Mary Frances Early Papers

Mary Frances Early Papers

Descriptive Summary

Title: Mary Frances Early Papers
Creator: Early, Mary Frances, 1936-
Inclusive Dates: 1953-2012
Language(s): English
Extent: 4 box(es) (3 linear feet)
Collection Number: RBRL316MFE
Repository: Richard B. Russell Library for Political Research and Studies
Abstract: This collection documents Mary Frances Early, the first African American to graduate from the University of Georgia. Ms. Early's transcripts, grades, financial aid documents, photographs, diaries, and notebooks illustrate her student life. After graduating from the University of Georgia in 1962, with her master's in music education, she worked for the Atlanta Public Schools and was involved in local, state and national educational organizations. Ms. Early's involvement with organizations such as Georgia Music Educators Association, National Endowment for the Arts, and Music Educators National Conference is illustrated by correspondence, photographs, and speeches. Also included are materials regarding her education at Clark Atlanta University (1957) and honors received from the University of Georgia Alumni Association and College of Education. The collection contains correspondence, photographs, programs and event files, official documents from the University of Georgia, diaries, and notebooks.

Collection Description

Biographical Note

Mary Frances Early was born on June 14, 1936 in Atlanta, Georgia to John and Ruth Early. She attended Turner High School and went on to graduate from Clark College (now Clark Atlanta University) with a bachelor's degree in music education. She originally attended the University of Michigan, in 1960, for her graduate studies, but transferred to the University of Georgia in 1961. Earlier that year the university was integrated by Charlayne Hunter (Gault) and Hamilton Holmes, the first African Americans to enroll. In 1962, Mary Frances Early became the first African American to graduate, with her master's in music education, from the university. During her studies, Early was subject to discrimination and abuse from her peers. However, she returned to the university, in 1967, to complete her educational specialist degree and, in 2000, her achievements were formally recognized by the University of Georgia.

Ms. Early's extensive career in music education includes thirty-seven years of service in the Atlanta Public School System. She began as a music teacher, rising to area music supervisor, and eventually coordinator of music. In 1995, she became an adjunct professor at Morehouse and Spelman Colleges. Later she served as the chairman of the music department at Clark Atlanta University. Ms. Early served as president of the Georgia Music Educators Association and has been involved with the Music Educators National Conference, College Music Society, and National Association of Schools of Music. Ms. Early's many honors and recognitions include the STAR Teacher Award (1972); Benjamin E. Mays Black Music Heritage Award (1995); UGA Outstanding Alumna Award (2000); and UGA Foot Soldier for Equal Justice Award (2011).

Additional Information: Mary Frances Early, New Georgia Encyclopedia Thomas G. Dyer, The University of Georgia: A Bicentennial History 1785-1985 (Athens: University of Georgia Press, 1985). Robert A. Pratt, We Shall Not Be Moved: The Desegregation of the University of Georgia (Athens: University of Georgia Press, 2002). Calvin Trillin, An Education in Georgia: The Integration of Charlayne Hunter and Hamilton Holmes (New York: Viking, 1964).

Scope and Content

This collection documents Mary Frances Early's academic and professional life from the 1950s to 2012. The collection includes photographs from her time at University of Georgia, her work with the Atlanta Public Schools, and her international travels. Ms. Early's transcripts, grades, financial aid documents, personal diaries, and notebooks illustrate her student life (Series II). After graduating from the University of Georgia, Early worked with the Atlanta Public Schools and was involved in local, state and national educational organizations, documented in Series I. Her personal papers include presentations and files about her involvement with organizations like Georgia Music Educators Association, National Endowment for the Arts, and Music Educators National Conference. Series I also includes materials regarding her education at Clark Atlanta University and honors received from the University of Georgia Alumni Association and College of Education. The collection also contains letters of appreciation and support from students, colleagues, and numerous organizations.

Organization and Arrangement

This collection organized into two series: personal papers and University of Georgia files. The files are arranged in the original order provided by Ms. Early.


Administrative Information

Conditions Governing Access

This collection is open for research.

Six folders have been removed from box 3 and restricted under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).

Preferred Citation

Mary Frances Early Papers, Richard B. Russell Library for Political Research and Studies, University of Georgia Libraries, Athens, Georgia, 30602-1641.

User Restrictions

Library acts as "fair use" reproduction agent.

