The AW Willis, Jr. Collection

The A.W. Willis, Jr. Collection

Processed by

Sally Lineback

2006

Memphis and Shelby County Room

Memphis Public Library and Information Center 3030 Poplar Avenue Memphis, TN 38111

Biography

Archie Walter Willis was born on March 16, 1925 in Birmingham, Alabama to

Archie Walter Willis, Sr. and Mamie Camack Willis. His grandparents, Ella and Charles

Willis, were slaves who became large landholders in Pine Ridge, Mississippi after emancipation. When he was still an infant, his family relocated to Mississippi Boulevard in Memphis, Tennessee. Willis, Sr. co-founded Universal Life Insurance, Co., a black- owned insurance company in Memphis. He worked for the company throughout Willis,

Jr.’s childhood. As a child, Willis attended Memphis public schools, graduating from

Booker T. Washington High School in 1942. From 1943 until 1946, he served in the armed forces in the European Theater. Upon his return to the United States, Willis attended Talledega College and subsequently studied law at the University of Wisconsin.

Throughout his young adult life, he traveled with his father as an insurance salesman.

Willis returned to Memphis in 1953 with the intent to fight racial discrimination.

That year he opened the first integrated law firm in Memphis on Vance Avenue. Through his law practice, Willis struggled for racial justice and civil rights. He argued many cases for the Memphis NAACP, including the 1960 Northcross versus Board of Education case, which led to the integration of Memphis city schools. In fact, his son Michael Willis was one of the first children to integrate Memphis schools. He also served on James

Meredith’s legal counsel when Meredith sought to integrate the University of Mississippi in 1961.

Starting in 1960, he began to seek political office. That year, he ran unsuccessfully for Shelby County Court. Four years later in 1964, he became the first African American elected to the Tennessee State Legislature since Reconstruction. He served two terms in the Legislature, introducing bills for the redistricting of state congressional districts and for a minimum wage bill to cover workers not included in the federal bill. In 1967 he ran for mayor, and although he was unsuccessful, he was the first

African American to do so in Memphis. He was active in the Shelby County Democratic

Club for a number of years. Even after his own political career had ended, he endorsed many Democratic candidates and his opinion was visible and respected in the Memphis community.

In 1955, he co-founded Mutual Federal Savings and Loan Association. This black-owned company made loans to build and renovate inner-city homes. Later, in the

1960s, he co-founded Supreme Mortgage & Realty, Co. to develop housing programs for low and moderate income Memphians and to rehabilitate existing homes. He was also involved in the redevelopment of downtown including the renovation of buildings on

Beale Street, restoring the Adler Hotel, and galvanizing community support and raising funds for the opening of the National Civil Rights Museum.

Throughout his life, Willis served on many boards and commissions and was involved in numerous organizations. He was a lifetime member of the NAACP in

Memphis and worked on many Civil Rights cases for the organization. He also was one of the original members of the Tennessee Human Rights Commission founded in the

1960s. Governor Ned McWherter also named him to the Tennessee Racing Commission, a panel formed to discuss the possibilities of horse racing in Memphis. In business, he sat on the board of Mahalia Jackson Chicken Systems, Inc., a chain of fast-food restaurants, many of them located in Memphis. Willis was also an active member of the Church of God in Christ. As a church member and an attorney, he was active in the proposed, and ultimately, failed, attempt to connect the Church of God in Christ to Lemoyne-Owen

College. Willis initiated and supported many housing programs for working-class families in Memphis from his earliest years in Memphis until his death in 1988. The many awards Willis received are a testament to his community involvement and his dedication to change.

Willis married the former Annie Laurie Erwin of Columbia, Mississippi, with whom he had five children, Rosalyn, Michael, Archie III, Stephanie, and Marc.

Sometime in the early 1970s, the two divorced and moved out of their home on

Mississippi Boulevard. In 1973, Willis married Laurie Sugarmon, who had four children of her own with her previous husband. Though Willis called his wife “Laurie,” to the public she is known as Dr. Miriam DeCosta Willis. Three of his children, Rosalyn,

Archie III, and Marc, have also been very active in the Memphis Community.

