Description
The Arnold Vernon Baranco papers include newspaper clippings, correspondence, yearbooks, WPA musical programs and photographs
related to the life and musical activities of Arnold Vernon Baranco. The collection is organized into three series: biographical,
teaching activities, musical activities, and photographs. The biographical series includes certificates, clippings, awards,
membership cards, and his high school yearbook. The teaching activities series includes a small number of letter, and the
musical programs document WPA performances given by Baranco. The photographs in the collection are related to Baranco's family,
friends, and musical activities.
Background
Arnold Vernon Baranco was born in Louisiana in 1915 and came to Oakland at the age of nine. He was the first African American
probation officer in Alameda County and was active as a singer and choral director. Baranco graduated from the Oakland Technical
High School in 1932 and was a member of the A Capella Choir and also earned a varsity letter on the football team. In 1936,
he graduated from
the Sacramento Junior College, where he was a tenor with their A Capella Choir. He was also elected
to Phi Iota Lambda, the Junior College Philosophy Honor Society as well at Phi Theta Kappa, a
scholastic fraternity recognizing academic merit. Between 1944-1945, he served as a sergeant in the
370th Infantry Regiment, APO # 92, stationed at Fort Huachuca, Arizona. During that time, he sang
as a member of the USO Glee Club. After WW II, in 1948, Baranco received a degree in social
welfare from the University of California at Berkeley.
Extent
.25 linear feet
(1 box)
Restrictions
Permission to publish from the Arnold Vernon Baranco Papers must be obtained from the African American Museum and Library
at Oakland.
Availability
No access restrictions. Collection is open to the public.