues
he finally agrees to join.
box 1, folder 30
Mwaminifu, Muntu. "How to love a Black woman." Truth Publications, Houston, Texas
1980
Scope and Contents
Collection of Poems. Muntu Mwaminifu is also known as Thomas Meloncon.
box 1, folder 31
The Black Politician: a journal of current political thought. v. 1, no. 4. The Urban Affairs Institute, Los Angeles.
1970-04
Scope and Contents
The Black Politician was published quarterly (July, October, January, April) by the Urabn Affairs Institute. Longtime California
politician Mervyn Dymally was the Editor-in-Chief.
box 1, folder 32
Green, Joseph E. "What happened to the Black Panther Party?" Microcosm Publishing, Portland, OR
2018
Scope and Contents
Zine is presented as Number 10 in the publisher's series: The CIA Makes Science Fiction Uninteresting.