Guide to the Alaska Black Caucus, Inc. records
1975-1993
Collection number: HMC-0003.
Creator: Alaska Black Caucus, Inc.
Title: Alaska Black Caucus, Inc. records.
Dates: 1975-1993.
Volume of collection: 11.75 cubic feet.
Language of materials: Collection materials are in English.
Collection summary: Records of an organization dedicated to advancing the well-being of the African-Americans in Alaska.
Organizational history:
The Alaska Black Caucus was founded in 1975 as a non-profit organization for the purpose of advancing the educational, cultural, political, and economic well-being of African-Americans in Alaska. It also acted as a liaison for minority groups and interests and provided information on relevant issues and concerns. The Caucus was incorporated in 1977, and its administration included a president, vice-president, secretary, treasurer, a board of directors, and other standing committees. The organization’s activities included developing position papers, publishing a newsletter, holding annual awards banquets, and operating a members’ lounge.
Collection description:
The records in the collection document the history and operation of the Alaska Black Caucus. The collection contains general administration records including articles of incorporation, constitution and bylaws, speeches of the director, and position papers. In addition, there are correspondence, workshop minutes, luncheons and awards programs, award plaques, newsletters, subject files, photographs, a reference file of publications, and other records.
Arrangement: The collection is divided into the following series:
Part 1: Materials acquired before 1989
Series 1: General organization records; 1975-1984
Series 2: Administrative records; 1977-1982, undated
Series 3: Resume Bank records; 1976-1985
Series 4: Private sector correspondence; 1976-1985
Series 5: Public sector and federal government correspondence; 1977-1985
Series 6: Workshop records; 1976-1978
Series 7: Luncheon agendas; 1977-1978
Series 8: Individual complaint records; 1979-1980, 1982
Series 9: Event records; 1978-1988
Series 10: Grant funding records; undated
Series 11: Other pamphlets and reports; 1979, 1983
Series 12: Visitor and member sign-in books; 1976-1978
Part 2: Materials acquired after 1992
Series 1: Administrative records; 1976-1991
Series 2: Historical records; 1976-1987
Series 3: Award certificates; 1984, undated
Series 4: Solidarity Awards banquet and related event records; 1982-1991
Series 5: Award plaques; 1977-1989, undated
Series 6: Event programs; 1975-1991
Series 7: Press releases and newsletters; 1976-1985
Series 8: Scrapbooks; 1975-1987
Series 9: Subject files; 1979-1991
Series 10: Newspapers and clippings; 1975-1993
Series 11: Publications and reference materials; 1976-1992
Series 12: Visual materials; 1975-1990
Series 13: Artifacts; 1984-1986, undated
Digitized copies: Selected photographs and the program from the first annual awards banquet in 1977 from the scrapbooks have been digitized and placed online in the Alaska’s Digital Archives. The scrapbooks have also been digitized but are not online. For information about accessing or obtaining digital copies of collection materials, please contact Archives and Special Collections.
Rights note: Archives & Special Collections does not hold copyright to the materials in this collection.
Preferred citation: Alaska Black Caucus, Inc. records, Archives and Special Collections, Consortium Library, University of Alaska Anchorage.
Acquisition note: This collection was originally deposited at Archives & Special Collections by the Alaska Black Caucus, Inc. in 1981. Additional material was deposited by the organization between 1982 and 1994.
Processing information: This collection was originally arranged and described by Jeffrey Sinnott in 1993 and Michelle Wellck in 1994. The guide to this collection was revised by Megan K. Friedel in 2010. Due to destructive glue in the scrapbooks, the scrapbooks were digitized and dismantled for preservation purposes by Arlene Schmuland in 2020.