When Willis succumbed to a long battle with cancer in July 1988, the Memphis

Community mourned the loss of a “community and business leader, civil rights activist, and political strategist.” Willis stated that his philosophy in life centered on the fact that he “really wanted to leave things better than they were” and that was how he lived out his life in Memphis. Mayor Dick Hackett stated that “there has not been a greater contribution made by A.W. Willis than his commitment and effectiveness in bringing the black and white communities together.” 1 Willis worked not just for the betterment of the black population of Memphis, but worked tirelessly to better the relationship between black and white Memphians. Willis’s legacy of community involvement is still visible in

Memphis today.

1 Celeste Williams, “Praise of selfless life marks rites for Willis,” The Commercial Appeal, 20 July 1988.

Scope and Content

The A.W. Willis, Jr. Collection was donated to the Memphis Public Library and

Information Center by Willis’s widow, Dr. Miriam DeCosta Willis on January 10, 2003.

Comprised of ten boxes, this collection contains correspondence, newspaper clippings, programs, reports, and other documents relating to Willis’s public and private life starting in the early 1950s and continuing after his death in 1988. The collection also contains an impressive amount of photographs. There are five boxes of photographs ranging from family snapshots and portraits to landmark events in Memphis’s Civil Rights Movement.

There are several photographs done by Ernest Withers, famous for his Civil Rights photography.

The collection contains information on several topics in Memphis and in

Tennessee including: Memphis Civil Rights history; Willis’s political career; Memphis and Tennessee politics in the 1960s and the 1980s (particularly the Dick Hackett’s 1986 campaign for Mayor and Ned McWherter’s 1986 campaign for Governor); the National

Democratic Convention; the operation of Willis’s various businesses; the failed merging of the Church of God in Christ and LeMoyne-Owen College; Beale Street Development;

Church Park; the founding of the National Civil Rights Museum; and family information including various wills and trusts.

Researchers interested in the Willis family should also examine the papers of Dr.

Miriam DeCosta Willis, housed in the Memphis and Shelby County Room. For those interested in Civil Rights, the Maxine Smith NAACP Collection and the George W. Lee

Collection, both located in the Memphis and Shelby County Room, are invaluable resources. Additional photographs of Memphis Civil Rights activities are located in the

Civil Rights Photographs Collection in the Memphis and Shelby County Room.

Box Folder Items Description and Content Notes

1 1 1 Address Book

The folder contains phone numbers and addresses of Willis's contacts.

1 2 2 Albert Schweitzer Prize for Humanitarianism

In 1987 Tennessee Governor Ned McWherter nominated Willis for this prize. In the folder is McWherter's letter nominating Willis as well as a newspaper article announcing the nomination.

1 3 1 All Saint's University--Preliminary Feasibility Study--1983

The Church of God in Christ considered founding a university in Memphis connected to the church. Willis was an active member of COGIC and was involved in the process of deciding to found a church-related university. This document is the first draft of a study on the feasibility of the proposed university, called All Saint's University. It includes information on requirements for accreditation, comparison to other church-related colleges, proposed student body, a tentative budget, and estimated facility needs.

1 4 7 Auction Avenue Bridge

In 1987 Memphis Mayor Dick Hackett dedicated the Auction Avenue Bridge to Willis for his service to the Memphis community. The A.W. Willis, Jr. Bridge links Mud Island to downtown Memphis.

1 5 7 Awards, other

This folder contains newspaper clippings on various awards Willis received: the MSU Milestone Award and the Greek of the Year Award. It also contains a program from the Tennessee Black Caucus of State Legislative Retreat where he received special recognition. There are also clippings on awards named for Willis and given to various people in Memphis. The dates for this folder range from 1965-1995.

1 6 8 Barrister's Ball Award--1987

In 1987 Willis received the Legal Service Award from the Memphis Chapter of the National Bar Association. The folder contains an invitation and program from the Ball as well as newspaper clippings written about the Ball.

1 7 14 Beale Street Development

In the 1960s Memphians began to consider plans for redeveloping Beale Street. Willis was involved in the planning for the project. This folder contains newspaper clippings related to the restoration of Beale Street as well as the first draft of Willis's 1970 proposal for the Beale Street restoration.

