News & Updates
MCLM in Ebony Magazine!!!
In the February 2008 issue of Ebony Magazine on page 116 please read the wonderful article about the Mayme A. Clayton Library & Museum titled, “The Race to Save Black History” by Eric V. Copage.
The article focuses on how extremely important it is to gather and preserve the history of Americans of African descent before it is lost forever to water, fire, theft, mold and neglect.
MCLM Receives a Federal Appropriation of $250,000!!!
On December 27, 2007 Representative Diane E. Watson, 33rd Congressional District secured a federal appropriation of $250,000 for facility renovations! We cannot adequately express the depth of our gratitude to Congresswoman Watson, a former educator who shares our vision and persevered to secure funding for MCLM.
A PRESS CONFERENCE will be held February 19, 2008, 9:00 – 10:30 am, and hosted by CongresswomanDiane E. Watson, Los Angeles County Supervisor Yvonne Brathwaite Burke and MCLM CEO, Avery Clayton at the Mayme A. Clayton Library & Museum, 4130 Overland Avenue, Culver City, California 90230 to publicly announce the funding for renovations. There will also be an announcement about the acquisition of a major Los Angeles collection. Please join us and celebrate history in the making! Light refreshments will be served. To RSVP, please call Representative Watson’s office at (323) 965-1422.
1772 Foundation Donates $100,000!!!
MCLM is deeply grateful to the 1772 Foundation for its first-time gift to MCLM of $100,000 to archive the Collection! 1772 Foundation Executive Director, Mary Anthony did a site visit to MCLM December 13-14, 2006. That the 1772 Foundation appreciates and shares our vision is a vote of confidence that will change lives.
The Leo S. Guthman Foundation Donates $200,000!!!
MCLM is deeply grateful to Lynne Rosenthal and Patricia Silver, Trustees of the Leo S. Guthman Fund and to Iris Krieg, Executive Director of the Guthman Fund for their contribution of $200,000 that will be paid over 5 years. The support of the Guthman Fund is encouraging and inspiring!
The Weingart Foundation Donates $10,000!!!
MCLM is deeply grateful to the Weingart Foundation in Los Angeles for its generous donation of $10,000 which will be used to complete the installation of the library shelving that was donated by the University of Southern California in 2007. Having support at home in Los Angeles from the Weingart Foundation is very important to MCLM.
MCLM on Fox Television
On Thursday, February 7, 2008 please watch Fox Channel 11, 10:30pm for a documentary about the Mayme A. Clayton Library & Museum titled, “Window to the Past,” produced by Cliff Harrison and hosted by Fox Anchorman Tony McEwing.
MCLM & THE HOWARD UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE
Howard University School of Architecture Professors at MCLM, November 10, 2007
Left to right: Barbara Laurie, AIA, NOMA; Avery Clayton; Outram Hussey, Jr., AIA NOMA and
Edward Dunson, AIA, Chairman, Department of Architecture and Howard University, Washington, DC
Howard University School of Architecture 3rd year students and faculty in the School Lobby, which being reconstructed
Students pictured above are Rashidah Williams, Nicole Praise, Jonathan Ramos, Akil Matthews, Gabrielle J. Jones, Wassim Shaabah, Akida Rouzl, Nia El-Amin, William Lawrey, Dwayne A. Smith-Malcolm, Farida Aliyu, Misheck Chihalire, Lauren Hall, Janiece Williams, Jonathan Nichols, Alan Henderson, Kyle Winston and Marcos Johns. Faculty pictured above include Outram Hussey, Jr., A.I.A., Barbara Laurie, A.I.A. and Dr. Jeanne Toungara, Department of History
On January 23, 2008 Howard University School of Architecture 3rd year students presented their visions of the future Mayme A. Clayton Library & Museum. In November 2007, Professors Edward Dunson, Barbara Laurie and Outram Hussey, Jr. did a reconnaissance of MCLM. The professors then relayed their findings to the students, who were subsequently divided into three design groups. Each team did extensive research on Culver City building codes and presented exciting and innovative designs! The students presented themselves as consummate professionals. The alliance between MCLM and Howard University is historic; it represents the first time an East Coast academic institution will collaborate in the creation of a West Coast cultural institution. MCLM is proud and honored!
The Library of Congress & MCLM
While in Washington, D.C., (Jan. 22-25, 2008) Avery visited Dr. James H. Billington, the Librarian of Congress and Adrian Cannon, Archivist for the Library of Congress (pictured at the left). We discussed plans for the LOC to digitize portions of the Mayme Agnew Clayton Collection and place them on the LOC website and the MCLM website. The LOC is very enthusiastic about MCLM’s effort to establish a West Coast research center and repository for African American culture and history.
U. S. Embassy in Manila, Philippines presents MCLM Film Festival
Through the U. S. Department of State, MCLM will present a “Salute to Black Women of the Silver Screen” Film Festival March 3 - 4, 2008 at the U. S. Embassy in Manila in conjunction with the University of the Philippines, Manila. The festival will feature films from the Mayme A. Clayton Film Archives of Nina Mae McKinney, Lena Horne, Dorothy Dandridge, Ethel Waters, Oprah Winfrey, Diahann Carroll, Whoopi Goldberg, Diana Ross, Angela Bassett, Halle Berry and Josephine Baker.
To have a film festival presented for your organization, please e-mail: aclayton@wsbrec.org aclayton@wsbrec.org
New Furniture for MCLM from the ANEW Foundation!!!
Mayme A. Clayton Library & Museum received a generous donation of chairs, conference tables, desks and credenzas from the ANEW Foundation. The beautiful new furniture has given us a big boost and we are very appreciative.