Container list:
Part 1: Materials acquired before 1989. Series 1: General organization records; 1975-1984.
| Box/Folder | Description | Dates |
| 1/1 | Articles of incorporation | 1977, 1980 |
| 1/2 | Constitution and bylaws | 1975 |
| 1/3 | Annual reports and corporate records | 1979, 1984 |
| 1/4 | Treasurer’s reports | 1978 |
| 1/5 | Election procedures and reports | 1976, 1978-1980 |
| 1/6 | Election results | 1976, 1979 |
Part 1: Materials acquired before 1989. Series 2: Administrative records; 1977-1982, undated.
| Box/Folder | Description | Dates |
| 1/7 | Job descriptions | undated |
| 1/8 | Speeches | 1979-1982 |
| 1/9 | Position papers | 1979-1980, undated |
Part 1: Materials acquired before 1989. Series 3: Resume Bank records; 1976-1985.
| Box/Folder | Description | Dates |
| 1/10 | Memberships | 1976-1985 |
Part 1: Materials acquired before 1989. Series 4: Private sector correspondence; 1976-1985.
| Box/Folder | Description | Dates |
| 1/11-19 | Incoming correspondence | 1979-1985 |
| 1/20-27 | Outgoing correspondence | 1977-1985 |
Part 1: Materials acquired before 1989. Series 5: Public sector and federal government correspondence; 1977-1985.
| Box/Folder | Description | Dates |
| 1/28-36 | Incoming correspondence, federal | 1977-1985 |
| 1/37-43 | Outgoing correspondence, federal | 1977-1984 |
| 2/1-7 | Incoming correspondence, Anchorage municipality | 1976-1985 |
| 2/8-13 | Outgoing correspondence, Anchorage municipality | 1979-1984 |
| 2/14-23 | Incoming correspondence, state | 1976-1985 |
| 2/24-31 | Outgoing correspondence, state | 1976-1985 |
Part 1: Materials acquired before 1989. Series 6: Workshop records; 1976-1978.
| Box/Folder | Description | Dates |
| 2/32 | Notes and minutes | 1976 |
| 2/33 | Notes and minutes (smooth) | 1977 |
| 2/34 | Notes and minutes (rough) | 1977 |
| 2/35 | Notes and minutes | 1978 |
Part 1: Materials acquired before 1989. Series 7: Luncheon agendas; 1977-1978.
| Box/Folder | Description | Dates |
| 2/36 | Agendas – General | 1977-1978 |
| 2/37 | Agendas – Fairview Community Center | 1978 |
Part 1: Materials acquired before 1989. Series 8: Individual complaint records; 1979-1980, 1982.
| Box/Folder | Date |
| 2/38 | 1979 |
| 2/39 | 1980 |
| 2/40 | 1982 |
Part 1: Materials acquired before 1989. Series 9: Event records; 1978-1988.
| Box/Folder | Description | Date |
| 2/41 | Awards banquets | 1978-1980, 1982-1986 |
| 2/42 | Solidarity day events | 1979-1980, 1983-1988 |
| 2/43 | Other civic events | 1980 |
Part 1: Materials acquired before 1989. Series 10: Grant funding records; undated.
| Box/Folder | Description | Date |
| 2/44 | Information and applications | undated |
Part 1: Materials acquired before 1989. Series 11: Other pamphlets and reports; 1979, 1983.
| Box/Folder | Description | Date |
| 2/45 | Reports from other agencies | 1979, 1983 |
Part 1: Materials acquired before 1989. Series 12: Visitor and member sign-in books; 1976-1978.
| Box/Folder | Date |
| 2/46 | 1976 |
| 2/47 | 1977 |
| 2/48 | 1978 |
Part 2: Materials acquired after 1992. Series 1: Administrative records; 1976-1991.
| Box/Folder | Description | Date |
| 3/1-2 | Caucus Living Room – General records | 1983-1991 |
| 3/3 | Caucus Living Room – Business and liquor licenses | 1985-1990 |
| 3/4 | Caucus Living Room – Account book | 1991 |
| 3/5 | Caucus Living Room – Canceled checks | 1991 |
| 3/6 | Mailing list | 1991 |
| 3/7 | Permits | 1981 |
| 3/8-9 | Position papers | 1979-1991 |
| 3/10 | Administrative transition recommendations | 1986 |
| 3/11 | Tax information | 1976-1984 |
| 3/12 | Termination of lease at 1231 Gambell Street | 1991 |
| 3/13-14 | Correspondence, memoranda, financial records, and other administrative papers | undated |
| 3/15 | Receipt books and receipts – Membership dues payments | 1989 |
Part 2: Materials acquired after 1992. Series 2: Historical records; 1976-1987.