1 8 4 Book on Black Politics

In 1995 a professor from the University of Louisville sent Dr. Miriam DeCosta Willis an excerpt from her book-in-progress on Black Politics in Memphis. The excerpt from the book is located in the folder as well as the professor's letter to Dr. Willis and Dr. Willis's notes on the excerpt. The author asked to interview Dr. Willis about A.W. Willis's involvement in Memphis politics. (The researcher should note that the book was eventually published as Race, Power, and Political Emergence in Memphis in 2000 authored by Sharon D. Wright. The Memphis Public Library owns a copy of the book.)

1 9 4 Church of God in Christ

Willis was very involved in the Church of God in Christ. This folder contains newspaper clippings regarding the history of the Church of God in Christ, plans for a proposed "Saints Center," and the opening of a new Pentecostal Temple. Also included is a program from the dedication of the Pentecostal Temple.

1 10 21 Church Park

As part of the Beale Street Area Urban Program, the Park Commission recommended that the Memphis Housing Authority buy Church Park from the City of Memphis in 1969. This folder contains the legal documents surrounding this sale, correspondence regarding the project, appraisals of the land's worth, and a map of the Beale Street Area Urban Program. The documents date from 1969 to 1970.

1 11 7 Civil Rights

This folder contains newspaper clippings from various Civil Rights activities in which Willis was involved. They range from articles on school and bus desegregation to articles on an incident in Somerville, TN in 1963 when a sniper shot at a car in which Willis and other civil rights activists were riding. There is also an article detailing the perspectives of "Negro Leaders" in the Memphis community on how to get ahead in Memphis. Only a few of the articles are dated, ranging from 1958-1967.

1 12 5 Clippings, General

This folder contains newspaper articles related to a variety of topics. The topics include: the Shelby County Democratic Club, housing on Beale Street, a photo of Willis with Marion Barry, the Ambassador Hotel, and another photo of Willis.

1 13 30 Correspondence 1987-1988

This folder contains correspondence with many various individuals and regarding many different subjects. Among the correspondents are Governor Ned McWherter, Ben Hooks, Mayor Bill Morris, Mayor Dick Hackett, D'Army Bailey, and various Tennessee State Representatives. There are also letters from other individuals. Many of the letters congratulate Willis on receiving various awards. Some deal with issues of housing. Others are letters expressing thanks for various deeds. There are also letters on miscellaneous topics.

1 14 1 Daily Planner--1987

This folder contains Willis's daily planner or appointment book for the entire year of 1987. The items include doctors appointments, board meetings, task force meetings, and many other events and meetings.

1 15 1 Daily Planner--1988

This folder contains Willis's daily planner or appointment book for the year of 1988, the year he died. Even in this year, he was still involved in the community, evidenced by the meetings he attended. The last entry for this year is dated April 10.

1 16 13 Death of A.W.. Willis--Correspondence and Articles

A.W. Willis died on July 14, 1988 in Memphis. This folder contains letters of condolence from various individuals to the Willis family in the days following Willis's death. It also contains newspaper articles about his life and works as well as his obituary. There is also a list in Dr. Miriam DeCosta Willis's handwriting that appears to list various gifts received.

1 17 1 Elections

The newspaper clipping in this file has a picture of Willis with U.S. Senator Jim Sesser and others at a gathering for Sesser's re- election campaign at the Pentecostal Temple of the Church of God in Christ in 1982.

1 18 7 Family

This folder contains a few newspaper clippings on various family members of A.W. Willis. All of the articles, except one, are dated, ranging from 1973-1988. One article details Willis's move to Washington D.C. in 1973 and his marriage to Miriam DeCosta Willis. Also of note in the folder is handwritten chart that one of Willis's children made giving the birthday, height, weight, and clothing sizes of four of the Willis children in 1972.

1 19 1 Fombi, Menelik Chiremba (son) 1/2

Menelik Chiremba Fombi is Willis's oldest child. He was born Michael Willis but later changed his name. This folder contains a 1993 research paper he did for a class at Ohio State University. The paper is titled, "Human Affairs in Tennessee: A Case Study of Race Relations, Imperialism, and Economic Exploitation 1540- 1860" and includes an extensive bibliography.

