The papers of Calvin C. Hernton consist of files relating to the Oberlin College African-American Studies Department (formerly the Black Studies Department). Hernton served as chairman of the department from 1997 to 1999 and was a faculty member from 1970 to 1999. This collection consists of the files and correspondence that he maintained during his time as chairman and as a faculty member. The collection provides documentation concerning the history of the African-American Studies Department, including the development of the curriculum and the discussions of issues relating to minority students. Files relating to the student publications Nommo and Rain are also included.

Series 1. Minutes, 1971-1979, 1988-1997 (0.2 l.f.)

This series contains minutes and supporting documents, including budgets and correspondence, relating to the Afro-American Studies Committee, the Afro American Studies Program, the Afro-American Community and Student Development Program, the Black Studies Program Committee, the Black Studies Department, and the African American Studies Department.

Series 2. Reports, 1969-1996 (0.4 l.f.)

Consists of numerous reports on the African American Studies Department and its predecessors at Oberlin, including annual reports and departmental reviews for the Black Studies Department and the African American Studies Department, budget information, and reports on African study-abroad programs. Also included are several reports and proposals concerning the recruitment and support of minority students at Oberlin and the academic performance of Oberlin’s minority students.

Series 3. Correspondence, 1969-1997 (0.2 l.f.)

The correspondence series consists of departmental correspondence for the African-American Studies Department, among members of the department and between the department and Oberlin College administration.

Series 4. Personnel, 1971-1998 (0.2 l.f.) Restricted

Consists of files concerning faculty and staff members of African-American Studies Department. Access to this series is restricted.

Series 5. Curriculum, 1971-1994 (0.1 l.f.)

This series contains syllabi for courses in the African-American Studies Department, information on department curriculum and student performance, and department reviews and proposals.

Series 6. Topical Files, 1970-1972, 1982-1990, 1994 (0.1 l.f.)

Contains miscellaneous topical files. Materials include minutes and correspondence for the Universal Oberlin Black Caucus, minutes and supporting documentation for the student publication Nommo, and staff information, budgets, and correspondence for the student literary magazine Rain.

The Calvin C. Hernton Papers were donated to the Oberlin College Archives under a deed of gift by Hernton in 2001.

African American Studies Department (RG 9/21)
Faculty file of Calvin C. Hernton (RG 28/3)