| Box/Folder | Description | Date |
| 3/16 | Financial history | 1980, 1984 |
| 3/17 | General history | 1976-1981 |
| 3/18 | Meeting history | 1979-1985 |
| 3/19 | Membership history | 1978-1987 |
Part 2: Materials acquired after 1992. Series 3: Award certificates; 1984, undated.
| Box/Folder | Description | Date |
| 9/1 | “State of Alaska Executive Proclamation by Jay Hammond, Governor.” | 1979 July 7 |
| 9/2 | “U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of the Census, Certificate of Appreciation,” for the Alaska Black Caucus for participation in the Community Service Program | 1980 |
| 9/3 | “Anchorage, Alaska, Office of the Mayor, George M. Sullivan,” proclamation of Solidarity Week |
1980 July 12-18 |
| 9/4-5 | “The First Christian Methodist Episcopal Church of Anchorage, Alaska,” certificates of appreciation to Piper and Lori Overstreet for the Sunday School Christmas Pageant | 1981 January 31 |
| 9/6 | “The Alaska Legislature” honors the Alaska Black Caucus Awards | 1943 March 4 |
Part 2: Materials acquired after 1992. Series 4: Solidarity Awards banquet and related event records; 1982-1991.
| Box/Folder | Date |
| 3/20 | 1982 |
| 3/21 | 1983 |
| 3/22 | 1984 |
| 3/23 | 1986 |
| 3/24 | 1987 |
| 3/25 | 1988 |
| 3/26 | 1989 |
| 3/27 | 1990 |
| 3/28 | 1991 |
| 9 | Oversize materials, 1982-1991 |
Part 2: Materials acquired after 1992. Series 5: Award plaques; 1977-1989, undated.
| Box | Description | Date |
| 12 | Business Participation Award recipients | 1977-1988 |
| 12 | Caucus Living Room Charter Members awards | 1985 |
| 12 | Caucus Member of the Year recipients | 1980-1989 |
| 12 | Community Service Award recipients | 1977-1988 |
| 12 | Media Service Award recipients | 1977-1988 |
| 12 | Outstanding Youth Award recipients | 1979-1989 |
| 12 | Pioneer Alaskans – Alaska Black Caucus | undated |
| 12 | Political Awareness Award recipients | 1977-1988 |
| 12 | President’s Award recipients | 1981-1989 |
| 12 | Presented to the Alaska Black Caucus by the National Black Caucus of State Legislators, Western Region | 1987 |
Part 2: Materials acquired after 1992. Series 6: Event programs; 1975-1991.
| Box/Folder | Date |
| 3/29 | 1975-1976 |
| 3/30 | 1977-1978 |
| 3/31 | 1979-1980 |
| 4/1 | 1981-1982 |
| 4/2 | 1983-1984 |
| 4/3 | 1985-1986 |
| 4/4 | 1987-1988 |
| 4/5 | 1989-1990 |
| 4/6 | 1990 |
Part 2: Materials acquired after 1992. Series 7: Press releases and newsletters; 1976-1985.
| Box/Folder | Description | Date |
| 4/7 | Press releases | 1978-1991 |
| 4/8 | Newsletters | 1976-1985 |
Part 2: Materials acquired after 1992. Series 8: Scrapbooks; 1975-1987.
The scrapbooks are in roughly chronological order. They include clippings, photographs, and program events and flyers. As the albums in which they were housed contained destructive glue, the scrapbooks were digitized and contents, excluding clippings, were removed and preserved.
| Box | Description | Date |
| 7 | Scrapbook 1 | 1975 December- 1979 March |
| 7 | Scrapbook 2 | 1978 June, 1979 July |
| 7 | Scrapbook 3 | 1979 March-July |
| 7 | Scrapbook 4 | 1979 November-1981 March |
| 7 | Scrapbook 5 | 1979 September-1980 January |
| 7 | Scrapbook 6 | 1980 February-1981 March |
| 7 | Scrapbook 7 | 1981 March-July |
| 7 | Scrapbook 8 | 1981 June-August |
| 7 | Scrapbook 9 | 1981 November-1982 July |
| 7 | Scrapbook 10 | 1982 June-July |
| 7 | Scrapbook 11 | 1983-1984 |
| 7 | Scrapbook 12 | 1985 June-1987 January |
Part 2: Materials acquired after 1992. Series 9: Subject files; 1979-1991.