Copyright Information

Before material from collections at the Richard B. Russell Library may be quoted in print, or otherwise reproduced, in whole or in part, in any publication, permission must be obtained from (1) the owner of the physical property, and (2) the holder of the copyright. It is the particular responsibility of the researcher to obtain both sets of permissions. Persons wishing to quote from materials in the Russell Library collection should consult the Director. Reproduction of any item must contain a complete citation to the original.

Finding Aid Publication

Finding aid prepared on: 2012.


Related Materials and Subjects

Subject Terms

Related Collections in this Repository

Bill Shipp Papers

Foot Soldier Project for Civil Rights Studies and Research Collection

Walter Stovall Papers

S. Ernest Vandiver, Jr. Papers

Clifford H. (Baldy) Baldowski Editorial Cartoons

Walter A. Lundy Files, Red and Black (Fall 1953) Integration Issue Papers

Stovall and McKay Families Papers

Charlayne Hunter-Gault Papers

Related Collections in Other Repositories

University of Georgia Integration Material, Hargrett Rare Book and Manuscript Library

WSB-TV Newsfilm Collection, Walter J. Brown Media Archives and Peabody Awards Collection

Hamilton Holmes Papers, King Center


Series Descriptions and Folder Listing

 

I. Personal Papers, 1957-2012

2 box(es) (1.5 linear feet)
This series documents the career of Ms. Early from the 1950s to 2012. Most of the documents reveal her work with the Atlanta Public Schools and her involvement with various local, regional and national organizations, including the Georgia Music Educators Association and Music Educators National Conference. This series contains information about her student life and work experience at Clark Atlanta University. Also included is recognition and awards, letters of appreciation from organizations and the Atlanta Public Schools, and event files.
boxfolder
11Graduation from Clark College [photos], 1957
12College/University Transcripts [restricted], 1957-1958, 1989-2007
13Study At [National Music Camp] Interlochen/University of Michigan [includes photographs, 1958-1963
14Grant-in-Aid For University of Michigan, 1958-1960
15First Position: John Hope Elementary [includes photographs], 1958-1963
16Racist Letters, 1958
17Returning to Atlanta Public School After Study Leave (UGA Graduation) [John Hope Elementary School], 1962
18Second Position: Wesley Elementary [photographs], undated
19Last Teaching Position: Coan Middle School [includes photographs], 1988
110Area II Music Supervision Position [photographs], 1970s
111West Africa Humanities Seminar [includes photographs], 1974-1978
112Fullbright Study Trip to Brazil [includes photographs], 1978
113Atlanta Public School Elementary Honor Chorus, 1985-1988, 1997
114Promotion to Atlanta Public School Music Coordinator Position [includes photographs], 1984
115Atlanta Public School Student Performances [includes photographs], 1980s-1990
1161996 Atlanta Olympics Flag Celebration [includes photographs], 1992
117Atlanta Public School Teacher Performances [includes photographs], 1987
118Guest Workshop Clinician [letters], 1987
119WBPA Atlanta Public School Staff Volunteers [Georgia Music Educators Association], 1987
120Adjudicator For Area Choruses [letters], 1986-1990
121Speaker For Atlanta Public Schools Youth Orchestra [includes speech], 1991
122Grady High Advisory Board, 1990-1991
123Teacher Certification Document, 1984
124Photos: Atlanta Public School Teacher Meeting/ Workshops [includes photographs and syllabus], 1985
125Atlanta Public School Curricula Options [includes photographs], 1980s
126Plaque Award From Conn Corporation, 1985
