MS-267 Charles M. Austin Collection

Access and Provenance

The Charles M. Austin Collection contains 28 audiocassette tapes and a booklet with articles and other historical writings. The items were purchased by Wright State University Special Collections and Archives from Charles M. Austin on a variety of dates, the most recent items were received in February 2005. The collection is organized into one series consisting two boxes filling approximately .75 linear feet. The are no restrictions on the use of this information.

Brief Biographical Sketch

Charles M. Austin is a Dayton-area African-American historian. As an author, he has written a number of newspaper articles, pamphlets, and books on African-American history in the Dayton and Montgomery County area. His books include a nine volume set entitled “The Historical Record of African American in Dayton and Montgomery County, Ohio: Beginning in 1802-1920.” Other books include “Black People in Dayton and Montgomery County, Ohio from November 1802-July 1887: The Beginning of a Legacy,” and “Paul Laurence Dunbar’s Roots and Much More: A Scrapbook of His Life and Legacy.” He has also written articles for newspapers on historical themes including the repeal of Ohio’s “Black Laws,” crime in the Dayton area during the 1800’s, the history of the segregated school district in the Dayton Public School System, and major events and celebrations in the Dayton area during the 1800s. Finally, he has written a number of booklets including “Travelin’ in Th’ Footsteps: Fourth and Main Streets…Memories, Pride, Honor, A Corner of Respect,” Cast Down Your Bucket Where You Are,” and “Travelin’ in Th” Footsteps…The Dayton Youth Movement.”

Along with being an author, Mr. Austin is a guest lecturer for local colleges and high schools, and has appeared at community events to discuss Afro-American history and politics. He has also discussed African-American history and politics as a guest expert for a number of local radio and TV stations. Many of these lectures and guest appearances are documented in this collection.

Scope and Content Note

The Charles M. Austin Collection documents the results of Mr. Austin’s extensive research on African-American history in the Miami Valley, and particularly in Dayton and Montgomery County, Ohio. The radio programs and lectures recorded on the audiocassettes cover a wide-range of topics including African-American social history, achievements of African-Americans in the Dayton area, particular Paul Laurence Dunbar, and the racial climate in the Miami Valley beginning in the early part of the 19 th century. A detailed description of the topics on the tapes can be found in Box 1, File 2.

Container Listing

Paul L. Dunbar: The Spiritual Meaning of His Legacy, Speech at Dunbar Homestead, Dayton, OH (32 Min.)

Paul Laurence Dunbar’s Trials and Tribulations to Publish Oak and Ivy

Paul Laurence Dunbar: The Man and His Message—His Meaning and Significance to the Ages, Speech at Greater Dayton Library (Main Branch) (65 Min)

Paul L. Dunbar’s Trials and Tribulations to Publish his First Literary Works, City of Dayton’s Centennial Year Celebration of Dunbar’s Book, Oak and Ivy (30 Min.)

The Link Between Crime of African Americans in Dayton in 1940’s and the 1990’s, Speech to the Concerned Christian Men (An Advocacy Group to Help Youth) (30 Min.)

Education in the Colored School District in Dayton, Ohio During the 1800’s, Speech at McClendon Institute (35 Min.)

African American Presence in the Following Townships: Butler, Wayne, Mad, Harrison—in the 1800’s, Speech to Members and Guests at Victory United Methodist Church, Northridge, OH (30 Min.)

Searching for African American Roots: A Methodology, Talk at Miami Valley Genealogical Jamboree, Piqua, OH (40 Min.)

History of Black Politics Within the Dayton Area: From 1820’s through 20 th Century, A Lecture/Talk to a Political Science Class at Wright State University (40 Min.) (2 Copies)

True Relationship Between Paul L. Dunbar and the Wright Brothers (Orville and Wilbur), Report to the 2003 Committee