| Box/Folder | Description | Date |
| 4/9-11 | Alaska Business Development League | 1981-1982 |
| 4/12 | Black Heritage Pageant | 1981 |
| 4/13 | Congressional Black Caucus reception | 1991 |
| 4/14 | Mitchell Task Force, Hearings in Anchorage to Examine Minority Participation in Federal Programs in Alaska | 1980 |
| 4/15 | National Conference on a Black Agenda for the 80’s | 1980 |
| 4/16 | National Conference on a Black Agenda for the 80’s, briefing book | 1980 |
| 4/17 | Shooting death of Phillip J. Moore | 1979 |
| 4/18 | Task Force for the Development of a Black Agenda of Concerns to be presented to the Mayor of Anchorage | 1984 |
| 4/19 | University of Alaska, Board of Regents, Dismissal of Dr. Ronald Smith | 1985 |
Part 2: Materials acquired after 1992. Series 10: Newspapers and clippings; 1975-1993.
| Box/Folder | Description | Date |
| 4/20 | Vox Populi | 1978-1979 |
| 4/21 | The New Horizon | 1977-1979 |
| 8 | North Star Reporter | 1982-1983 |
| 9 | Clippings about blacks | 1988-1993 |
| 4/22-5/2 | Clippings about the Alaska Black Caucus | 1975-1989 |
| 5/3-14 | General news clippings | 1975-1990 |
Part 2: Materials acquired after 1992. Series 11: Publications and reference materials; 1976-1992.
The publications and reference materials are grouped into Alaska-related publications, national publications, and periodicals.
| Box/Folder | Description |
| 6/1 | A New Beginning – 43rd Biennial and 86th Anniversary Convention – National Association of Colored Women’s Clubs, Inc. – July 31-August 6, 1982 – Captain Cook Hotel, Anchorage, Alaska. |
| 6/2 | A Tribute to Black Women by Kuumba, Inc. Undated. 2 copies of program. |
| 6/3 | The African American Male: Mastering the ’90s: A Focus on Families and Health. The Alaska African American Male Conference; Jan. 10-12, 1992 (conference pocket folder). Afro-American Heritage Library, Anchorage, Alaska; undated (catalog). Alaska Alumna Chapter, Delta Sigma Theta, Inc. Annual Scholarship Ball, Saturday, Feb. 11, 1984, Hotel Captain Cook, Anchorage, Alaska. Alaska Black Leadership Conference, Community Based Educational Enrichment Program (with agenda). Feb. 18, 1981. |
| 6/4 | Alaska Directory of State Officials. August 1992. Prepared by Legislative Affairs Agency. |
| 6/5 | Alaska Permanent Fund – 1992 Annual Report. Alaska State Association of Colored Women’s Clubs: Second Biennial State Convention, June 3, 4 and 5, 1983, Anchorage Alaska. Alaskan Blacks Salute the Bicentennial. Leake Temple A.M.E. Zion Church and Great Land Visuals; 1976. |
| 6/6 | Alaska’s Resource Challenge: The Next Five Years. Common Sense for Alaska, Inc.; 1983. Anchorage Municipal Libraries, Spenard Community Branch Presents, Martha Gore, Artist of the Month; Nov. 1979 (announcement). Bill Sykes, Anchorage Assembly; undated (2 copies of campaign flier). Black Entrepreneurs Business Directory – 1989 [published in Anchorage] |
| 6/7 | Black on a Background of White: A Chronicle of Afro-Americans’ Involvement in America’s Last Frontier, Alaska. By Everett Louis Overstreet. Anchorage: Alaska Black Caucus; 1990. |
| 6/8 | Can I Speak for You Brother?: A One Man Play Depicting Black Leaders. By Phillip E. Walker M.F.A. with forward by Ethel Pitts Walker, Ph.D. Fairbanks: That New Publishing Co.; 1983. |
| 6/9 | The Challenge of Plenty: An Awareness Project on Alaska State Government Spending Policy. Common Sense For Alaska; December 13, 1980. 2 copies. |
| 6/10 | The Challenge of Plenty ’82: Theme: Fiscal State of the State – Common Sense for Alaska Inc., December 5, 1981. |