Wells Fargo Executive Director Leadership Workshop & MCLM
MCLM CEO, Avery Clayton is enrolled in a year-long class and is learning to become a more effective no-profit manager. Avery was one of fifteen selected for the 2007/08 class. The class is facilitated by the Executive Service Corps, Los Angeles. The next class is January 31, 2008 at the John Tracy Clinic, Los Angeles.
Annenberg Foundation Non-Profit Leadership Workshop & MCLM
Avery attended the follow-up class to the Annenberg’s leadership workshop on January 15, 2008 at the Annenberg Science Center in Exposition Park. The initial two-day seminar was held October 24-25, 2007. Like the Wells Fargo class, the Annenberg class teaches effective non-profit leadership management skills.
Sterling Publications/Barnes & Noble Books & MCLM
Look for a new book by Avery Clayton about the Mayme A. Clayton Collection of African American History and Culture by December 2008. The book is designed as a treasury catalog to introduce the public to the Clayton Collection and to tell Dr. Clayton’s story as one of America’s greatest collectors and an amazing Mom. The book will be published by Sterling Publications, NYC. Sterling Publications is the publishing arm for Barnes & Noble Books. Sterling will also publish 12 classics from the collection. The Mayme Agnew Clayton Classics Collection will include fabulous rare and out-of-print works (many pre-Emancipation) written by black authors. MCLM is thrilled to join forces will Sterling Publications/Barnes & Noble to bring previously lost treasures of African American literature back to life.
The Ford Foundation & MCLM
In August 2007 MCLM was awarded a coveted Ford Foundation grant. Grant funds are designated to develop a Strategic Plan. The first draft of MCLM Strategic Plan has been completed by the Larson Allen Consulting Group, Minneapolis, MN. The Strategic Plan will serve as a blueprint for MCLM’s development in the years to come. This is a major step in the right direction.
UCLA & MCLM
Inventorying and cataloging the Mayme Agnew Clayton Collection is crucial to making the collection available to the public. MCLM is very pleased to announce that the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) has stepped forward to tangibly support our efforts to organize the collection. UCLA Professor Jonathan Furner with the Graduate School of Education & Information Studies (GES&IS) will serve as a faculty supervisor to assist graduate school interns in organizing the collection. Graduate interns will come from GES&IS (library science), the African American Studies Department and the Moving Image Archival Studies Program. It is very gratifying that UCLA has stepped forward in such a meaningful way. During her tenure as a law librarian at UCLA, Dr. Clayton developed the collection for the African American Studies Center Library in Ralph Bunche Hall, which remains to this day the research base for UCLA’s African American Studies Program. Dr. Clayton retired from UCLA in 1972 to found Western States Black Research Center (renamed the Mayme A. Clayton Library & Museum).
Cataloging Volunteers are Needed
Be part of history. Take advantage of a rare opportunity to learn about the Mayme A. Clayton Collection first-hand and help MCLM make the collection available to the public.
MCLM is very fortunate to have received a generous donation of cataloging software from Cuadra Associates http://www.cuadra.com/. Not only has Cuadra Associates donated their software, which is considered to be the best in the archival world, they will also train select MCLM volunteers in how to use it and train others in its use.
Computer literate volunteers are needed to be trained to catalog the Mayme A. Clayton Collection. Initial training begins with an introduction to STAR/Archives and STAR's Windows interface, STAR Client. Trainees will be shown how to create and edit records and how to search to recall records for editing. In addition, trainees will be introduced to the concept of authority-file databases and their role in supporting uniform and correct cataloging. The exercises we will use during the training include setting up some of the key authorities (e.g., repository records, locations, personal and organizational names).
Trained volunteers will be asked to commit a minimum of 20 hours per month to catalog the collection.
The Two-Day Training Schedule will be as follows:
The Library of Congress & MCLM
The organization of the collection is critical to MCLM’s relationship with the Library of Congress (LOC). In a Letter of Intent to Collaborate (April 2007) Dr. Deanna Marcum, Associate Librarian for Library Services stated that the processing of the Clayton Collection was crucial. The MCLM/LOC collaboration is significant because the LOC will digitize portions of the collection and place it on the LOC website where it will receive an unparalleled level of international exposure and it will also represent the first significant West Coast relationship for the LOC since it was founded in 1897.
Obituary
Mayme Agnew Clayton
(August 4, 1923 - October 13, 2006)
Mayme Agnew Clayton
(August 4, 1923 – October 13, 2006)
Founder & President,
Western States Black Research & Education Center
Custodian of African American History & Culture
Dr. Mayme Agnew Clayton was the Founder, President & Spiritual Leader of the Western States Black Research and Education Center (WSBREC), the largest privately held collection of African-American historical materials in the world. The collection represents the core holdings of the Mayme A. Clayton Library Museum and Cultural Center (MCL) soon to be located at 4130 Overland Avenue, Culver City, California.
Over the past 45 years, Dr. Clayton single-handedly and with her own resources, collected more than 30,000 rare and out-of-print books, including a rare signed copy of the first book published in America by an author of African descent, Phillis Wheatley’s Poems on Various Subjects Religious and Moral, 1773. Her Sheet Music & Record Library contains more than 10,000 rare sound recordings that date from the turn-of-the-Twentieth Century. Her Film Archives comprise over 1,700 titles that date to 1916 and represents the largest pre-1959 black film collection in the world. She assembled more than 75,000 photographs that date to the mid 1800s; over 350 movie posters that date to 1921; scores of original handwritten pre-Civil War documents; the personal correspondence of noted 20th Century leaders; and other memorabilia documenting the intelligence, creativity and nobility of Americans of African descent.
