Abstract The Human Rights and Community Relations Department of the American Federation of Teachers was created by Vice President Richard Parrish October 2, 1966. Before the official department was created it was a standing committee and then a permanent committee with in the executive council. The department was created as an office in the AFT that would be responsible for collecting and distributing information about the government, education and community policies and programs dealing with civil...

Abstract Ernest Smith was a teacher in the Detroit Public School System who was involved in the black civil rights movement. He helped found the Michigan Freedom Now Party, an all-black party, for whom he ran as candidate for U.S. senator. His papers reflect his interest in black political action, resistance to compulsory unionization, right-to-work organizations, and civil rights issues.

Abstract Layle Lane was a public school teacher in New York City and active in the American Federation of Teachers and the New York Teachers Guild. She was the first African-American vice-president of the New York City AFT local and chaired their Committee for Democratic Human Relations. Her papers relate primarily to civil rights and the role of African-Americans in American society, including copies of two briefs filed by the AFT in Brown vs. Board of Education.

Abstract The papers of Lily Lampinen reflect her personal interest in a variety of important social and political issues, particularly civil rights for minorities.

Abstract William Simons began his career as a high school teacher when he joined the black American Federation of Teachers union in Washington D.C. A year later the local was integrated and Simons served in several positions before assuming the presidency, a position he would hold until his retirement in 1991. He also served as an officer in the national organization as part of the Progressive and United Action caucuses and was involved in Democratic Party politics. His papers document his career with...