127Orff-Schulwerk Guest Educator, 1989
128Plaudits From Atlanta Public Schools Administrators [letters], 1981-1989
129Appreciation From Teachers [letters], 1983-1992
130Miscellaneous Thank-You Items [letters], 1982-2007
131Atlanta Public School Retirement Event (Teachers) [includes photographs and letters], 1994-1995
132Atlanta Public School Retirement Event (Administrators) [includes photographs and letters], 1995
133Atlanta Public School Retirement Program, 1995
134Atlanta Symphony Orchestra Concert Lecturer, 1991-2005
135Atlanta Symphony Associates Board, 1995-2011
136Atlanta Symphony Associates Concerto Unit, 2007-2009
137Atlanta Symphony Orchestra Audience Development Committee, 1991-1997
138Atlanta Symphony Orchestra Black Talent Development Program, 1993-1998
139Atlanta Bureau of Cultural Affairs Panels, 1996
140Fulton County Arts Council Grant Panels, 1987-1991
141Atlanta Opera Advisory Committee, 2004
142Young Audiences Program Committee, 1997
143Atlanta Classic Music Festival: Adjudicator, 2001
144Metropolitan Atlanta Community Band Board of Directors, 2001, 2011
145Atlanta Music Club Board of Directors, 1994-1996
146Onyx Opera Board of Directors, 1992, 1995
147Young Singers of Callanwolde Board, 1995, 1997
148ELCAA Board of Directors, 1996
149Delta Kappa Gamma International, 1993-2012
150Sigma Alpha Iota International [includes photograph], 2000, 2010-2011
151Spelman College Ethnic Music Seminar, 1981, 1984
152Spelman College Sigma Alpha Iota Speaker, 1991
153Workshop For Auburn Ave. Research Library, 2000
154Workshop For Senior University (Mercer), 1994
155North Woodward Academy Speaker, 2011 March
156Georgia State University Workshops, 1986-1988
157Omega Talent Hunt Adjudicator, 1989-1990, 2004-2010
158Decatur Business Association Presenter, 2011
159Ashford Park Elementary School: Speaker, 2008
160Speaker: Renaissance Middle School, 2012
161Speaker: Turner High Alumni Association, 2003-2004
162Atlanta Public School Music Praxis Consultant, 2003
163Atlanta Public School Project F.A.R.E. Consultant, undated
164First Christian Church Disciples of Christ [includes photographs], 2007-2012
165Clark College Alumni Award, 1988
166Honoree: New Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church, 2007
167Recognition From Clark College Music Department, 1988
168National Black Caucus Honoree, 1997
169Metropolitan Atlanta Musicians' Association Signature Award, 1998
170Public Broadcasting Atlanta Lexus Leader of the Arts Award, 2001
171Annie L. McPheeters Award, 2002, 2012
172Recognition From Southern Regional Council, 2002
173Atlanta Freedom Sisters Award, 2010
174Plaque/Trophy/Certificate Awards [list of Early's honors and awards], 2011
175Award Certificates, 1956-2003
176Letter to the Editor of Atlanta Journal Constitution, 2010
177Atlanta Public School Reception for Georgia Music Educators Association President-Elect, 1981
178Georgia Music Educators Association President/ Board Participation, 1976-1994
179Georgia Music Educators Association Conference [includes photographs], 1982-1983
180Georgia Music Educators Association All-State Chorus, 1983
181Georgia Music Educators Association Conference Presentation, 1978-1990
182Georgia Music Educators Association Distinguished Career Award, 1991-1992
183Georgia Music Educators Association Awards Committee, 1991
184Advocacy Letter to Assoc. Superintendent, 1983
185Georgia Elementary Music Curriculum Writer, 1988
186Georgia Coalition For Music Education, 1994, 1996
187Georgia Teaching Certification Test Developer, 1986-1990, 1993
188Georgia Professional Practices Evaluator, 1978, 1985
189SACS Evaluator, 1984-1993
190Governor's Honors Participation, 1984-1989