Dr. Clayton is well known for the BLACK TALKIES ON PARADE Film Festivals (BTOP) presented in Los Angeles at the Museum of Science & Industry in 1977. With films from her collection, BTOP was the first publicly mounted black film festival in the United States. In concert with the festivals Mayme Clayton sponsored the Black Student & Independent Filmmaker Competition that awards cash prizes to encourage young black filmmakers. Dr. Clayton was a leading authority on blacks in the film industry and taught African American Cinema at California State University, Dominquez in Carson, California. An avid golfer and sports enthusiast, Dr. Clayton organized and sponsored the Mayme A. Clayton Celebrity Golf Tournaments.
After attending Lincoln University in Missouri, Mayme Clayton received a Bachelor of Arts Degree from the University of California, Berkeley, a Masters Degree in Library Science from Goddard College in Vermont, and was awarded a Doctorate in Humanities from Sierra University in 1985. Dr. Clayton's career as a professional librarian began in 1952 at Doheny Library at the University of Southern California (USC). In 1957, she became a law librarian for the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). During her tenure at UCLA, Dr. Clayton served as a consultant and founding member of the University's Afro-American Studies Center Library, which today serves as the research base for UCLA’s African American History Studies program.
Mayme Agnew was born in Van Buren, Arkansas on August 4, 1923. Her father, Jerry Agnew, Sr. owned and operated a general store, the only black-owned business in Van Buren. Dr. Clayton’s mother, Mary Knight Agnew was a homemaker and renowned Southern cook, whose dinner gatherings drew friends from far and near. She had two siblings, Jerry, Jr. and Sarah Elizabeth (a well-known Southern California educator). Jerry and Mary consciously chose to expose their children to African Americans of accomplishment. During a 1936 visit to Arkansas by Mary MacLeod Bethune, Dr. Clayton’s parents drove a significant distance to be sure that their children could hear her speak. Dr. Bethune remained a lifelong inspiration for Dr. Clayton.
In 1944 after attending Lincoln University, an adventurous 21-year-old Mayme Agnew moved to New York City, where she became a model and photographer’s assistant. In 1945 a handsome young soldier came into the photographer’s studio and had a series of photos taken of himself as a way to spend time getting to know Mayme. After a 10-month courtship, Andrew Lee Clayton proposed to Mayme Jewell Agnew. They were wed in New York City and continued on to Van Buren for a reception in the home of Mayme’s parents. Prior to their marriage, Andrew purchased a home in the West Adams District of Los Angeles to which he brought his new bride, and they began their family. Their union produced three devoted sons Avery, Renai and Lloyd.
Of all her many accomplishments, Mayme’s greatest success was as a loving and devoted mother, grandmother and friend. Her "adopted" children came from all walks of life. Many have been inspired by her commitment to save and share the history of her people. She possessed a robust sense of humor and a positive attitude toward life. She loved a good laugh and could tell a good joke! In later years, Mayme took to the internet and became known as the “Queen of E-mail,” daily sending jokes, uplifting spiritual messages and vital information about current events in African American life to her family and many friends.
Mayme valued what was important in life; relationships. First and foremost was her relationship with God. That relationship served as the template for all the other relationships in her life. Love, laughter, respect and a strong work ethic guided her. Mayme was loved and respected because she loved and respected others. Mayme allowed herself to be used as God’s vessel and was guided to great accomplishments. Her life was dedicated to love of God, family, friends and of her people. Love, hard work and passionate commitment led her to greatness in her personal and professional life.
Once, when asked why she spent her time and resources to collect the history of her people she said, “So children would know that black people have done great things.” Mayme heard God’s call. The legacy of her collection and lifework will be used as an instrument of healing from the wounds of slavery and as a tool of friendship to bring people together under the umbrella of culture. Her life and work stands as a shining testament to the idea that one person can make a difference.
Mayme Agnew Clayton succumbed to pancreatic cancer on October 13, 2006 less than 24 hours after the introduction of the new home of the Mayme A. Clayton Library Museum & Cultural Center, which will house her remarkable world-class collection of African American history and culture. She leaves to cherish her memory, three sons; two grandsons, Renai Clayton, Jr. and Andrew Clayton III; four great-grandchildren, William, Leland, Brenden and Lauren Isabella; niece, Luwana Phillips; numerous cousins; and a host of loving friends and “adopted” children.
In lieu of flowers, cards and gifts the Clayton Family would very much appreciate donations to help support Dr. Clayton's beloved collection, so it can moved to the safety of its new home in Culver City, Califorrnia before the rainy season begins. The National Weather Service has predicted El Nino (heavy rains) conditions for Southern California and we are concerned that the collection's current quarters may not provide adequate protection.
Please make your tax deductible contributions payable to WSBREC (Western States Black Research and Education Center), a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and mail them to: 4130 Overland Avenue, Culver City, California 90230-3734.
For additional information please e-mail: aclayton@wsbrec.org or call Avery Clayton at ((310) 202-1647 between the hours of 10:00 am - 6:00 PM (Pacific Standard Time)
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Signage on Building
Drive by 4130 Overland Avenue, Culver City, CA 90230 and notice the new sign on the facility that says: MAYME A. CLAYTON LIBRARY & MUSEUM. It went up on Thursday, July 26, 2007.
MCLM on the History Detectives
It is with great pleasure that I announce the air date of the Mayme A. Clayton Library & Museum (MCLM) on the PBS television show the History Detectives. Our segment will feature Nora Holt and the Harlem Renaissance from the Mayme A. Clayton Collection of African American History and Culture. Episode 505 aired on PBS on Monday, July 23, 2007 at 9:00 pm.
