MS-322 James H. McGee Papers

Introduction

The James Howell McGee Papers contain materials which document his life and his dedication to community development and civil rights. As an African American Politician and the first black mayor of Dayton, his political contributions to civil rights during the 1960s and 1970s are of major importance. In addition to the political documents, this collection contains speeches and records of his involvement with civil rights and social organizations. This collection also preserved documentation of his domestic and foreign travels, mostly professional.

The James H. McGee Papers consist of 11 boxes and 5.5 linear feet. The dates of the papers range from the late 1920s to 1995. The papers were donated to Special Collections and Archives at Wright State University by his daughters Frances E. McGee-Cromartie and E. Annette McGee-Wright on November 6, 2003. There are no restrictions on the use of this collection.

Series List

Series I Personal Papers and Law Career

Series II Political Life

Series III Speeches

Series IV Organizations (Political and Civil Rights)

Series V Civil Rights Issues

Biographical Sketch

James Howell McGee (1930- ) was born in West Virginia and spent his developmental years in Steubenville, Ohio. He received his undergraduate degree from Wilberforce University and his law degree from Ohio State University in 1948. Upon graduation, McGee practiced law in the Miami Valley and became involved in Dayton city politics. He then became assistant to Congressman Rodney M. Love in the War on Poverty in 1966.

McGee served as Dayton City Commissioner beginning in 1967, following an appointment to complete the unfinished term of Don Crawford who went on to become the city’s clerk. In 1970, he was appointed to Mayor after Dave Hall retired from the position due to illness. McGee was later elected to this position in 1973, and re-elected in 1977 serving until 1982. During his tenure as Mayor, McGee greatly improved the well being of the city and testified before Congress on behalf of Dayton. He traveled extensively throughout the US and abroad, on behalf of both political and civil organizations.

McGee was a member of various organizations including the Masons, NAACP, Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity, National League of Cities, Sister Cities International, and the National Bar Association.

McGee was married to Elizabeth McCracken and had two daughters, Annette McGee-Wright and Frances E. McGee-Cromartie, who both reside in the Dayton area.

Scope and Content Note

Series I (Box 1) Personal Papers and Law Career

This series contains personal documents such as photographs, poetry, invitations, and memorial service cards. Included are memorial speeches written by McGee, and other biography sketches about important figures in politics. Of major importance is a school paper done by McGee titled The Negro Wage Earner and His Home Conditions, which earned him a grade of B.

Series II ( Box 2-5) Political Life

This series contains documents spanning from McGee’s appointment as assistant to Congressman Rodney M. Love in 1966 through his terms as City Commissioner (1967-1970) and Mayor (1970-1982). This series is broken down into four subseries: Subseries A- Early politics and City Commissioner of Dayton, Subseries B- Mayor of Dayton, Subseries C- Political Travels, and Subseries D- Political Correspondence. Included within this series are his duties, travels, speeches, and correspondence. The researcher should know that within the correspondence box ( Box 5) some of the constituent correspondences are very racist and contain vulgar language.

Series III ( Box 6-7) Speeches

This series contains speeches given by McGee throughout his life. Although most of these are political in nature, some other topics include civil rights and religion. Note to the researcher that within this series also are correspondence and programs relating to the speeches.

Series IV ( Box 8-10) Organizations (Political and Civil Rights)

This series contains documents about McGee’s involvement in different social and political organizations. The series is broken down into two subseries: Subseries A- Civil Rights Organizations and Subseries B- Political Organizations. These organizations include NAACP, Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity, Masons, Sister Cities International, and National League of Cities.

Series V ( Box 11) Civil Rights Issues

This series contains documents spanning from the 1950s through the 1990s. Issues include equal employment, poverty, housing, segregation, and civil suits. McGee played a vital role in speaking and promoting community activism regarding these issues. His political placement made him an important person to advocate and fight conditions and unfair laws that many blacks and minorities face. This series along with the civil rights organizations found in Series IV are of major significance to this collection as a representation of African American life in Dayton during the second half of the twentieth century.

BOX AND FOLDER LISTING

Series I Personal Papers and Law Career