The HCAC public history focused digital archive cataloging is an ongoing process, and we may update this record as we conduct additional research and review. We welcome your comments and feedback if you have more information to share about an item featured on the site, please contact us at: HCAC-DigiTeam@si.edu
George W. Gore’s speeches at Florida A&M College (and later University) emphasized the institution's role in fostering first-class citizenship. In "Are We Ready for the Promised Land," he explored the Negro’s role, voting rights, and history since emancipation in 1863.
The vintage can of Black Mammy Plastic Roof Cement features a depiction of a Black female figure, reflecting the problematic stereotypes prevalent in mid-20th-century advertising. Often portrayed as a caretaker or domestic figure, this imagery reveals the complexities of racial representation and the commodification of Black identity.
A "colored only" sign was a segregation-era sign typically found in the United States during the Jim Crow era, which enforced racial segregation in public places. These signs were used to designate areas, facilities, or services that were reserved for people of color and donated by Dr. James Eaton.
The vintage can of Black Eyed Peas features an illustration of an old Black man, embodying the racial stereotypes of the era. His depiction reflects the nostalgia and simplicity often associated with Southern cuisine. This artifact serves as a lens through which to examine the portrayal of African Americans in marketing.
The iron "Whites Only" swimming pool sign from Selma, Alabama, dating back to 1931, starkly illustrates the era's racial segregation and discrimination. This historical artifact symbolizes the oppressive Jim Crow laws that enforced racial barriers in public spaces.
Donated by former university President Elmira Mangum, Rudy the Rattler was a taxidermy-coiled rattlesnake that served as the Florida A&M mascot. A small sculpture, the taxidermy process involves preserving the animal’s body using various techniques to maintain its lifelike appearance and mounting it for display.
This rare pot is an original work of Yvonne and Curtis Tucker, a ceramic artist duo who developed a new art form, Afro-Raku. Their collaboration spanned 26 years and focused on honoring the past and the Black diaspora through West African spirituality. This pot, “Sunday Sister,” was meant to identify women as a classical, beautiful vessel.
The Kings Procession brass sculpture vividly depicts a ceremonial parade, celebrating the rich traditions and cultural heritage of African royalty. Crafted with intricate detail, it showcases figures adorned in regal attire, emphasizing community and leadership.
The Florida A&M College (FAMC) Champions Football Team of 1938 embodied the epitome of athletic excellence and teamwork, forging a legacy of triumph that endures to this day. FAMC Coach Alonzo "Jake" Gaither donated it to the Meek-Eaton Black Archives.
Recurring letters sent between President Gore and Negro District Agents have consistently featured invitations to the 4-H Annual Short Cours and program statistics. This highlights the ongoing efforts to elevate educational standards in Florida's agricultural and home demonstration programs.
The 1974 Walter Camp Award, presented to legendary coach Jake Gaither, recognized his outstanding contributions to college football and leadership. Gaither was celebrated for his exceptional coaching skills and commitment to student-athlete development, and his influence extended beyond the field.
Written by the Secretary-Treasurer of Alpha Kappa Mu National Honor Society, George W. Gore, Jr., this report marks the 25th annual convention of the organization. An organization first created to develop an intellectual community of HBCU students nationwide, this report was proof of its enduring success since Gore first started the initiative.
The 1940 Census Report included data on student enrollment in majors like engineering, law, and pharmacy across all 50 states. It also featured financial details of Baker House dining services, including expenses and net profit, along with grants for Negro land-grant colleges, denoting funding support for these institutions.
For FAMU’s 1965-66 academic year, President Gore gathered over 10 notes and clippings to shape proposals on budgets, National Science Foundation funding, and manpower training, guiding his faculty and administration team’s strategic efforts.
A collection of over 14 clippings featuring personal poems written by President Gore, alongside works by other poets, including some unnamed. While many of the poems have holiday themes, the overall message emphasizes bravery, hope, and faith, capturing a spirit of resilience and inspiration.
The Tenth Annual Alpha Kappa Mu Honor Society Convention, held in Baton Rouge, Louisiana in 1948, featured a four-day schedule from Tuesday to Friday. The journal guided guests, executive council, and members through events like recreational festivities, national reports, early registrations, the opening session, and business meetings.
A letter released in 1961 affirms the academic freedom and civil liberties of students at colleges and universities. It states that students will not face academic punishment for breaking the law under circumstances but may face civil charges or significant disciplinary actions, ensuring a balance between personal rights and institutional policies.
A letter sent to all students on November 11, 1963, detailed disciplinary actions under President Gore’s administration. Records showed 108 students faced academic probation, fines owed to the university, or indefinite suspension, reflecting strict enforcement of university policies during a period of heightened campus unrest.
A letter from alumni Frank E. Pinder, based in Accra, Ghana, to President George W. Gore, expressing his gratitude with humility for his selection to the FAMU Hall of Fame. Pinder conveys his deep appreciation for the recognition and acknowledges the university’s impact on his life and career.
A letter from James Eaton to President George W. Gore discusses plans for conducting a schoolwide student survey, with input from the Student Government Association (SGA) during their monthly meeting. The survey aims to gather student feedback on campus life and emphasizes the importance of student involvement in shaping the school's future.
A letter from President George W. Gore to Mr. Vernon E. Jordan extending congratulations on his recent achievements and acknowledging Jordan's dedication and leadership. Gore expresses pride in Jordan’s success and commends his contributions to his field, reinforcing their mutual respect and shared commitment to progress.
In this letter, President Gore of Florida A&M College wrote a meeting invitation to President Doak Campbell of Florida State University to discuss initiatives that would benefit both institutions and strengthen desegregation efforts. Gore emphasized a need for educational resources and support for diverse student bodies.
A letter sent on September 16, 1963, from the Dean of Students emphasized the university's responsibility to uphold law and order, as well as its duty to ensure student safety. It warned students to avoid unnecessary actions that could lead to injunctions, reminding them that such behavior would result in disciplinary measures.
A heartfelt letter to President Gore from his father, written after the holidays, reflects on personal experiences and expresses gratitude. He highlighted the influence of his son’s guidance on his ongoing leadership and dedication to FAMC.
A list from February 1960 records the arrest of 32 individuals, including 30 FAMU students and civil rights leader C. K. Steele. The arrests followed student-led protests advocating for desegregation and civil rights, marking a pivotal moment in the university’s involvement in the broader movement for social justice.
On November 7, 1963, a list was issued naming over 100 students to be reprimanded for breaking the University's code of conduct. The list included each student's hometown and classification, reflecting the administration’s commitment to enforcing order and upholding standards during campus unrest.
During President George W. Gore's tenure, Florida A&M College compiled a list of the 101 negro colleges and universities with each of their prospective presidents above them. This list also included the locations of each institution.
A series of letters between then Director of Research and Grants, B. L. Perry, Jr., and several colleagues, including President Gore, and proposal materials. FAMU collaborated with deans of universities based in Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, and the Southeastern region to create a research laboratory funded by the U.S. Office of Education.
A progress report outlines the revisions and enhancements made to the recommendations from the Student-Faculty Subcommittee emphasizing the adjustments for clarity, impact, and alignment with the committee's objectives, paving the way for final approval and successful implementation.
A letter from William H. Seward, Secretary of State, presents a resolution proposing an amendment to the U.S. Constitution to extend voting rights to people of color. The letter includes excerpts from the Governor of Tallahassee and references Article XV, advocating for equal voting rights for all citizens.