Episode 505
Mexican War Poster
Nora Holt and the Harlem Renaissance
Muhlenberg Robe h://www.shoppbs.org/product/index.jsp?productId=2766736&cp=2809871.2780128&sr=1&origkw=history+detectives&parentPage=famil
MCLM in 'O' Magazine
The article above is from the August 2007 issue of 'O' Magazine, page 44. The article highlights MCLM's Hollywood to Harlem collaboration with Casa Frela Gallery, 47 West 119th Street, New York, NY 10012. The exhibition opened June 2, 2007 and runs through August 25, 2007 and features rare films from the Clayton Film Archives, an exhibition of new original paintings by Avery Clayton. The opening night reception also feature rare artifacts from the Mayme A. Clayton Colleciton of African American History & Culture. Hollywood to Harlem is a salute to the life and career of librarian Mayme A. Clayton who amassed the world's largest privately held collection of African American history materials.
Front page articles in the Los Angeles Times, the New York Times and Washington Post spawned a media blitz of smaller newspaper articles, radio interviews and television appearances throughout the United States and abroad.
MCLM is grateful for the media blitz spawned by KMC Partners who came to MCL via the generosity of BRC Imagination Arts http://www.brcweb.com/.
A list of some of the media recent opportunities that are bringing Mayme A. Clayton’s remarkable cultural treasure to the awareness of the American public are listed on the next pages.
January 24, 2007
Los Angeles Magazine designated the Western States Black Research and Education Center (WSBREC) website as the Website of the Month for its February issue! Here’s what they said:
Website of the Month: www.wsbrec.org – the site for the Western States Black Research and Educational Center – learn how to help preserve one of the world’s most significant collections of African American memorabilia. Librarian, Mayme A. Clayton, who died last October, amassed some 30,000 books, 1700 films, countless posters and other ephemera in her musty West Adams garage. Her son, Avery needs funds to move it all out. //Phyllis Sonoma, Los Angeles Magazine
January 23
CNN interview with produced by Karan Olson. We will notify you about the air date
Arts & Antiques Magazine honored Dr. Clayton's work posthumously among the Top 100 Collectors Who Are Making a Difference in the March 2007 issue in an article by Roberta Maneker.
The AARP Bulletin Magazine writer, Blair Walker did a feature story on the collection and Dr. Clayton's work in their February 2007 issue.
Time Magazine for Children interview with reporter Kathy Satterfield, February 2007.
Frontiers the Huntington Library Magazine will feature a story about the Mayme A. Clayton Collection by Traude Gomez for their May issue.
U. S. Department of State: My artwork will be included in an exhibition at the American Embassy in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
January 22
KLCS, the Los Angeles Unified School District television station interview with host Sean Rector (Survivor television show winner). The program is scheduled to air during February (Black History Month).
January 19 - 21, 2006
Avery Clayton attended the American Library Association (ALA) Mid-Winter conference in Seattle, Washington as the guest of OCLC (On-Line Computer Library Center) www.oclc.org.
Saturday, January 19, 9:00 am
OCLC (ON-LINE COMPUTER CENTER LIBRARY)
MCLM Director met with Jay Jordan, OCLC President & CEO. The meeting was arranged by Debra Spruill, Director, OCLC Preservation Centers and Pam Bailey, Executive Director, OCLC Western Region. To facilitate MCL's web presence OCLC will microfilm and digitize a designated portion of the collection.
January 16
Sandra Dorsey Malone, Western Regional President of The Links, Incorporated, along with members of the Angel City Chapter and the Palisades Chapter visited the collection at the rear of Dr. Clayton's Los Angeles area home. The Links Incorporated are making plans to make the MCL a national project of The Links organization to facilitate making the Clayton Collection available to the public, worldwide. MCL is thrilled that The Links Incorporated are taking a leadership role in making Dr. Clayton’s collection available to the public.
The information below will be presented out of chronological order to give you a clear picture of the sequence of events with the Library of Congress.
December 30, 2006
MEETING WITH THE LIBRARIAN OF CONGRESS
Dr. James H. Billington,
The Librarian of Congress of the United States of America
with Avery Clayton, Chief Executive Officer, MCL/WSBREC/AACS
In response to the December 14, 2006 front page New York Times article MCL received an e-mail from Dr. James H. Billington, The Librarian of Congress of the United States of America. Dr. Billington contacted MCL to inquire about our plans for the collection. On December 27th we had an extended phone conversation and agreed to meet for breakfast on the morning of December 30, 2006. Dr. Cynthia Hudley, MCL’s Education Director joined us. After breakfast we took Dr. Billington to see the collection in the garage and to see the new facility in Culver City. Dr. Billington was impressed with the collection and our plans for it. Dr. Billington indicated that he would send a team from the Library of Congress to survey the collection and make recommendations.
January 5th
MCLM received a call from the Library of Congress and began making arrangements for a visit to the collection by an LOC team consisting of an archivist, a conservator and curator. MCLM had been in prior communication with the PBS television show, The History Detectives who decided they would produce an unprecedented one-hour special on Dr. Mayme A. Clayton’s extraordinary collection. Once the plans were confirmed with the LOC, MCLM contacted PBS to let them know that the LOC was coming to investigate the collection. The PBS team thought it would be interesting to photograph them as them went into the “wilds” of the collection and include those images in the special they planned to produce. We made plans for them to stay at a local hotel near Dr. Clayton’s collection. The rendezvous was set for Jan. 12 – 13, 2007.
January 12- 13
The Library of Congress and PBS teams arrives.
The LOC team consisted of a conservator, an African American history archivist and the LOC curator of films came from Washington, DC to survey the collection and take their findings back to the LOC to explore the possibility of a MCL LOC partnership.
The PBS television show The History Detectives sent a researcher and a producer who searched the collection for little known items around which an hour-long special on the collection could be developed. They found a wealth of material. Look for the program to air in the spring. We will notify you when we have an air date.