| 6/11 | Color Explosion. Sponsored by North to the Future, B.P.W. Club, and Muldoon-Tudor Lions Club; 1980 (program for Ebony Fashion Fair). The Constitution of the State of Alaska. Legislative Affairs Agency; 1980. Developing Leadership for the 21st Century: Training in Progress – NAACP Regional I Annual Leadership Training Conference – April 3-5, 1992 – Regal Alaskan Hotel, Anchorage, Alaska. The Ethedra Davis Retirement Dinner; Oct. 25, 1980 (program). Heritage: Quarterly Newsletter of the Office of History and Archaeology, Alaska Division of Parks and Outdoor Recreation. No. 45 July-September 1990. In Memoriam: Soror Roberta Smith Hutchinson, Chapter Member, Alaska Alumnae Chapter, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Anchorage, Alaska, 1950-1980 (program). Map of Anchorage, Eagle River. Alaskan Hospitality & Relocation Services; 1985. |
| 6/12 | Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemorative Program, “Let Freedom Ring.” Egan Convention Center, Anchorage, Alaska; Sunday, Jan. 18, 1987. Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Commemoration, Anchorage Alaska, 1989 (2 copies). Martin Luther King, Jr., 1992 Commemoration Birthday Celebration, Anchorage, Alaska. |
| 6/13 | Mastering the 90’s: Through Education – Flyer for the “2nd Annual APU/UAA and the Anchorage School District Black History Program” – Keynote Speaker: Representative Bettye J. Davis, Featured Soloist: Specialist Steven J. Richardson, U.S. Army; February 17, 1992. Northwest Region, Association of Colored Women’s Clubs, Twenty-fifth Biennial Convention, July 24-July 28, 1991, Anchorage, Alaska. Old City Hall (Anchorage). Alaska Pacific Bank; undated (photographic history). Omega Psi Fraternity, Inc., Gamma Alpha Alpha Chapter, Anchorage, Alaska: Second Annual Scholarship Benefit Dance. Sheraton Hotel; December 14, 1979 (program). Opening Reception of the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition, Field to Factory, Afro-American Migration 1915-1940. Anchorage Museum of History and Art; April 29, 1990 (2 copies). |
| 6/14 | “Racial Discrimination Study: Alaska’s Criminal Justice System” – Request for Proposal; 1979. |
| 6/15 | The 7th Annual Black Heritage Committee Presents the Black Heritage Ball and Ms. and Mr. Black Heritage Pageant. Feb. 14, 1982 (program). Solidarity Day Address by Earl G. Graves – President, Earl G. Graves, Ltd. – Editor and Publisher, Black Enterprise Magazine – Before the Alaska Black Caucus – June 18, 1983. |
| 6/16 | Snow Loads in Alaska – Alaska Climate Center Technical Note No. 4 – 1987. 29th Anniversary: Greater Friendship Baptist Church. June 22, 1980 (program). Voices of Black Women in Alaska. Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church; Nov. 30-December 1, 1979. |
| 6/17 | About the Congressional Black Caucus: Working in Congress for the People; 1978 (brochure). |
| 6/18 | American Association of Blacks in Energy – Annual Convention Materials; 1983. |
| 6/19 | Black Americans in Congress: 1870-1977. 95th Congress, 1st Session, House Document 95-258; 1977 (2 copies). |
| 6/20 | Black Americans in Congress: 1870-1989. By Bruce A. Ragsdale and Joel D. Treese. Washington D.C.: USGPO; 1990 (2 copies). |
| 6/21 | Black Heritage. St. Louis: World Cities Ltd.; 1977 (prospectus). The Black Leadership Family Plan for the Unity, Survival, and Progress of Black People. Congressional Black Caucus; Feb. 1982. Blackbook International Reference Guide, 1985 |
| 6/22 | The Capitol: A Pictorial History of the Capitol and of the Congress. Eighth Edition, 97th Congress. USGPO, 1981. |
