Correspondence, 1975

Correspondence dating back to Berry's early journalism days contains letters from writers, political figures, editors, and publishers. Correspondence is arranged chronologically, with incoming and outgoing letters interfiled. The correspondence is overwhelmingly incoming with letters from Fayette, Mississippi, mayor Charles Evers (4), Georgia state senator Julian Bond, U.S. Representative Robert F. Drinan (3), U.S. Senator James O. Eastland, New York mayor John V. Lindsay, and activist Daniel Berrigan. There are also letters from publishing figures such as Thomas J. Davis, III, John Judis, Terence F. Shea, Jon Swan, Pat Watters, and Joe Western; television figures such as Charles A. Hamilton, Carol M. Lawrence, and Harvey J. Shulman; and from R.V. Mrozinski, executive director of the National Research Council. Berry also corresponded with his mentors, helping to shape his career as a writer and investigative journalist and frequently sought the opinions of David Chandler journalist for Life Magazine; Hodding Carter III, editor-in-chief of the Delta Democratic Times; and southern writers Ernest Gaines, Berry Morgan, and Walker Percy.

A small amount of personal ephemera, such as announcements, new clippings, resumes, and cards for identification document Berry's speaking engagements, finances, and career follow the correspondence files. Of note is a typescript narrative for planning his writing career dated 1983.