The Urban League of Rhode Island Collection is a unique body of materials. Its files span the period 1938 through 1970. Begun almost as a one-man operation, the League developed into a multifaceted operation by the late 1960s. Just as the civil rights movement advanced slowly nationally, the influence of the League grew at a gradual pace in the Providence community.
The Collection tells the story of the League's early trials and tribulations, programs, and successes and failures. It also chronicles the story of the National Urban League through the eyes of a local affiliate. And, lastly, the Collection is largely the story of one man, James N. Williams, the first director, who served for thirty years in Providence and participated in the triumphs in the battle for racial equality in this nation.
Collection is open for research by appointment. Materials do not circulate. Some materials may be restricted, for further information contact the Archives and Special Collections, Phillips Memorial Library, Providence College.
Researchers are advised that express written permission to reproduce, quote, or otherwise publish any portion or extract from this collection must be obtained from the Phillips Memorial Library. Although Providence College has physical ownership of the collection and the materials contained therein, it does not claim literary rights. It is up to the researcher to determine the owners of the literary rights and to obtain any necessary permissions from them.
Urban League of Rhode Island collection, Providence College, Phillips Memorial Library, Archives and Special Collections.
The Urban League of Rhode Island consists of fifty-four (54) boxes containing over three thousand folders. Also included with the papers are several scrapbooks and photographic files. The College has also acquired microfilm copies of the Boston Chronicle (1932-1939) and Providence Chronicle (1939-1957) as a supplemental aid to researchers.
During processing, archives staff completely reorganized the collection into seven subject-based series, each organized alphabetically by folder title.
The collection was donated by the Urban league of Rhode Island to Providence College in 1974.
During the original reorganization of the collection extraneous materials were discarded.
This series is comprised of materials that document the League's interactions with public and private agencies, organizations, and associations in the city of Providence.
The series is arranged alphabetically.
Contains the minutes of meetings, leaders' correspondence, internal records and other pertinent information on League activities, especially federal social action programs of the 1960s.
The series is arranged alphabetically.
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The Newport Urban League was an affiliate branch of the Urban League of Rhode Island serving residents of Newport and workers in nearby Naval bases.
The series is arranged alphabetically.
This series contains material forwarded to the Urban League of Rhode Island from its parent organization.
The series is arranged alphabetically.
These files contain records of the League's interaction with state agencies, programs, and commissions.
The series is arranged alphabetically.
The series includes files regarding the many private religious, health care, and social welfare agencies in the state.
The series is arranged alphabetically.
Various regional and national organizations which corresponded with or forwarded information to the League are listed in this grouping.
The series is arranged alphabetically.