National Urban League: Programs, 1952-1959, undated

The Reber Simpkins Cann papers include the 1948 summer issue of Negro Heroes, as well as detailed minutes, agendas, reports and correspondence from a myriad of social justice organizations. Simpkins Cann served on various councils, and participated in initiatives to improve employment opportunities, access and quality of life for Black communities in Cincinnati, Ohio and on a national level. Her advocacy efforts included participation in the NAACP, the National Urban League, the National Council of Negro Women, the Council of Social Agencies, the Cincinnati Council on World Affairs and the Cincinnati Department of Urban Development, among others. Community-led initiatives by these organizations used reports and assessments in order to document the gaps in accessibility to healthcare and recreational services for children and families; took inventories of community services and needs; and created involvement in community planning to keep track of the allocation of resources. The Reber Simpkins Cann papers provide a wealth of information on these topics.

The bulk of the papers contains documentation about Simpkins Cann’s involvement in various organizations. Correspondence, minutes and reports from the following organizations are included: the National Urban League (1943-1964), the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (1944-1945), the Young Women’s Christian Association (1941-1952), the Cincinnati Council on World Affairs (1948-1963) and the Council of Social Agencies (1948-1963).

Additionally, publications and ephemeral materials that were collected by Reber Simpkins Cann include bulletins, invitations, newsletters, newspaper articles, pamphlets and programs.

This project was made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services [MH-245560-OMS-20].