1 20 4 Fombi, Menelik Chiremba (son) 2/2

The contents of this folder also relate to Ohio State University. There is an announcement for the completion of his Master's degree in Black Studies. Fombi also wrote an article for the Black Cultural Center's publication, and it is also included in this folder as is a pamphlet from the Center.

2 1 16 Funeral Services and Obituary

Willis's funeral was held on July 19, 1988. The folder contains many drafts of Willis's obituary, of the order of the funeral service, and of the list of pallbearers and honorary pall bearers. They were all written by Dr. Miriam DeCosta Willis, his widow. There are also two copies of the program from the service.

2 2 15 Hackett Election--1987

Willis was a strong supporter of Memphis Mayor Dick Hackett's campaign for re-election in 1987. The folder contains newspaper articles about the election, one describing criticism Willis received from the Black community for supporting Hackett. It also includes numerous flyers and pamphlets on candidates as well as sample completed ballots that different candidates, for mayor and for city council positions, circulated in the community. There are also two notable political cartoons.

2 3 1 Honorable Discharge

From the years 1943-1946 Willis served in the armed forces in the European Theater. In this folder is his discharge form, detailing his activities during his service. It is a copy and is difficult to read.

2 4 8 Housing Programs

In his lifetime, Willis worked to improve housing opportunities for low-income families. The newspaper clippings in this file describe some of the programs he was involved in from the years 1980- 1987.

2 5 3 King Commission

In late 1987 Mayor Dick Hackett began planning a Tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on the twentieth anniversary of his death: April 4, 1988. Willis was selected to serve on the Tribute Commission with six other Memphians. This group decided on the scope and activities of the Tribute. Included in this folder is a letter to the Commission listing ideas for consideration, a press release from Hackett, and a newspaper article about the Commission.

2 6 7 Kool Achiever Awards

In 1988, Mayor Dick Hackett nominated Willis for the Kool Achiever Award in the business category. While he did not receive the award, he was a finalist. The folder contains the nomination criteria, Hackett's nomination, Willis's descriptions of his activities, correspondence from Kool Awards, a certificate for being a finalist, and a newspaper announcement of his status as a finalist. The researcher should note that Willis's description of his own service and business activities is a unique item in this collection. Rarely does Willis write of his own accomplishments, and here, he writes only a few months before his death.

2 7 3 Lemoyne-Owen Budget 1983-1984

Willis was very involved in the affairs of LeMoyne-Owen College. This folder contains two copies of the operating budget as presented to the Board of Trustees in 1983 and the actual budget report from the year 1983.

2 8 17 LeMoyne-Owen--COGIC Partnership--1984 1/3

In 1984 administrators from LeMoyne-Owen College extended an invitation to the Bishop of the Church of God In Christ to join the two institutions. The partnership of the institutions eventually failed to materialize. Willis was very involved in the process of negotiating between the two parties. This folder contains correspondence between the two institutions, particularly to and from Bishop J.O.. Patterson and Dr. Walter Walker, president of LeMoyne-Owen. Also included are Jesse Turner's CPA analysis of LeMoyne's financial status. The largest aspect of the folder contains the numerous drafts of the agreement between the two institutions, which was drafted by Willis.

2 9 12 Lemoyne-Owen--COGIC Partnership--1984 2/3

This folder contains continued correspondence regarding the proposed partnership. It contains several drafts of a letter from Bishop Patterson to a Lemoyne board member detailing his concerns with various aspects of the partnership as well as his proposed amendments to the agreement. There is also a newspaper article announcing the proposal.

2 10 13 Lemoyne-Owen--COGIC Partnership--1984 3/3

This folder contains continued correspondence regarding negotiation between the two institutions.

2 11 7 LeMoyne-Owen--COGIC Partnership--1985

This folder contains the last correspondence regarding the proposed partnership. In a letter Bishop Patterson mentions that the two institutions have failed to reach a "satisfactory agreement."

2 12 1 LeMoyne-Owen, Financial--1981-1982

The document in this folder is LeMoyne-Owen's "Audited Financial Statements and Other Financial Information" done by a CPA firm.

2 13 1 LeMoyne-Owen, Financial--1982-1983

This folder contains the CPA's information from the years 1982- 1983.

