Ramos Collection

Summary report of the investigation into the Kansas City Chapter of the Black Panther Party by the House Committee on Internal Security, also known as the Committee on Un-American Activities (HUAC). Transcripts of testimonies given by individuals familiar with Black Panther Party activates, exhibits presented to the committee, and photographs are included.

Ramos Collection, Books (Historical KC Texts)

View of children seated in a classroom at an unidentified school.

View of children seated in a classroom at an unidentified school. A Christmas tree can be seen in the background.

View of radio broadcaster Edward R. Pate conducting an interview. Pate is surrounded by children and other figures.

A city directory cataloging Kansas City's Black business and citizen community for the years 1942-1943. The directory defines itself as the name, address, occupation, telephone (if any), property status, auto registration or ownership and family relationship of every Black citizen of high school age or older residing in the city; a complete list of local and state officials; a directory of Black churches, educational institutions, secret and benevolent societies, state institutions, and other organizations; a complete list of Black schools and school teachers; a complete classified business and professional index of Black ownership and management; a cross reference telephone directory of Black telephone subscribers.

Books (Historical KC Texts), Ramos Collection

View of a marker dedicated to known and unknown Black soldiers and sailors who fought in the Civil War in Woodland Cemetery in Kansas City, Kansas. The monument was erected in 1905 by the Grand Army of the Republic Sumner Woman's Relief Corps No. 22. The Inscription reads: GAR - Erected in memory of the known and unknown colored soldiers and sailors who fought in defense of the Union from 1861 to 1865 by Sumner Relief Corp. No 22 through the special efforts of the national aides [line obliterated] Cora S. Dameron.

Standing portrait of Lafayette A. Tillman wearing a police uniform and holding a baton, or night stick.

Formal head and shoulders portrait of Lafayette A. Tillman wearing a police uniform.

Seated, formal portrait of Lafayette A. Tillman.

Outdoor portrait of Lafayette A. Tillman wearing his army uniform and carring a rifle. A boy identified as Frank Jones Jr. is standing next to Tillman. Amy Tillman, his wife, is seated next to Jones. A tent is visible in the background.

Interior view of the Lincoln Branch Library, once located at 1835 Tracy Avenue.

Two rows of Lincoln students in uniform pose in front of a basketball goal in a gym.

View of a Lincoln High School Career Day display. Names of featured on the display are: Wallace R. Kidd - Entomologist; Gwendolyn Freeman - Pre-Medic; Jerry Evans - Electronic Engineer; Eloise B. Allen - Orthoptist; Myrtle Nixon - Home Economics Teacher; Edward R. Pate - President of Radio Station KPRS; John S. Williams - Minister and Singer; Basil O. Phillips - Photo Researcher; William P. Stevenson - Pharmacist; Josephine Mayberry - Medical Social Worker.

Postcard view of the interior of the Lincoln Library Branch at Lincoln High School. Figures are seated at desks in the background.

Postcard view of five men seated atop and standing near a horse-drawn cart loaded with tools. A sign for Iner Seal is painted on a brick wall in the background.

View of a Negro Books display at the Lincoln Branch Library.

Portrait of police officer Louis Tompkins in uniform.

Booklet published by the Kansas City Public Library summarizing the community, civil rights, and legal activism of Alvin Sykes. The text covers Sykes' early life and passion for self-education through public libraries. His involvement in the 1980 murder case of jazz musician Steve Harvey at the Liberty Memorial is highlighted. Sykes' pursuit of a federal civil rights violation case against Harvey's accused killer, Raymond Bledsoe, after he was declared not guilty by an all white jury in Jackson County court is covered. Sykes' civil rights and legal activism following Bledsoe's conviction in 1983, including his involvement with the reexamination of the 1955 murder of Emmett Till, is also covered. The booklet contains an introduction by former Kansas City Public Library executive director R. Crosby Kemper III and concludes with a note from Sykes discussing his life's work.

Ramos Collection, Books (Historical KC Texts)

Postcard showing the Street Hotel, once located at 1508-1512 E. 18th Street. The reverse side of the postcard reads: 18th St. at Paseo. This hotel has 60 guest rooms with private bath and telephone service. Conveniently located on the first floor are: a Haberdasher, a Tailor, Post Office, and the famous Blue Room Cocktail Lounge and Restaurant.

Postcards (Mrs. Sam Ray), Ramos Collection

View of an unidentified teacher leading a group of unidentified children in a lesson about Santa Claus at an unidentified school. A Christmas tree and other decorations can be seen in the background.

View of a teacher and children seated in a classroom at an unidentified school.

1944 Survey of African-American community in Kansas City designed to "bring to light facts regarding problems which face the Negro in Kansas City, Missouri, and which are not commonly known by the public." Authors were the Broadside Study Group of League of Women Voters. Topics include education, health and welfare, housing and sanitation, cultural and recreation facilities, labor and employment, and public service. The survey ends with recommendations and a resources / bibliography section.

Books (Historical KC Texts), Ramos Collection