The weekend with LOC and PBS was very significant. Since we launched the campaign (April 2002) to save and share the collection there hasn’t been much time peruse the collection. Having the LOC and PBS teams here enabled us to discover things we never knew Dr. Clayton had and rediscovered things that hadn’t seen in decades. To access those materials there were mountains of boxes to move to. The sense of pride and appreciation for Dr. Clayton’s single-handed efforts to save important remnants of African American history and culture increased tenfold. The collection will be a hugely positive tool to instill pride and bring people together.
January 19th
At the American Library Association Mid-Winter Conference MCLM met with Dr. Deanna Marcum, Associate Librarian for Library Services and second in command at the Library of Congress. Just prior to leaving for Seattle, I received a call from Dr. Marcum's office at the LOC to arrange a meeting during the ALA conference. We had a very positive conversation to initiate a dialogue about how MCL and LOC might collaborate.
MCLM is excited and hopeful about the possibility of a partnership with the LOC. A MCLM/LOC partnership will represent a significant milestone in American history. It would be good for the West
Coast, good for Southern California and good for African American history and culture; and it would have made Dr. Clayton beam with pride.
DR. MAYME CLAYTON HONORED BY THE
AFRICAN AMERICAN QUILTERS OF LOS ANGELES
60”X80” Handmade quilt presented to Mayme Clayton, Founder and President, Western States
Black Research and Educational Center for her 40-year crusade to save African American history
At a gala reception on April 22, 2006 at the Carson Community Center, Carson, CA, the African American Quilters (AAQLA) of Los Angeles presented Dr. Mayme Agnew Clayton with a beautiful handmade quilt in recognition of her 40 year effort to save black history. At the center of the quilt is a portrait of Dr. Clayton. It is a reproduction of a pen & ink drawing done by Avery Clayton. Among those represented on the quilt are Malcolm X, Madame C.J. Walker, Ralph Bunche, Carter G. Woodson, Jackie Robinson and Paul Laurence Dunbar, to name a few .
AAQLA had its beginnings in 1986 after a group of women viewed an exhibition of African-American quilts held at California African American Museum (CAAM). Those women formed a quilting group whose goal and purpose is to celebrate and perpetuate the tradition of quilting and bring awareness to the historical value of quilts. AAQLA is now a Guild of over 160 multi-ethnic members of all ages and still growing.
At the 20th Anniversary gala, the AAQLA Guild presented Dr. Clayton with the African American Heroes Quilt (pictured above), which features postage stamps of noted African Americans. The quilt was designed and created by Rethia ‘Ree’ Adams, AAQLA Logistics Coordinator. The professional quilting was done by Nadine Hegamin.
The Guild meets every third Sunday from 1:00 – 5:00 pm at the Department of Water and Power, 4030 Crenshaw Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90008. Anyone interested in quilting is invited to attend. The AAQLA Guild’s mailing address is P.O. Box 781213, Los Angeles, CA 90016. Louise McGee is the current President.
Dr. Clayton loves the quilt and the Clayton family and friends sincerely thank the Guild for its beautiful tribute.
Dr. Mayme A. Clayton is Honored by the
California State Legislature as Woman of the Year
Left to right: Senate Chambers of the California State Legislature where the Woman of the Year
ceremonies were held; WSBREC President and artist, Avery Clayton, Dr. Mayme A. Clayton and
Senator Kevin Murray, 26th District, who nominated Dr. Clayton; and California First Lady Maria
Shriver congratulates Dr. Clayton on herheroic 40-year commitment to save and share African
American history with all people..
On March 20, 2006 in a grand ceremony held in the Senate Chambers of the State Capitol in Sacramento, Mayme A. Clayton, Founder of Western States Black Research and Educational Center was honored as Woman of the Year by the California Legislature for her efforts to save and share African American history with people of all ethnic backgrounds. Dr. Clayton was selected by State Senator Kevin Murray, 26th District. In recognition of National Women’s History Month (March) each member of the California State Legislature selects a woman from his or her district that has made outstanding contributions to improve the quality of life for people in her community.
Other honorees included Dr. Laura Schlesinger, nationally syndicated radio talk show host and author; Ramona Ripston, ACLU; the mother of Lacy Peterson; actress and activist, Sheryl Lee Ralph and many others. Each of the 40 members of the California Senate and each of 80 members of the California Assembly are permitted to select one honoree. The ceremonies for the Senate and Assembly where held simultaneously in the Senate and Assembly Chambers.
California First Lady Maria Shriver Schwarzenegger was the keynote speaker for the awards program. At reception held at the Women’s History Museum, Mrs. Shriver Schwarzenegger who is familiar with Dr. Clayton’s work to save African American history was highly complimentary. Kudos, Dr. Clayton!
Saturday, March 25, 2006: PIONEER AWARD – Black Business Association’s Salute to Black Women Awards Luncheon and Conference
Dr. Clayton will receive the Black Business Association's "Pioneer Award" at their upcoming Salute to Black Women Awards Luncheonand Conference on Saturday, March 25, 2006, to be held at the gorgeous Marina del Rey Marriott in Marina del Rey, California.
Thursday, April 6, 2006 7:30 p.m.
The Evolution of the Mayme A. Clayton Library & Cultural Center
The Friend's Hall of The Huntington Library, Art Collections & Gardens, San Marino
Librarian Mayme Clayton spent 40 years collecting an astonishing range of rare books, manuscripts, photographs, films, music and ephemera documenting the African-American experience. Now her son
Avery has created a library and research center to house the collection and make it accessible to the public. A panel of historians and educators will join Mayme and Avery Clayton to discuss the evolution of this rich new resource for the study of African-American culture. Free. Friends’ Hall For information, please call (626) 405-2146.
April 7 - 11, 2006
San Francisco Jazz on the Silver Screen Film Festival
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The Collection Has A Home!
Former Los Angeles Superior Court Culver City, 4130 Overland Avenue
The collection of African Americana assembled over the past 40-years by noted librarian,
Mayme A. Clayton, Ph.D. finds a home in Culver City, California.
On May 9, 2005 the Culver City City Council in conjunction with the County of Los Angeles
voted to make the former Los Angeles Superior Court building in Culver City, 4130 Overland
Avenue available to Western States Black Research and Education Center (WSBREC).
WSBREC is very grateful to Los Angeles County Supervisor Yvonne Brathwaite Burke (a
longtime champion and supporter of the collection), 2nd Supervisorial District Senior Deputy,
Michael Bohlke, Culver City Mayor Albert Vera, Councilwoman Carol Gross and the members of
the Culver City City Council for recognizing the value of the collection and working to make the
facility available to so the collection can be rescued.
At 21,569 square feet the courthouse is sufficiently large to accommodate the collection, for now.
It has two kitchens, twelve bathrooms, several large public rooms and small rooms. This will
enable WSBREC to organize the collection in categories. e.g. children’s materials, black Los
Angeles history, blacks in sports, the black church, etc. There are also areas for research,
screenings of the vintage films, lectures, and education outreach programs. The facility is easily
accessible from the 10 (Santa Monica) Freeway. It’s next door to Sony Pictures, across from the
Culver City Recreation Center and down the street of Culver City City Hall. You know what they
say: location, location, location!
WSBREC’s initial plans include a building renovation assessment to determine the building’s needs
and how it can best be adapted to accommodate the collection and the public programs that will be
put into service there. Once the renovation needs have been determined and executed, WSBREC
will move the collection into the new facility where the years-long task of organizing the collection
can begin. The organization of the collection involves inventorying, cataloging, conserving and
eventually digitization, so it can be made available worldwide.
This is a monumental step forward toward saving the most important collection of African
Americana in the Western United States. It means Dr. Clayton’s lifework and priceless treasure
will be consolidated under one roof. It means the collection can finally begin to fulfill its function
of healing and bringing people together. It means that our heritage won’t be lost. It means that
there will be a significant black research-based presence in the media capital that stands as a
tribute and testament to the global black community. We know many of you feel as personally
connected to the collection as we do, and that you share our joy and relief that in its new home it
will receive the tender loving care it deserves. It is our American legacy and His hand is in this.
We are grateful to you for your prayers and support. Now, the real work begins. We will, of
course keep you posted about our progress every step of the way.
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2005 Seventh Annual
Reel Black Cowboy
Film & Western Festival Rocked!
One of the things WSBREC takes pride in is presenting events that are warm, friendly and enthusiastically welcome people of all ethnic backgrounds and ages. The 7th Annual Reel Black Cowboy Film & Western Festival was just such an event. The festival was sponsored in part by a grant from the Cultural Affairs Department of the City of Los Angeles and presented at the fabulous Autry National Center in Griffith Park. Actor and humanitarian, Danny Glover received the Herb Jeffries Lifetime Achievement Award for furthering the tradition of the black cowboy in film that was started by Mr. Jeffries in the 1930s. Ms. Karen Bolt, Director of Mr. Glover’s management company was on hand to accept the award for Mr. Glover who was out of the country on a humanitarian mission for UNESCO.
Actor and humanitarian Danny Glover recieved the The Bronze Buckeroo is 94 and going strong
first Herb Jeffries Lifetime Achievment Award
At the festival, the Mayme A. Clayton Library Lifetime Achievement Award was renamed the Herb Jeffries Lifetime Achievement Award to honor the trailblazing actor, entertainer, cowboy and gentleman. The legendary Herb Jeffries (and his lovely wife, Savannah) presented the Mayme A. Clayton Library Lifetime Achievement Award for exemplifying the cowboy way to Charles Sampson. Sampson, who currently lives in New York, is from Compton, California and rose to become the world’s number one rodeo bull rider. Charlie’s acceptance speech was inspirational; about his journey from Compton to the pinnacle of success in the world of rodeo.
Dr. Clayton, Charles Sampson and Herb Jeffries Cowboy to Cowboy: Jeffries shares with Sampson
Charlie accepts the Herb Jeffries The fabulous Inglewood Guys & Dolls Square Dance Troup made
Lifetime Achievement Award the evening fun for everyone.
Actors, Glynn Turman and Reginald Dorsey pose with An enraptured audience listens as Charles Sampson
Charlie Sampson and Buffalo Soldiers from Idaho. gives an inspiring acceptance speech
One of the main reasons Mayme A. Clayton Library presents the Reel Black Cowboy Film & Western Festival is to bring attention to the little known fact that one in three cowboys in the American West were black. At the end of the Civil War in 1865 and with the enactment of the Emancipation Proclamation, the West’s promise of freedom and an independent life in a new land, attracted many former slaves to the American West.
Mayme A. Clayton Library is very grateful to the Autry National Center for their support. Special thanks to Karen T. Bolt, Carrie Productions. Thank you to our sponsors Da Moors Tack & Feed, Axminister Pharmacy, Kings Western Wear, Broken Horn and Sportsmen’s Lodge in Studio City. Thanks to Reine River, Jan Griffin, Wendy Davis-Wynn, Margery Smith, Betty Rachal, Connie Clark, Sandy Brown, Clarine MacDonald, Jerry and Kelly Gaona from Saddle-Up, Kenny Call, Deborah Akins, Garrett Davis, Hector Aquilar, the fantastic Inglewood Guys & Dolls and filmmaker, Lloyd Reese. Each and every one of you is deeply appreciated. It’s wonderful to have your support as we move toward creating the Mayme A. Clayton Library & Cultural Center.
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Dr. Clayton Wins National Businesswoman of the Year!
On Saturday, July 23rd Dr. Mayme A. Clayton was awarded Iota Phi Lambda's Sorority, Inc.'s prestigious and coveted Lola M. Parker National Businesswoman Woman of the Year Award at a gala banquet and awards dinner at Baltimore's Sheraton Inner Harbor Hotel.
Coincidentally, Dr. Clayton's family reunion was in Baltimore at the same time! Much of the family reunion took place at one of the nation's newest African American museums, the Reginald F. Lewis Museum of Black Baltimore History. As many of you know, Dr. Clayton was born in Van Buren, Arkansas. The family reunion represents the Ragsdale branch of Dr. Clayton's family. The Ragsdale branch traces its origins back to English royalty and has its own family crest. It is being organized by black history and genealogical experts, Willie and Zelma Ragsdale who live in Baltimore. Much of the family reunion will focus on African American history, the value of education, and on socially and spiritually conscious entrepreneurship.
Mayme A. Clayton is a shining example of how one person can use their life to make a difference for many. The Lola M. Parker National Businesswoman of the Year Award is a wonderful acknowledgment of her forty-year commitment to save black history. We are proud of Mayme Agnew Clayton and are thrilled she is receiving the recognition she deserves.
Editor's Note: Iota Phi Lambda Sorority, Inc. has it together! Not only are we proud that the Iotas (founded in 1929 by Lola M. Parker) selected Dr. Clayton to be their 2005 Businesswoman of the Year Recipient, but we are proud to be affiliated to a national group of African American women who are professional, socially and spiritually aware. The luncheon, banquet and awards program were well organized and loads of fun. Iotas: Thank each and everyone of you.
Iota Phi Lambda Sorority, Inc. National President, Charlotte Iota Phi Lambda soror, Theresa Stearns
Maull and President-Elect Doris Austin Browning present receives MLK note card as did each of the 350
Dr. Clayton with the 2005 Lola M. Parker National Business- members attending the Business & Professional
woman of the Year Award. Women's Luncheon, July 23rd. .
WSBREC President, Avery Clayton was the keynote
Speaker at Iota Phi Lambda's Business & Professional Women's Luncheon. He receives
award from National President, Charlotte Maull and President-Elect, Doris Austin Browning.
Power Table: Iota Phi Lambda Sorority, Inc. Past Presidents
Iota Phi Lambda Sorority, Inc. Past Presidents
Royal Ragsdale Family Reunion: Family/history Matters
Cynics often question the value of the past. They're primarily concerned with the here and now. They don't see that family, history and culture are inextricably linked. Our histories provide a clearer picture of who we are and where we're going. Family/history matters. It gives us individual identity and legitimacy. Identity is how we view ourselves based on our knowledge of our family's and community's past. It speaks to a sense of belonging that nothing else in the world can offer. Through the lives of our forebears, we are each an indelible thread in a larger cultural fabric, a larger human family, an interwoven tapestry of history. Dr. Clayton and I are grateful to Willie and Zelma Ragsdale and all the others who pulled together such a wonderful family event. What a blessing that the family reunion was at the same time as the Iota Phi Lambda award ceremonies. There are no mistakes.
Dr. Clayton and Willie Ragsdale at Friday night banquet.
Friday night menu featured red beans and rice, catfish, gumbo, corn on the cob, salad and desserts, a-go-go!
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Congratulations, Dr. Clayton!
Iota Phi Lambda Sorority, Inc's Business Woman of the Year!
Saturday, April 16, 2005 at the Four Points Sheraton in Culver City, CA Dr. Mayme A. Clayton was
honored with Iota Phi Lambda Sorority, Inc.'s Far Western Regional Businesswoman of the Year Award.
As the recipient of the coveted award Dr. Clayton is now one of four women in the United States eligible for
the National Businesswoman of the Year Award. The National Award will be presented in July 2005 in Baltimore, Maryland. It just so happens that Dr. Clayton's family reunion will be held in Baltimore
in July 2005. So hold a good thought for her (and the other candidates).
Avery Clayton, WSBREC's Executive Director made a presentation a the luncheon to solicit Iota Phi Lambda Sorority's support for the establishment of the Mayme A. Clayton Library & Cultural Center. The creation of the Mayme A. Clayton Library & Cultural Center as a world-class, library-based institution in Los Angeles dedicated to black intelligence and creativity for all people is a major undertaking that will be accomplished with our combined effort.
Left to right, standing: Sandra D. Ray, National Executive Director, National Executive Director
Iota Phi Lambda; _______;_______ Sonya Amos; and Joan Reid. Seated Charlotte M. Maull
National President, Iota Phi Lambda and Dr. Mayme A. Clayton, WSBREC Founder and President.
Iota soror, Johnnie Loyd is in the background.
Iota Phi Lambda Sorority, Inc. Far West Regional Board Members
"Dream Big Dreams! Refused to be denied! Education is power!"
Charlotte M. Maull, National President of Iota Phi Lambda Sorority, Inc. was the luncheon's keynote
speaker. She delivered a powerful and inspiring message about vision, perseverance and commitment.
At Dr. Clayton's table, left to right: Sandra D. Ray, National Executive Director, Iota Lambda Phi; Johnnie Lloyd, Event
Coordinator; Dr. Clayton; Sonya Amos, Iota Soror and Human Resources Director, City of Pasadena Jackie Robinson Center; and Lloyd Clayton WSBREC's Sheet Music & Record Library curator.
Dr. Lura Ball, Iota Phi Lambda Soror and Director of USC's
Office of Black Alumni Programs sang a beautiful acapella rendition
of "These are the Women I Come From" to close the program
Women's History Month Breakfast
"A Good Time Was Had By All"
The Women's History Month Breakfast sponsored by the Gas Company was a resounding success! Over 80 women (and men) turned out at 7:30 AM, Saturday 26, 2005 at the Proud Bird Restaurant by the LA Airport for breakfast and a seminar on estate planning by Caprice L. Collins. Ms. Collins is estate planning attorney with over 25 years of experience in helping women and families to plan for their financial futures. Once Ms. Collins began her presentation it became obvious how vitally important her message and service is to the African American community. Today many African Americans enjoyed increased economic power. Without proper planning, the wealth accumulated in a generation can be lost forever. If you're interested in learning how you can better plan for you economic future contact Caprice L. Collins at Collins Law Group (310) 677-9787ext. 5 or e-mail: clcfirm@aol.com
Caprice L. Collins Esq., Keynote Speaker
Estate Planning Specialist delivered vitally
important information at the Proud Bird Restaurant
Registration table 7:30 AM More than 80 women (and men) in attendance in the West Room of the Proud Bird Restaurant
Event Organizers: Left to Right: Avery Clayton,WSBREC Executive Director; keynote speaker, Caprice L. Collins, Esq.;
Dr. Mayme A. Clayton, WSBREC Founder and President,; Ms. Susan Williams Guerra, Public Affairs Manager, Gas
Company; Ms. Kimberly Freeman, Public Affairs Manager, Sempra Utilities; and Lloyd Clayton, WSBREC Music Curator
Girl Power celebrating Women's History Month Caprice makes a complex Art dealer, Sharon D. Stone and Dr. Clayton listen
issue easy to understand
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First Annual BLACK TALKIES ON PARADE Film
Festival at the City of Pasadena Jackie Robinson
Center was a smashing success!
February 3 - 5, 2005 in honor of National Black History Month
Standing room only audiences; hot buttered pop corn; classic black films that were enjoyed by young and old. A warm reception by the Pasadena community made the first annual BTOP festival at the City of Pasadena Jackie Robinson Center a tremendous success! Christine Harris, Director of the Jackie Robinson Center and JRC staffers, Gene Washington and Sonya Amos went all out to make the BTOP program a shining star among Pasadena's 2005 Black History Month events. The BTOP festival was co-sponsored and generously supported by the Gamma Xi Chapter of Iota Lambda Sorority, the Pasadena-Altadena Links, Inc., The Pasadena Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta, the Pasadena Delta Foundation and the Pasadena NAACP. Pasadena area school children filled the Robinson Center auditorium for the morning shows. Each day of the festival over 100 children viewed classic black film shorts and "The Jackie Robinson Story," 1950 starring local hero, Jackie Robinson who grew up in Pasadena.
BTOP Festival salutes Jackie Robinson at
the City of Pasadena Jackie Robinson Center
Black History Month 2005
Gamma Xi Chapter of Iota Lambda Sorority and the Pasadena- Pasadena area school children enjoy popcorn before the film begins
Altadena Links, Inc., join forces to sponsor the BTOP Festival
Roy Hayes (yellow shirt), Black History Month volunteer talks to Members of Gamma Xi Chapter of Iota Lambda Sorority with
schoolchildren about Jackie Robinson. WSBREC's executive director, Avery Clayton
WSBREC Founder & President, Dr. Mayme A. Clayton The Pasadena Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta and the Pasadena
receives a generous donation from Pasadena Delta Delta Foundation, Inc. enjoy popcorn before the show begins.
President Yvonne Brown.
The Mayme A. Clayton Library Newsletter is below. If you'd like to have the newsletter sent to your e-mail address, please send a request to aclayton@wsbrec.org.
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2005 BLACK TALKIES ON PARADE Film Festival
at Cal State San Bernardino
First Annual Juneteenth College Expo & Festival
June 4 - 5, 2005
Illustration by Avery Clayton © 2005
Juneteenth is the oldest African American holiday. Juneteenth
commemorates the ending of slavery. Since its' origin in Galveston,Texas in
1865, the observance of June 19th honors freedom, education and achievement.
The 1st Annual Juneteenth College Expo & Festival, June 3- 4, 2005 at CSUSB was a terrific event. Tracy Thomas in the Office of Admissions and Student Recruitment pulled together an outstanding program that included a hair and fashion show; a hot wings contest; an awards program in which Dr. Mayme A. Clayton was honored for her efforts to save African American history; an exhibition of rare books from the Clayton Library; and a film festival from the Clayton Film Archives. CSUSB President, Dr. Alfred Karnig and a number of San Bernardino community leaders, attended the program. Kudos to Tracy Thomas for a well-planned, successful 2005 Juneteenth event!
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Ist Annual Black & Yiddish Film Festival
January 26 - 29, 2006
at the Skirball Cultural Center, Los Angeles
The Black & Yiddish Film Festival will feature classic black and Yiddish films from the
1930s, 40s and 50s. The festival is the first in a series of collaborative projects that will
highlight the historic relationship between the black and Jewish communities in the United States.
In the spirit of understanding, Mayme A. Clayton Library and the Skirball Cultural Center
will explore the historic relationship through a series of film presentations, various
exhibitions, panel discussions, lectures and seminars.
Please read more in the MACL Newsletter, below.
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The Huntington Library & Gardens and
Mayme A. Clayton Library will present an
exhibit on the Harlem Renaissance 2009.
Read more in the MACL Newsletter below.
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First Annual Jazz on the Silverscreen Film Festival
Fall 2005 - Jazz on the Silverscreen will feature films, film clips and vintage news reels of performances by some of the greatest Masters of Jazz. Lectures by noted jazz experts and discussions will be included. Location TBD. Read more about the jazz film festival in the MACL Newsletter, below.
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