2 14 5 LeMoyne-Owen, Miscellaneous

This folder contains a newspaper clipping about the college's financial state, a document about a proposed endowment grant program, and three lists of the college's board of trustees and their addresses. The documents are dated 1983-1986.

2 15 3 Linden Plaza / Adler Hotel

In 1981 Supreme Mortgage and Realty, of which Willis was President, sought to finance the renovation of the Adler Hotel in downtown Memphis. The folder contains two copies of a 1981 newspaper article describing the project as well as a 1984 Holiday card from the architecture firm who restored the building. The front of the card is a drawing of the Adler Hotel building.

3 1 1 Mahalia Jackson Chicken Systems, Inc. 1/2

In the late 1960s, Mahalia Jackson Chicken Systems opened several fast-food restaurants, some of them in Memphis. Willis served as the chairman of the board for the project, Ben Hooks was the president, and Willis's brother Thomas was the treasurer. This folder contains a 1969 issue of Drive In Management magazine featuring a large article on the company and pictures of the people involved.

3 2 4 Mahalia Jackson Chicken Systems, Inc. 2/2

This folder contains newspaper articles about the company and its restaurants as well as Willis's involvement in the company. It also contains a magazine interview with Mahalia Jackson about the fast-food franchise and a pamphlet about the franchise, including a menu.

3 3 4 Mallory Heights Planned Unit Development

In 1988 Supreme Mortgage and Realty began an inner-city housing project called Mallory Heights. Willis's son, Archie Willis III, was president of Supreme at the time. This folder contains newspaper clippings announcing and detailing the project, a program from the groundbreaking ceremony, and the planning report developed by Supreme for the project.

3 4 6 Mayor's Election--1967

In 1967 Willis ran for Mayor. He was the first African American to do so in Memphis. This folder contains campaign pamphlets from the Willis campaign as well as from William Ingraham's campaign. The pamphlet from the Ingraham campaign contains a unique political cartoon giving Ingraham's perspective on the election. Two copies of an issue of Jet magazine are also included in the folder, featuring an article on Willis's candidacy. A New York Times article is also in this folder, describing Willis's candidacy as the first "Negro candidate for Mayor . . . in modern times for a major Southern city." Henry Loeb won the election.

3 5 6 McWherter Election--1986

Willis was a strong supporter of Ned WcWherter in his race for governor in 1986. This folder contains a sample Democratic ballot for the elections in November 1986, a newspaper article about the backing behind McWherter (including Willis's support), an invitation and a program for a celebration in 1987, a program for McWherter's inauguration in January 1987, and a newspaper article about the inauguration in the Nashville Banner newspaper.

3 6 9 Memphis Transit Authority Appointment--1961

Willis was appointed to the MTA in 1961. From the beginning, there was controversy surrounding his appointment. This folder contains newspaper articles showing the chronology of the events from when Willis was appointed to when he stepped down in favor of A. Maceo Walker. The folder is of particular interest because it gives opinions of Memphis newspapers as well as Mayor Henry Loeb's position on this matter, which had implications for Memphis race relations.

3 7 7 Miscellaneous Correspondence

This folder contains correspondence from 1977-1986. Of note are letters from Harold Ford and then senator Al Gore.

3 8 9 Miscellaneous Items

This folder contains an invitation to Willis's 60th birthday celebration, three business cards, a directory of Memphis attorneys, a card from the Willis family expressing appreciation for sympathy after Willis's death, and notes from an apparent speech of thanks. There is also a special collections request card from the Mississippi Valley Collection at the University of Memphis Library. This card shows the item numbers of the clippings that Dr. Miriam DeCosta Willis used when researching information on Willis. (The researcher should note that this numbering system is the same and will help the researcher find information on Willis at the Mississippi Valley Collection.

3 9 4 Mutual Federal Savings & Loan Association

Willis co-founded this company in 1955 and served as its president for a number of years. This folder contains a financial statement from the company, a pamphlet detailing the company's mission, a business card, and an advertisement for the company.

