William J. Jefferson papers

The papers of former Louisiana State Representative, Senator, and U.S. Represenative William J. Jefferson includes correspondence, printed items, family and professional photographs, and clothing. The bulk of the collection documents his various political campaigns, bills submitted to the state legislature, materials of the Louisiana Black Political Caucus, State Supreme Court records, licensning agreements, records of the Southern University Remedial Plan, political opinion survey data, and awards.

Also included are items related to Jefferson’s political career including Jefferson’s 1999 run for Governor of Louisiana. Collected items include ephemera such as buttons, stickers, and pamphlets, as well as reports and surveys concerning issues important to Louisiana voters. Also included are news clippings, many of which deal with Jefferson’s political involvement and interests in South Africa. A small amount of correspondence deals with congratulations on Jefferson’s political triumphs and sympathies over the death of his father, Mose Jefferson.

The collection also contains the political records from William Jefferson’s career as well as a small amount of personal records. The political records cover a variety of topics; they include correspondence, legislative literature, informational materials, and presentations related to education, the environment, transportation, agriculture, and healthcare and health issues. There is also a significant amount of appropriations requests and correspondence from interest groups and organizations around the state. A bulk of the addendum materials relate to the recovery following Hurricane Katrina and later Hurricane Rita. Other items include materials regarding trade with African countries, immigration, the Congressional Black Caucus and campaign materials. The addendum also includes Jefferson’s scheduling appointments and requests, which consists of invitations, correspondence, and ephemera. This collection also includes many photographs and snapshots—notable subjects include Bill Clinton and Rev. Jesse Jackson. In additional to William Jefferson’s records, the addendum also contains materials from Andrea Jefferson and Jalila Jefferson. Lastly, the collection contains several boxes of A/V materials; VHS tapes make up the primary format, but cassette tapes, Betamax tapes, U-Matic tapes, data cartridges, and reel-to-reels are also included.