Doris Larkins Papers

Collection Summary

Title: Doris Larkins Papers
Call Number: MS 94-19
Size: 0.25 linear feet
Acquisition: Donated by Doris Larkins
Processed by: JEO, 2-16-1994; JEF, 11-16-1998
Restrictions: None

Literary Rights

Literary rights were not granted to Wichita State University. When permission is granted to examine the manuscripts, it is not an authorization to publish them. Manuscripts cannot be used for publication without regard for common law literary rights, copyright laws and the laws of libel. It is the responsibility of the researcher and his/her publisher to obtain permission to publish. Scholars and students who eventually plan to have their work published are urged to make inquiry regarding overall restrictions on publication before initial research.

Content Note

This collection of Doris Kerr Larkins’ papers is composed of photocopies of correspondence, announcements, agendas and other printed materials concerning the Wichita "Juneteenth" celebrations in 1978, 1980, 1982 and 1983. The papers trace the formation and organizing for local commemorations of Juneteenth, a celebration of June 19, 1865, when African American slaves in Texas learned of their emancipation.

Biography

Doris Kerr Larkins (1937-1994) moved from Oklahoma City to Wichita as a child. She attended public schools and Wichita State University, majoring in music. When Calvary Baptist Church moved to a new church building in the mid-1970s, Larkins, along with her sisters and others, successfully campaigned to save from demolition its original building at 601 North Water Street, place it on the national register of historic places and establish a museum there to celebrate African American history and culture, now known as the Kansas African American Museum. She also helped establish the local Martin Luther King Day and Juneteenth celebrations.

Detailed Description: Box and Folder Listing

Box 1 FF 1 Juneteenth. Correspondence, agendas, announcements, budgets, etc., for the organization of a Juneteenth day in Wichita on June 19, 1978. 1978.
Box 1 FF 2 Juneteenth. Correspondence, agendas, agreements, contracts, announcements, budgets, schedules, etc. for organizing the 1980 Juneteenth Celebration. 1980.
Box 1 FF 3 Juneteenth. Correspondence, agendas, lists, announcements, programs, biographies of performers and speakers for the 1983 Juneteenth Celebration. Includes some 1982 Juneteenth material. 1982-1983.