3 10 8 NAACP

Willis was very involved with the NAACP throughout his lifetime. This folder contains newspaper clippings regarding his involvement in the NAACP, one is from 1963 and the others are undated. Also in this folder is an NAACP election analysis. Jesse Turner, who was Shelby County Commissioner at the time, did an analysis of the 1979 local elections for the NAACP. Another item in the folder is a certificate for 25 or more years of service to the NAACP that Willis received in 1984. Lastly, this folder contains a letter from Maxine Smith to Dr. Miriam DeCosta Willis informing Dr. Willis of an NAACP event commemorating the life of her late husband in 1989. The folder also contains a flyer and a program from the event.

3 11 10 National Association of Real Estate Brokers

Willis served as the president of the Memphis chapter in the 1980s and was involved in the organization in many other capacities. This folder contains a name tag from a conference and several newspaper articles mentioning his involvement with the NAREB as well as with the NAACP. There is also a program from an event in 1987 where the Memphis chapter honored Willis's involvement. The folder also contains a list of NAREB members.

3 12 15 National Civil Rights Museum

Willis worked for years to garner support and funds to found the National Civil Rights Museum in Memphis. This folder contains a technical proposal for the project dated 1986, a handwritten page of notes on aspects of the project, a proposed 1986 floor plan, several newspaper articles about the project and Willis's involvement dated 1986-1992, two magazine articles on the museum from 1992 and 2003, a flyer for the museum, and a program from the dedication ceremony.

3 13 6 National Conference of Christians and Jews Award--1987

The National Conference of Christians and Jews honored Willis with a Community Service Award in 1987. This folder contains correspondence and newspaper articles announcing the award and two programs from the award ceremony.

3 14 7 Politics

This folder contains newspaper clippings regarding various aspects of Willis's political career. One announces his selection to the integrated National Democratic Convention in 1964. Another details his support of President Johnson while in the Convention. Three describe Willis's opposition to Harold Ford's candidacy in 1974. The last two articles were written in 1987 about Memphians' history of voting along racial lines.

3 15 2 Proclamation Honoring A.W.. Willis, Jr.

Upon Willis's death, Tennessee's Delegation to the 1988 National Democratic Convention wrote a Proclamation Honoring A.W. Willis, Jr. The Proclamation is signed by Governor Ned WcWherter, Representative Lois DeBerry, and Richard Lodge, Co- Vice Chairman of the Delegation. The folder also contains a photocopy of the Proclamation.

3 16 3 Programs

This folder contains an invitation, a menu, and a program for the inaugural gala dinner for the Ramses the Great exhibit held at the Memphis Convention Center in 1987.

3 17 8 Racing Panel

In 1987, Governor McWherter formed the racing panel, governing horse racing in the state of Tennessee. Willis had served on the state racing panel until his death in July of 1988. This folder contains newspaper articles regarding the forming of the panel and its early debates about a racing track in Memphis and the appointment of a new panelist (Lucius Burch). Two of the articles describe the racial atmosphere surrounding the appointment of Burch, who was white. There is also a letter from the panel to the Willis family written on the event of Willis's death.

3 18 12 Shelby County Quarterly Court Election

In 1960, Willis ran unsuccessfully for the at-large position for Shelby County Quarterly Court. This folder contains newspaper articles announcing his candidacy and describing his platform, a campaign flyer describing his candidacy (giving also a short biographical sketch), a speech or report Willis wrote giving his reasons for running and his platform, a letter announcing his candidacy, a speech during his campaign, a flyer showing voters how to use the voting machines to vote for Willis, and several worksheets that his campaign workers would have used.

3 19 4 Smith, Beatrice Willis (aunt)

Smith is referred to in this collection many times as "Aunt Bea." This folder contains an interesting note card Smith wrote, although the subject matter and date cannot be discerned. The folder also contains the transcript of a 1982 interview Dr. Miriam DeCosta Willis conducted with Smith regarding her life in Mississippi. The last items in the folder are a program for Smith's funeral services in April of 1985 and a small newspaper obituary.

3 20 21 State Legislature--1965-1969

In 1964 Willis was the first African American elected to the Tennessee State Legislature since Reconstruction. (Documents about the election are located in the following folder.) He served two terms. Many of the newspaper clippings in this folder are pictures of Willis in his first days at the legislature. A few of the clippings were sent from various individuals and the corresponding letters are also located in the folder. The clippings came from papers located all across the country. The folder also contains a letter from WDIA radio station in Memphis requesting a weekly report from Willis on the Legislature. Other clippings detail some of his plans during his tenure including a redistricting bill, a poverty fund, and his support of a minimum wage bill. The articles also detail other politicians' views regarding these issues, including governor Clement. Another article describes life for representatives' families, and includes a quotation from Willis's first wife.

