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Papers of Norman E. Jones, Sr., bulk 1950s-1990s

 

Summary

Creator:
Jones Sr., Norman E.
Jones Jr., Norman
Abstract:
Collection documents the career, writings, and broadcasts of entrepreneur Norman E. Jones in St. Petersburg, Florida.
Extent:
5 boxes
2 items two audiocassette storage cases (approximately 3.75 linear feet)
Language:
English
Preferred citation:

Papers of Norman E. Jones, Sr., Nelson Poynter Memorial Library Special Collections and University Archives, University of South Florida, St. Petersburg, FL.

Background

Scope and content:

Collection represents the social, political, and economic climate facing St. Petersburg's African-Americans community during the 1960s and 1970s.

Materials include drafts from a series of articles entitled "Let's Talk Politics" that Norman E. Jones wrote for newspapers, written documents about his television program on WTOG-Channel 44, clipping files, and correspondence with business leaders and government officials.

Biographical / historical:

The papers and audio recordings of Norman E. Jones trace the life of an African American entrepreneur in St. Petersburg. A Kansas native, born in 1909, Jones moved to the Tampa Bay region in 1950. He wrote regular columns in local and national newspapers, worked as a freelance photojournalist, supported conservative political organizations, embraced the economic philosophies of Booker T. Washington, and sparked controversy by holding strong opinions that often contradicted local advocates of racial integration and the civil rights movement.

A photographer, publicist, and journalist, Jones worked as Florida Editor for the Pittsburgh Courier and edited the "Negro News" pages of the St. Petersburg Times and St. Petersburg Evening Independent. For almost twenty years, beginning in 1956, he contributed a column entitled "Let's Talk Politics" to various black newspapers throughout Florida. He also produced his own radio program on two Tampa stations, WEBK and WIOU. During its early years of operation WTOG-Channel 44 televised the "Norman E. Jones Show," a public affairs program hosted by Jones.

For more information, refer to the external documents on the ArchiveSpace record.

Access and use

Terms of access:

None. The contents of the collection may be subject to copyright. Visit the United States Copyright Office's website at http://www.copyright.gov/ for more information.

Preferred citation:

Papers of Norman E. Jones, Sr., Nelson Poynter Memorial Library Special Collections and University Archives, University of South Florida, St. Petersburg, FL.

Location of this collection:
140 7th Avenue South
St. Petersburg
FL
33701
USA