191GA Council For the Arts Grant Panels, 2002-2005
192Adjudicator: Georgia District Festivals, 1984-1986, 2000
193Georgia Workshop Presentations, 1986-1993
194Georgia Games Opening Ceremonies, 1995-1997
195Southern Division Board/Music Educators National Conference, 1982-1989
196Southern Division President-Elect, 1987-1988
197Southern Division Music Educators National Conference Presentations, 1972-1989
198Southern Division Music Educators National Conference Multicultural Conference, 1986-1987
199Southern Arts Federation Task Force, 1989-1992
1100Kennedy Center Regional Institute, 1991
1101Presenter At Auburn University, 1991
1102South Carolina Commission Panel, 1989, 1991
1103Adjudicator: South Carolina Choral Festival, 1983-1989
1104Southeast Center for the Arts Planning Retreat, 1991-1996
1105HBCU Music Consortium, 1992-1993
1106Music Educators Journal Editorial Committee, 1986-1990
1107Music Educators National Conference Music Advisor Columns, 1999-2007
1108Music Educators National Conference Book Manuscript Reviews, 1994-1996, 2000
1109Music Educators National Conference National Assembly, 1982
1110National Black Music Conference Presentation, 1985, 1991-1997
1111Music Educators National Conference National Standards Committee, 1991-1992, 1994
1112PBS Jazz Project for Music Educators National Conference, 2000-2001
1113Music Educators National Conference State Leadership Guide, 1985-1986
1114Music Educators National Conference Hall of Fame Committee, 1998-2002
1115National Endowment for Arts Grant Panel, 1987-1994
1116National Endowment for Arts Proposal, 1989
1117Articles Written for Oxford Press, 1998-1999
1118Macmillan/McGraw Hill Music Textbooks Involvement, 1985-1990
1119Macmillan National Advisory Board, 1992
1120Macmillan Workshop: University of Florida, 1990
1121My Guitar Magic Program, 1969, 2001
boxfolder
21American Council for the Arts Conference, 1992
22Getty Center for Education in the Arts, 1990-1991
23Chicago Symphony Advisory Board, 1994-2002
24National Arts Assessment Conference, 1992
25International Travels [includes photographs], 2006-2011
26Clark Atlanta University Doctoral Study, 1987-1991
27Clark Atlanta University Class of '57 Reunion, 1997, 2007
28Clark Atlanta University Alumni Magazine, 2007
29Plaudits RE: UGA, 2008-2011
210Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority (Clark College), 1954
211Morehouse and Spelman College Adjunct Jobs, 1995-1997
212Clark Atlanta University Resume/Data Forms, undated
213Teacher Certification Testing Administration Test Scores, 1991
214Music Department Chair Schedule, 2005
215Sample Clark Atlanta University Music Department Faculty Meeting, 2002, 2004
216Clark Atlanta University Reports, 2000-2005
217Clark Atlanta University Music Alumni Reunions, 2001-2002
218Clark Atlanta University Music Department Photos, 1997, 2000
219Clark Atlanta University Phylon Editorial Board
220Miscellaneous Clark Atlanta University Music Department Items, 2002-2005
221Clark Atlanta University Golden Ringers (Handbells), 2002
222Clark Atlanta University Dean's Evaluations, 2003
223Clark Atlanta University Award from Dean of Arts & Science, 2004
224Clark Atlanta University Faculty Evaluations of Chair, 1997-2002
225Commendations from Clark Atlanta University Administrators, 1999-2003
226Thank You Items from Clark Atlanta University Students, 1999-2005
227Correspondence from Former Students (Clark Atlanta University), 2006-2007
228Miscellaneous Correspondence, 2000-2008
229Clark Atlanta University Music Department Final Report, 2005
230My Resignation from Clark Atlanta University/Rationale, 2005
231My Hobbies Solo Handbells; Cake Decorating, 2008-2009
 

