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Library > Special & Area Studies Collections > P.K. Yonge Library of Florida History > Finding Aids



A Guide to the Records of the Gainesville Women for Equal Rights (GWER)

Finding aid prepared by Dina Benson

University of Florida Smathers Libraries - Special and Area Studies Collections
August 2004


Descriptive Summary
Provenance: Gainesville Women for Equal Rights
Title: Records of the Gainesville Women for Equal Rights (GWER)
Dates: 1963-2001
Extent: 1.5 linear ft. 4 Boxes
Identification: Ms 167

Biographical/Historical Note

Gainesville Women for Equal Rights formed in 1963 in conjunction with the Student Group for Equal Rights. The women first made their presence known in October 1963 during protests against segregation at the College Inn; they replaced students on the picket lines who faced expulsion from the University of Florida due to continued absence from class. Members of GWER continued their work in Gainesville for over a decade, sponsoring education and employment programs, protesting discriminatory legal actions, and otherwise striving to improve the quality of life of African-American citizens in Gainesville and surrounding areas. GWER was the driving force behind desegregation at the Boys' Club, the Library, Alachua General Hospital, and other institutions.

Notable individuals: Jean Chalmers, Shirley Conroy, Vivian Filer, Jane Hiers, June Littler, Ann McGhee, Cora Robertson, Rosa Williams, Bobbi Zeman.

Scope and Content

The collection, dated 1963 to 2001, includes correspondence, meeting minutes, and newsletters; documents related to the Home and School (HANDS) education program; and records from the GWER/ACLU Court Observer Program. A video of a 2001 panel discussion and recognition reception hosted by the Central Gainesville/Judy Levy chapter of NOW (National Organization for Women) includes personal anecdotes from GWER members.

Access or Use Restrictions

Access

Collection is open for research.

Administrative Information

Preferred Citation

[Identification of item], Records of the Gainesville Women for Equal Rights (GWER), Special and Area Studies Collections, George A. Smathers Libraries, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida.

Contents List

General Files, 1963-2001

Box 1
Advisory Board Correspondence and Meeting Minutes. 1971-1974
Brochures, Pamphlets, and Stationery. 1963-2001
Bylaws and Articles of Incorporation. 1964-1972
Committee Information and Meeting Minutes. 1964-1975
Correspondence. 1964-1966
Correspondence. 1967-1976
Editorials. 1964-1975
FOCUS Newsletter. 1963-1969
FOCUS Newsletter. 1970-1976
General Meeting Minutes. 1964-1967
General Meeting Minutes. 1968-1977
Guidelines for Forming New Associations. 1963-1976

Box 2
Membership Lists. 1965-1975
Nominations, Endorsements, and Recommendations. 1965-1972


Education Projects, 1963-1975

Box 2
Best Day of the Week Correspondence and Meeting Records. 1971-1972
Best Day of the Week Lists of Participants, Parents, Employees, etc. 1971-1972
Best Day of the Week Quarterly Reports and Appendix. 1971-1972
HANDS Correspondence. 1972-1975
HANDS Financial Documents -- Official Compilation. 1964-1976
HANDS Financial Documents -- Miscellaneous. 1972-1975
HANDS General Information. 1972-1975
HANDS Progress Reports. 1974-1975

Box 3
Kindergarten Alert. 1966-1967
Miscellaneous Education Correspondence, Reports, etc. 1963-1975


Community Programs, 1965-1975

Box 3
GWER/ACLU Court Observer Program (folder 1 of 2). 1968-1969
GWER/ACLU Court Observer Program (folder 2 of 2). 1968-1969
Housing. 1965-1972
Manpower. 1964-1975


Issues of Interest, 1964-1975

Box 3
Boys' Club/Swim Meet Desegregation. 1964-1971
Firing of Harold Acosta. 1964
Tax/Golf Course Controversy. 1971
Miscellaneous. 1964-1975
Waffle Shop. 1966


Related Organizations, 1963-1991

Box 3
League of Women Voters. 1967-1972
Miscellaneous. 1965-1975
Related Publications. 1963-1991


Photos, 1971-2001

Box 4
Best Day of the Week: Alachua - High Springs Session III. 1971
Best Day of the Week: Archer - Newberry Session IV. 1971
Best Day of the Week: Littlewood - Terwilliger Session II. 1971
Best Day of the Week: Metcalfe - Stephen Foster Session V. 1972
GWER Members attending luncheon/dinner function (includes Rosa Williams, Beverly Hill, Bobbi Zeman, Sandy Peterson, Sue Legg, June Littler, Barbara Higgins, and others). ca. 1980
GWER Officers 1971-1972. 1971
Panel Discussion and Recognition Reception hosted by the Judy Levy Chapter of NOW in honor of the members of GWER. 2001


Audiovisual Recordings, 1973-2001

Box 4
Audio Cassette: Coordinating Council of Concern Planning Meeting. 1973
VHS Videotape: "Gainesville Women for Equal Rights: The Politics of Freedom" (panel discussion and recognition reception hosted by NOW). 2001



For further information, please contact: Special Collections Access Services.

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