Tag: African American History

A Salute to Black History Month

[metaslider id=9195] Before Black History Month wraps up for this year we should remember that 2015 is the 50th anniversary of two seminal events.  It's the 50th anniversary of the three Selma to Montgomery marches that were part of the Selma Voting Rights Movement which led to the passage of the Voting Rights Act. It's also the 50th anniversary of the assassination of Malcolm X. First a photo salute to Black History Month from the vast archives at Corbis followed by a few selections from our inventory. Enjoy!     Signed by the President The Audacity of Hope: Thoughts on Reclaiming the American Dream by Barack...

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African American Archivist’s Dream Must Not Be Deferred

Avery Clayton (1947-2009)Avery Clayton lived long enough to find a home for the largest collection of African American artifacts on the West Coast. But not long enough to see the treasure trove of rare books, manuscripts, photographs, feature films and ephemera, his mother's life's work, made available to the public. Mr. Clayton died suddenly on Thursday, while hosting a Thanksgiving dinner. He was 62 years old.Mayme A. Clayton (1923-2006)Clayton's mother, Mayme, spent 40 years amassing materials on African American history from every source imaginable: garage sales, flea markets, attics, used-book stores, and even dumps. She rescued thousands of rare books,...

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