3 21 30 State Legislature Election--1964

This folder contains a campaign brochure for Willis and for Russell Sugarmon, Jr. (who ran for the State Senate) describing their joint platform. The rest of the folder consists of newspaper clippings about the election and the candidates running. Two articles detail his role in and opinions on the Democratic National Convention held that same year. A few outline his candidacy and platform. Another lists the all the candidates running for the same position. One actually lists the Memphis Press-Scimitar's recommendations candidates in the state legislature. Another lists an unknown paper's recommendations. Still another lists the Commercial Appeal's recommendations for a straight Democratic vote. Other articles describe the results of the election, focusing mainly on the bloc vote from Memphis African Americans and Willis's victory that made history. One clipping is a map of the country and how each state voted in the 1964 election.

4 1 1 Sugarmon, Russell Bertrand, Sr.

This folder contains the program from the funeral service of Russell Bertrand Sugarmon, Sr. The program includes a short obituary.

4 2 9 Supreme Mortgage & Realty, Co. 1/4

In the 1960s Willis co-founded Supreme, which was the only black-owned Mortgage and Realty firm in the Southeast. The company worked to finance low and moderate income housing, among other projects. This folder contains documents from the time when Archie Willis III headed the company in the 1980s. The newspaper clippings include information about his election to the board of directors in 1981, Supreme's 1987 sweat equity program, a 1988 project to restore office buildings downtown, and the founding of his new real estate company, Supreme Enterprises, Inc. The folder also contains an invitation to and a program from the groundbreaking ceremony for the Mallory Heights Project.

4 3 25 Supreme Mortgage & Realty, Co. 2/4

This folder contains various documents relating to Supreme. It has two business cards and a luggage tag. It also contains pamphlets and newspaper articles regarding the development of and financing for the 1980s Durango Subdivision, one of Supreme's projects. There is also an undated newspaper article describing fires that damaged three of Supreme's low-income homes and Willis's reaction to the events. The folder contains many newspaper articles on various Supreme projects, including homes for congregate living, health care plans, work on the Ambassador Hotel, and an article describing Supreme's honor as Business of the Year. Also included are a pamphlet describing the company and report overview of Supreme Enterprise's real estate projects. Lastly, the folder contains newspaper articles and correspondence related to the closing of Willis estate, an investigation into one of Supreme's projects, and correspondence about some of Supreme's loans. These last documents date from 1987-1988.

4 4 9 Supreme Mortgage & Realty, Co. 3/4

This folder contains 4 supplements to tax protests of various members of the Willis family, including Willis himself, and of various companies operating in Memphis. These documents are undated. There is also an overview of Supreme Enterprise, Inc. and a balance sheet for the company. The last documents in the folder are Supreme Enterprise's profit and loss assumptions and income projections dated 1987.

4 5 22 Supreme Mortgage & Realty, Co. 4/4

This folder contains another supplement to a tax protest of the company. It also contains correspondence and agreements regarding the payment of Supreme's loans from the years 1978- 1980.

4 6 3 Talladega College

Willis attended Talladega College after his years in military service. This folder contains an issue of the Talladegan which announces Willis's election to the Tennessee State Legislature, a transcript request form, and Willis's transcript.

4 7 6 Tennessee Human Rights Commission

Governor Clement named Willis to the state's Human Rights Commission in the early 1960s. This folder contains an undated newspaper article describing the appointment. It also contains documents relating to a celebration that recognized those who first served on the commission, including Willis. The folder contains a letter informing Willis of his recognition; biographical sketches of Governor Ned McWherter, Willis, and State Representative C.B. Robinson that McWherter signed; and two programs from the conference and celebration in 1987.

4 8 9 Testimonial Dinner--1987

In 1987 a committee to honor Willis was formed. The committee decided to hold a testimonial dinner to honor Willis's commitment to the Memphis community and his contributions to the city's development. This folder contains a letter requesting recollections of Willis to be sent to the committee, flyers for the event, drafts of a biographical sketch, lists of people who purchased tables for the event, newspaper articles announcing and describing the dinner, and a program from the dinner itself.