II. University of Georgia, 1953-2012

2 box(es) (1.5 linear feet)
This series documents Ms. Early's connection with the University of Georgia, as both a student and alumni. It includes diaries, correspondence, and articles revealing the discrimination Ms. Early faced as a student. There are letters from Jesse Hill, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Dr. James E. Popovich, and Charlayne Hunter-Gault. Also included are official documents, such as her application, an investigative report, housing forms, grades and transcripts, and financial assistance documents. This series also documents Ms. Early's relationship with the university after her graduation, including letters from Dr. Michael Adams and UGA students, files related to the Mary Frances Early Lecture Series (2001-2012), and the Graduate and Professional Scholars Recognition and Lecture.
boxfolder
31Application to UGA, 1961
32Admission Delay and Admission, 1961
33Investigative Report, 1961
34Articles about Acceptance, 1961
35Welcome from Dr. James E. Popovich, 1961
36Housing Issues, 1961-1962
371961 Summer Session Catalog: ID; Handbook, 1961
38Advisement, 1961-1962
310Letter from Jesse Hill, 1961
311My UGA Diaries, 1962
312UGA Programs, 1961-1962
313Charlayne [Hunter-Gault] and Hamilton [Holmes], 1961-1963
314UGA Student Proclamation
315Moore's Ford Lynching: Articles, 2006-2008
318Sampling: Letters from John Hope Students, 1962
319Notes/Cards/Letters of Encouragement, 1961-1962
320Correspondence from UGA Students
322Request for Study Leave, 1961-1962
323Articles: Second and Third Quarters, 1962
324Financial Assistance, 1961-1962
325Commencement: August 16, 1962, 1962, 1997
326Commencement Address, 1962
327UGA Photos (including Graduation), 1961-1964
328Letters from Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., 1962, 1964
329Graduation Plaudits, 1962
330Honors, 1961-1964
331Letters from Charlayne [Hunter-Gault]
332UGA MME Diploma (Original), 1962
333A Survey and Evaluation of Current Elementary Music Series; MUS 921, 1962
334Vocal Problems Notebook, 1961
335Notebook: Speech 793, 1962
336Article Re: Lemuel Penn – Killed on 06-11-64, 2004-2005
337Advisement for EdS Degree, 1964, 1966
338Course Schedule for EdS Degree, 1964
339Student ID: Tuition Payment, 1966
341Financial Assistance, 1966
343Admission to Candidacy, 1962
344EdS: Specialist in Education Diploma (Copy), 1971
345Election to Pi Kappa Lamda National Honors Society, 1968
346Change from EdS Certificate to Degree, 1970-1971
347Contribution to UGA Fondation, 1982 July
348Excerpt: Calvin Trillin's Book: An Education in Georgia
349Receipt for Purchase of Important Books
350Obituaries of UGA Professors, 2001
351Defending My Role in UGA's Desegregation, 1995-1996, 2004
352"Discovering" by Dr. Maurice Daniels, 1997
353Holly Ward's Interview/ Research Paper, 2000
354Congratulations from Clark Atlanta University, 2001-2004
355Letters from UGA Classmate: Ann Thurmond (EdS Courses), 2002, 2006
356The Mary Frances Early Professorship, 2003-2004, 2010-2011
357My Speeches at UGA, 2000-2012
358Multicultural Conferences: 2005 and 2008, 2004-2010
359Charlayne Honored by DiGamma Kappa, 2007
360Graduate And Professional Scholars Recognition and Lecture, 2000
361Congratulatory Cards, 2000
362Mary Frances Early Lecture, 2001
363Mary Frances Early Lecture, 2002
364Mary Frances Early Lecture, 2003
365Mary Frances Early Lecture, 2004
366Mary Frances Early Lecture, 2005
367Mary Frances Early Lecture, 2006
368Mary Frances Early Lecture, 2007
369Mary Frances Early Lecture, 2008
370Mary Frances Early Lecture, 2009
371Mary Frances Early Lecture, 2010
372Mary Frances Early Lecture, 2011
373Mary Frances Early Lecture, 2012
374Foot Soldier for Equal Justice, 2000, 2009
375Rite of Sankofa, 2004
376Center Meyers Dormitory, 2003
377New Georgia Encyclopedia Article, 2005
378Peabody Awards Trip, 2007
379UGA Commencement Speaker, 2007
380Unveiling of Portraits, 2007
381Cousin Frankie's Graduation: 2007, 2003-2007
382College of Education Centennial Terrace Dedication, 2008
383Goin' Back Video, 2009
384Pioneers of the Past : Multicultural Services and Programs 20th Anniversary, 2009
385College of Education Alumni Service Award, 2010
386Donald L. Hollowell Endowment, 2009-2011
387Note from Donald and Louise Hollowell, 2004
388Tree Planting in My Honor, 2010
389Freedom Breakfast Speaker: 2011, 2010-2011
390College of Education: Harris School And Community Reception, 2011
391Alumni Association Merit Award, 2011
392Westminister House Reunion, 2011
393Rite of Sankofa Speech, 2012
boxfolder
4140th Anniversary Items, 2000-2001
4240th Anniversary Articles, 2001
4350th Anniversary of UGA's Desegregation, 2011
4450th Anniversary Articles, 2011
45Correspondence From Dr. Michael Adams, 2001- 2010
46Plaudits RE: UGA, 2001
47Sampling of General Correspondence, 1994, 2000-2011
48Sampling of Correspondence from Students, 2001-2011
49Articles: UGA, 1999-2010
410Articles about Charlayne [Hunter-Gault], 2011
411UGA Homecoming Games
412Atlanta Inquirer Commemorative Issue, 1985
413UGA Magazines, 2000-2007
414UGA Alumni Association Board, 2005-2006
415UGA Alumni Association Spotlights, 2009
416Graduate Education Advancement Board (GEAB) Board of Directors, 2010
417Vita/Resume/Bios
418Clark College Orientation Week Diary, 1953
 

III. Additions to the Collection

The Quiet Trailblazer: My Journey as the First Black Graduate of the University of Georgia by Mary Frances Early

Special Collections Libraries
University of Georgia
Athens, GA 30602-1641