Victor Cumberbatch, who was sentenced to prison in 1973 on robbery and weapons charges in connection with a Black Liberation Army (BLA) robbery, writes to update Albert Washington (Nuh Abdul Qaiyum) on his physical wellbeing and where he is serving his prison sentence. He asks if he has heard anything about an incident in Brooklyn.
Letter from W. M. Smither to William Jay Schieffelin declining an invitation to attend the "Symposium on the Negro" at Tuskegee Institute. "Winston-Salem, N.C., R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Company" is handwritten across the top of the letter.
A letter from Charles G. Gomillion, the Dean of Students of Tuskegee University and president of the Tuskegee Civic Association, to President Patterson inquiring about his status as employment status for the 1940-1941 academic year.
A letter from Nuh Abdul Qaiyum, who is imprisoned, to his wife Frankye Adams-Johnson (Malika). Nuh Abdul Qaiyum writes about materials he needs for an escape from prison. He explains that they are enslaved in prison, and he will choose freedom even if he dies. He ends by writing retrospectively about his personal life and the Black Panther Party.
A letter addressed to “All Black and Oppressed Third World People” from the Malcolm X Section of the Afro-American Liberation Army. The letter is a call for Black people to take up arms and take their freedom from America, even if that means “killing those who stand between us and the oppressor”
One-page letter responding to Anabelle Darden's request for information about Monroe N. Work to include in the New Jersey Afro-American newspaper. Work included a sketch of his life story and a photograph with his response.
A letter to Algerian president Houari Boumediene from members of the Black Liberation Army (BLA) who had fled to his country from the United States. Melvin McNair, Jean McNair, Larry Burgess, and George Brown hijacked a plane in Miami on July 31, 1972 to seek political asylum in Algeria. The letter talks about their treatment in the country.
Two-page letter seeking information from Monroe N. Work about his life for inclusion in the New Jersey Afro-American newspaper. More than 20 questions are listed in the letter, some of which have responses next to them written in pencil.
One-page letter requesting that Work meet with Washington about introducing a course at Tuskegee about sociology and history. Washington mentions he will be in Savannah on the 29th or 30th.
One-page letter from Dr. W.E.B. DuBois to Monroe Work asking him to attend a conference in the coming summer to discuss methods of uplifting the black community. The Niagara Movement and N.A.A.C.P. are written on top of the letter.
One-page letter to Monroe N. Work in College, Georgia, from Emmett Scott, a secretary at Tuskegee. Scott's letter references a separate letter for Work that had not been forwarded to him. Scott's letter is typed on Tuskegee Institute stationery.
Black Panther Party leader, co-founder of the Black Liberation Army, and political prisoner Dhoruba Bin Wahd (Richard Moore) writes to the Freedom Now Campaign concerning several of the group's members exhibiting opportunistic tendencies on the issue of African-American political prisoners because of a power vacuum in the Black liberation struggle
These letters discuss key financial strategies, budgeting, and administrative decisions that shaped university operations. FAMC effectively managed its financial challenges, allocating resources to promote academic advancement and infrastructure development while addressing the changing needs of students and faculty.
Letters detailing the responsibilities and designated duties of the Vice President of the University were included first, followed by confidential business operation packets outlining the general organizational structure of the university's identified 'weaknesses' and proposed options for improvement.
This correspondence collection highlights discussions on critical financial strategies, budgeting challenges, and administrative decisions that directly affected university operations. The letters exemplify how FAMU navigated complex financial landscapes, ensuring that resources were allocated to strengthen both academic and infrastructural growth while responding to the evolving needs of students, faculty, and the broader FAMU community.
In his correspondence with Mrs. L. Elisabeth Miller, President George W. Gore confirmed the student victim’s relocation for safety and promised prompt communication, demonstrating his commitment to resolving the issue and ensuring her security.
Letters between President George W. Gore and Dr. H. D. Goode discuss the financial details of FAMC’s building costs, including budgeting and expenses, as well as the university's administrative structure. Gore formally invites Dr. Goode to lead the FAMC Alumni Chapter, emphasizing the importance of alumni leadership in university growth.
The Philadelphia Afro-American Newspaper mistakenly sent letters addressed to current President George W. Gore to former President William H. Gray. This mix-up caused brief confusion, as both leaders had been instrumental in the advancement and shaping of Florida A&M University’s legacy.
In 1954, letters captured exchanges between FAMU President Gore and leaders of UF and FSU about ticket distributions for university presidents. Additional correspondence outlines Gore’s 25-year plan with FAMU’s Law Dean, focusing on student enrichment and graduation growth in Home Economics and Agriculture.
Letters between President George W. Gore and the Embassy of Ghana outline plans for a visit to FAMU in order to build educational ties and expand opportunities for Ghanaian students. Discussions include academic exchanges, scholarship options, and initiatives to further support Ghanaian students at FAMU.
Letters between President George W. Gore and Supervisor Dorothy G. Holmes of Leon County discuss meetings and the urgency of enrolling students in summer classes at FAMC. The exchanges reflect Gore's commitment to ensuring access to education and promoting teacher involvement in summer school programs.
President Gore of Florida A&M College wrote to former student Joe Kershaw, a referee, to apologize for the delay in a recent football game caused by the university’s marching band. The exchange turned somewhat passive-aggressive, with both Kershaw and Gore exchanging letters before ultimately reaching a mutual understanding about the situation.
In telegrams exchanged during the months before her passing in 1955, Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune conveyed her plans to visit Tallahassee, despite the personal challenges President Gore was facing with his wife’s illness. Her dedication to the cause and support for the community remained steadfast.
This collection of letters to and from President Gore reflects his vital collaboration with Dr. E. Franklin Frazier and leaders of Negro Land Grant Colleges. Together, they shared statistics, leadership insights, and event invitations to drive the Cooperative Social Studies Project and expand educational access.
A series of letters chronicles Wendell Austin’s journey, beginning with his interest in attending Florida A&M College and securing a scholarship. The correspondence includes registration details and his campus accomplishments, culminating in his election as Student Government President in 1953.
Four letters from Monroe N. Work to "Mr. Otis" regarding a "study of occupations in the Southern areas" in conjunction with the Agriculture Department. Three letters are dated July 1935, one letter is dated November 1935.
Letters regarding university renovations and a student-faculty relationship survey outlined FAMU's planned improvements, funding strategies, and renovation timelines. The communications emphasized the university's commitment to enhancing campus facilities and fostering a modern, functional environment for students and faculty.
Ms. Eartha White sent a letter expressing her appreciation for joining the local committee and confirming receipt of President Gore's previous correspondence about the Florida Classic. In a separate letter, Mr. Edward Jones from the Department of Painting and Decorating highlighted the significance of African history in Florida.
A collection of letters celebrating the accomplishments of FAMU’s Jazz Ensemble, Concert Choir, and Marching Band, all under the direction of Dr. William P. Foster from John Hopkins, founder of Hopkins University. These letters offer praise for the ensembles' performances.
