Bryant Family papers, bulk 1916-2017 (bulk 1916-1990), 1916-1990

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Summary

Creators:: Smith, Jackie Bryant
Abstract:: The Bryant Family Papers include correspondence, records, realia, publications, photographs, and artwork that document aspects of the family's work life, social life, and political activities. The papers are organized into six series: James J. Bryant, Florence Bryant, Jackie Bryant Smith, Photographs, NAACP, and Printed Material.
Extent:: 5.6 linear feet (5 boxes + 3 oversized boxes + 8 artworks)
Language:: Languages represented in the collection: English
Preferred citation:: Bryant Family papers, MS 164, African American Museum & Library at Oakland, Oakland Public Library. Oakland, California.

Background

Scope and content:

The Bryant Family Papers include correspondence, records, realia, publications, photographs, and artworks that document aspects of the family's work life, social life, and political activities. The papers are organized into seven series: James J. Bryant, Florence Bryant, Jackie Bryant Smith, Photographs, NAACP, Printed Material. and Artworks.

James J. Bryant worked as a porter for the Pullman Company and was active with the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters. Thorough his correspondence, employee records, and paystubs, the working life of a Pullman porter is uniquely documented. As shown in photographs included in the papers, the Bryants regularly attended area events when special guests included figures such as A. Philip Randolph and C. L. Dellums. Of particular interest within James J. Bryant's series are a number of Pullman Company porter name cards and a Pullman Company porter hat. Florence Bryant was active in social and charitable organizations such as the Oakland Festival of Roses' Mother of the Year award and the March of Dimes. Both Florence Bryant and her daughter Jackie Bryant Smith were active in the NAACP. Jackie Bryant Smith became a colleague to local politicians John J. Miller and Warren Widener. Jackie Bryant Smith has also done extensive family history work and the included scrapbooks document her family tree from Florence (Stevens) Bryant's grandparents through the current generation, with research as recent as 2012.

Biographical / historical:

James J. Bryant was born to George and Addie Bryant in Perry, Kansas, on January 16, 1888, the second son among five brothers. Florence Bryant was born to Henry and Liza Stevens in Linn Creek, Missouri, on January 21, 1894, the youngest of six children. The Bryants were married in Wichita, Kansas, on June 28, 1916 and moved to Oakland in 1938. James was a long-time sleeping car porter for the Pullman Company and active in the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters. Florence was named Oakland’s inaugural Mother of the Year in 1954 and was active in organizations such as the March of Dimes. James J. Bryant passed away on March 27, 1976, and Florence Bryant passed away on August 29, 1985. Jackie Bryant Smith, one of five daughters of James J. and Florence Bryant, was born on June 5, 1941, in Oakland and was active with the NAACP.

Acquisition information:

The collection was donated by Jackie Bryant Smith to the African American Museum Library at Oakland in 2009.Accession 2017-018 was donated by Jackie Bryant Smith on December 1, 2016.Accession 2018-024 was donated by Jackie Bryant Smith on April 19, 2018.

Processing information:

Processed by Carl Schmitz, April 14, 2015.Finding aid updated to add Accession #2017-018 by Sean Heyliger on October 26, 2017.Finding aid updated to add Accession #2018-024 by Sean Heyliger on November 2, 2018.

Arrangement:

Series I. James J. Bryant Series II. Florence Bryant Series III. Jackie Bryant Smith Series IV. Photographs Series V. NAACP Series VI. Printed Material Series VII. Artworks

Rules or conventions: