Chapter X. Extra-curricular Activities, 1969

The Clarence A. Bacote papers (1886-1990) will provide researchers with an opportunity to look into the activities of a man who was an important leader in the early years of the Civil Rights Movement in Atlanta. Beyond the biographical uses this collection offers is its documentation of the operations of the Civil Rights Movement in Atlanta, and its access to statistical readings of the African American vote in Fulton County elections.

Dr. Bacote's papers contain a sizeable correspondence file which include letters from his colleagues in academe, politics, and civic and professional organizations. The documents of the political, professional, and governmental organizations in which Dr. Bacote participated are included as well. These two series form the core of the collection.

Dr. Bacote's career at Atlanta University and his major research efforts is documented in series five and six. These records consist of departmental records, committee minutes, student records, and original research notes dDr. Bacote created when he was investigating his dissertation on Goergia politics and his book on Atlanta University.

The remainder of the collection consists of an interesting file of newspaper clippings which is organized by topic and reflects many of the interests of Dr. Bacote. THis file also includes information on many members of his family as does series one. The Bacote papers also contain hundreds of printed material from political and academic organizations and some of the memorabilia and awards he accumulated over his professional life. The photographs in the collection depict many prominent Atlanta University figuresa nd events. Many of the prints focus on Dr. Bacote, but included in the collection is a fascinating photo album which documents scenes of Atlanta University, its students, and faculty during World War I.

The Bacote papers document an important period in the history of Atlanta, and of Atlanta University. The activities of one very prominent scholar and community leader help provide an important piece of the history of the university and its community.