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Grace Brooks Solomon Papers, 1963-2005

 

Summary

Extent:
2.58 Linear Feet
Language:
English
Preferred citation:

Grace Brooks Solomon Papers, Thomas G. Carpenter Library, University of North Florida, Jacksonville, Florida.

Background

Scope and content:

This collection is home to the personal papers of Grace Brooks Solomon, a political activist in Jacksonville, Florida, most notably known for her work during her presidency of the Minority Women's Coalition. These papers provide insight into the professional career and personal life of Grace Brooks Solomon as well as her efforts to memorialize her sister, former Jacksonville City Council Member, Sallye Brooks Mathis. Furthermore, this collection grants a look into the many racial issues and desegregation efforts made by women of color as well as school board members in Florida during the 1980s and 90s.

Series in this collection include the following:

Series 1 — Education Issues (arranged alphabetically by sub-series)

Sub-Series 1 — Desegregation and Race (arranged chronologically) includes documents pertaining to racial and desegregation issues in schools.

Sub-Series 2 — Northside (arranged chronologically) contains documents pertaining to education concerns on the Northside of Jacksonville.

Sub-Series 3 — Quality Education (arranged chronologically) includes materials concerning parent, teacher, and community involvement in schools, correspondence, and testing.

Series 2 — Minority Women's Coalition (arranged alphabetically by sub-series).

Sub-Series 1 — Community Outreach (arranged chronologically) relates to the efforts made by the MWC to maintain civic engagement.

Sub-Series 2 — Correspondence (arranged chronologically) is comprised of a variety of correspondence received and sent by Grace Solomon as well as other members of the MWC.

Sub-Series 3 — Financial Records (arranged chronologically) contains records that deal with the MWC's financial history.

Sub-Series 4 — Legal Documents (arranged chronologically) consists of the MWC's legal reports and records.

Sub-Series 5 — Meeting Records (arranged chronologically) includes journals and notes detailing MWC meetings.

Sub-Series 6 — Organizational Records (arranged chronologically) are comprised of contact information and addresses of former members of the MWC and affiliated services.

Series 3 — Miscellaneous (arranged chronologically) consists of flyers, poems, notes regarding the NAACP and a pamphlet.

Series 4 — News Clippings (arranged chronologically) is comprised of various topics such as black history, schools, and church.

Series 5 — Personal (arranged alphabetically by sub-series).

Sub-Series 1 — Correspondence (arranged chronologically) contains holiday and birthday cards to and from people believed to be related to Grace Solomon as well as letters addressed to Solomon.

Sub-Series 2 — Photos (arranged chronologically and by person/family) includes photo prints and negatives of the Solomon and McGrath family, friends, and unknown peoples.

Biographical / historical:

Grace Brooks Solomon, the youngest child of Sallie Adams and Henry Pickens Brooks, was born in 1915 in Jacksonville, Florida. Her formative years transpired within the confines of this city, where she commenced her educational journey at Edward Waters College. As her pursuit of knowledge unfolded, Solomon extended her academic endeavors to Bethune-Cookman College and the Tuskegee Institute, culminating in the attainment of a Bachelor of Science in Education. Subsequently, she further honed her intellectual skills at Atlanta University, obtaining a degree in Library Science. A career in education ensued, with Solomon notably assuming the role of librarian at Rufus E. Payne Elementary School.

Concurrently, her husband, James H. Solomon, imparted his knowledge as an instructor of upholstery at New Stanton Senior High School. A testament to their shared endeavors, James H. Solomon constructed the familial residence that would house many generations to come. Solomon's extended family, inclusive of the McGraths, converges in Alexandria, Virginia, contributing to the broader context of Grace Brooks Solomon's heritage.

Of equal prominence within the family lineage is Sallye B. Mathis, Grace's older sister. A trailblazing figure in the city's history, Mathis was one of Jacksonville's first Black women to serve on the city council. In parallel with her sister, Mathis dedicated a significant portion of her life to the field of education. In 1977, she founded the Minority Women's Coalition (MWC), an organization subsequently presided over by Grace Solomon in 1987 following her sister's passing in 1982. Grace, prior to assuming the presidency, served as the Residential Agent for the MWC.

The articulated objectives of the MWC, as described in its bylaws, underscores its commitment to fostering the holistic development of women, both educationally and professionally, while also encouraging civic engagement. Central to the MWC's mission is the enhancement of educational opportunities through an annual scholarship awards program and the provision of emergency assistance to vulnerable families facing existential threats.

During her tenure as president in the late 1980s and 1990s, Grace Solomon directed her efforts towards improving racial disparities within the Jacksonville education system. Simultaneously, she emerged as a prominent figure in commemorating the legacy of Sallye B. Mathis, through her leadership in advocating for the renaming of an elementary school in her sister's honor. Grace Brooks Solomon passed at the age of 95 on September 11th, 2010. Her life stands as a testament to a legacy marked by an unwavering commitment to education, civic duty, and the advancement of minority women.

Acquisition information:
The collection was acquired through donation from Brooke M. Stephens, 2017-07-27 and 2018-12-18.
Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard

Access and use

Restrictions:

The collection is open for research by appointment only. Please contact lib-special@unf.edu to schedule an appointment.

Terms of access:

Materials in the collection may be subject to copyright and are to be used for private study, scholarship, or research in accordance with the copyright law of the United States (Title 17, United States Code). Use of reproductions of copyrighted works in excess of "fair use," may result in the user's liability for copyright infringement and be subject to the civil and criminal penalties of federal law. Visit the United States Copyright Office's website at http://www.copyright.gov/ for further information.

Preferred citation:

Grace Brooks Solomon Papers, Thomas G. Carpenter Library, University of North Florida, Jacksonville, Florida.

Location of this collection:
Thomas G. Carpenter Library
1 UNF Drive
Jacksonville
FL
32224
USA