| 6/23 | The Congressional Black Caucus Spouses Present the 11th Annual Fashion Show, Spirit! Phillip Morris Companies Inc., primary sponsors; 1987 (program). The Declaration of Independence and the Constitution of the United States of America. Printed by the Phillips Petroleum Co.; 1976. Equality and Excellence: The Educational Status of Black Americans. College Entrance Examination Board; 1985. Fund Raising Reception and Dinner Program – The Committee to Re-Elect Sanford Bishop [from Georgia]; 1983. |
| 6/24 | Guide to Black Organizations – 1989-91 Edition – Published by Philip Morris Companies [includes Alaska Black Caucus]. Guide to Black Organizations – 1992-94 Edition – Published by Philip Morris Companies [includes Alaska Black Caucus]. |
| 6/25 | Martin Luther King, Jr.: His Life and Dream: Elementary Level. By Christine King Farris. Lexington, Mass.: Ginn and Co.; 1986. National Coalition on Black Voter Participation, Inc.’s Operation Big Vote: 8th Anniversary Celebration; June 2, 1984 (invitation). The People’s Platform: National Black Coalition for 1984. Dr. Joseph E. Lowery, Chairman, in cooperation with The National Black Leadership Roundtable, Congressman Walter E. Fauntroy, President; 1984. |
| 6/26 | Presidential Advisory Committee on Small and Minority Business Ownership – Annual Report, 1982; Aug. 4, 1983. Presidential Advisory Committee on Small and Minority Business Ownership – Appendix to Annual Report, 1982; March 1, 1983. |
| 6/27 | The Social and Economic Status of the Black Population in the United States: An Historical View, 1790-1978. U.S. Dept of Commerce, Bureau of the Census; 1978. |
| 11/1 | The State of Small Business: A Report of the President – Transmitted to the Congress March 1982. Together with The Annual Report on Small Business and Competition of the U.S. Small Business Administration. USGPO: Washington, 1982. |
| 11/2 | United Black Fund of Greater Washington, Inc. – 10th Annual Victory Luncheon – Workshop Theme: Energy and You – Thursday, June 24, 1982 – Sheraton Washington Hotel, Washington, D.C. (program). Tips on Lobbying. AFL-CIO, Dept. of Legislation, Publication No. 173; Jan. 1987. |
| 11/3 | Black Enterprise; March 1978. Jet; Feb. 15, 1979. Ebony Fashion Fair Magazine; 1979-1980. The Ring; Nov. 1980. The Douglas Letter: A Publication of the Republican National Committee; Summer 1983. |
| 11/4 | National Black Monitor; Sep. 1983. Tony Brown’s Journal; First Quarter, 1984. Tony Brown’s Journal; 2nd Quarter, 1985. Ebony Fashion Fair Magazine; 1986-1987. 1989 Calendar of Black Children; National Black Child Development Institute; 1988. |
Part 2: Materials acquired after 1992. Series 12: Visual materials; 1975-1990.
| Box/Folder | Description | Date |
| 11/5 | Photographs: General | 1975-1980 |
| 11/6 | Photographs and negatives: General | 1981-1985 |
| 11/7 | Photographs and negatives: General | 1985-1990 |
| 11/8 | Photographs: Black representatives in Congress | circa 1980 |
| 10 | Videotapes: “Mickey Leland, Alaska Black Caucus Solidarity Banquet, Captain Cook Hotel, June, 1985.” | 1985 June |
| 10 | Videotapes: “Alaska Black Caucus Solidarity 1991.” | 1991 |
| 10 | Videotapes: “Tony Brown’s Journal, Alaska Black Caucus, National Dist. Apr. 20, 1990.” Panelists were Sterling Taylor, Bettye Davis, and E. Louis Overstreet | 1990 April 20 |
Part 2: Materials acquired after 1992. Series 13: Artifacts; 1984-1986, undated.
| Box | Description | Date |
| 10 | Buttons and pins: -“I Like Sykes for Assembly” -“Re-Elect Bettye Davis, School Board” -“Wild About Anchorage! Anchorage Convention and Visitor’s Bureau” -“Jesse Jackson, Now is the Time, 1984.” -“Sojourner Truth,” pin of U.S. Postal Service design (1986) |
1984-1986, undated |
| 10 | Cardboard desk name plate for Joann Overstreet | undated |