4 9 2 University of Wisconsin--Madison

In 1953 Willis completed his Law Degree at the University of Wisconsin in Madison. This folder contains an official copy of his transcript and a description of requirements from the school's Registrar.

4 10 5 Westly, Cecelia Willis (sister)

This folder contains Westly's commencement program from the University of Tennessee, a thank you card from the Girls Club of Memphis, Inc., an invitation to a Girls Club luncheon honoring Westly, a newspaper article describing the luncheon, and a program from the 1988 event.

4 11 4 Wheeler, Jerolyn--Center City Commission

This folder contains correspondence regarding her career move to Supreme Enterprises in 1988 which forced her to resign from the Center City Commission and from the Memphis Coalition for the Homeless.

4 12 1 Willis, A.W. Sr.

This folder contains a short biographical sketch of Willis's father and his involvement in Universal Life in Memphis. He served as Vice President of Universal Life for a number of years.

4 13 8 Willis, Archie III

This folder contains newspaper articles regarding Willis's son's various projects including the Community Reinvestment Coalition (backed by the NAACP), the Community Development Corporation, his attempt to gather a biracial challenge to city council's incumbents, an NAACP voter registration drive, and the renovation of his home. The articles are dated 1983-1991. There is also an invitation to a housewarming celebration at Willis III's home in 1987.

4 14 5 Willis, Mamie, C. (mother)

The items in this folder are related to the death of Willis's mother in 1986 including a newspaper article, a proclamation from the Church of God in Christ, two programs from the funeral service (these have a short biographical sketch), and a letter from COGIC in consolation.

4 15 14 Willis, Mamie C. (mother)--Will and Trust

This folder contains the legal documents of the will and trust of Willis's mother. It also includes her annuity contract and correspondence surrounding these legal documents.

4 16 6 Willis, Marc (son)

This folder contains Marc Willis's high school graduation program, business card, and wedding invitation. There are also three newspapers detailing Willis's involvement with Stax Studio's Renewal Program. Willis serves as the director for the Stax Academy. These articles date from 2001-2002.

4 17 11 Willis, Rosalyn Ilunga (daughter)

This folder contains several newspaper clippings regarding Rosalyn Ilunga. One details her marriage announcement, another announces her return to Memphis, another describes her involvement in community rehabilitation efforts, others describes her involvement serving on the building authority during the construction of the Pyramid, and two more describe her involvement in other building projects downtown. They range in date from 1977 to 1988. The folder also contains a Christmas card from her family and a portrait of two of her daughters.

4 18 2 Willis, Stephanie Karen (daughter)

This folder contains her 1982 graduation program from the University of Virginia and an invitation to her 1992 commencement exercises for the University of New Mexico.

4 19 8 Willis, Thomas J. (brother)

Located in this folder is Thomas Willis's own description of his career at Universal Life Insurance. The folder also contains two newspaper articles announcing his death in 1982 and two programs from the funeral service (including an obituary). The remaining items in the folder are related to land owned by Willis's estate.

Box 8

Box: Items: Awards and Medallions 8 4

This box contains the Presiding Bishop of the Church of God in Christ's Award Medallion, presented to Willis in 1988 for Humanitarianism; Willis's delegate pin from the Democratic National Convention in San Francisco in 1984; a Gold Heritage Life Member Card for the NAACP; and a coin from the Memphis Krewe of Carnival.

Box 9

Box: Items: Miscellaneous Oversized Items 9 14

This box contains a variety of items including a program from Willis's 1987 Testimonial Dinner; a Proclamation Honoring Willis from the Tennessee Black Caucus of State Legislators; a pamphlet featuring exhibits at the National Civil Rights Museum; an article featuring Willis's award from the presiding bishop in the Church of God in Christ newsletter; a sample ballot for city council positions in an unknown election year; a House Joint Resolution expressing sorrow at the death of Mamie C. Willis from the Tennessee House of Representatives; an obituary of Thomas Willis; a bumper sticker for the Ned McWherter for governor campaign; a resolution from the Memphis City Council to honor Willis on the event of his death; a Certificate of Merit from the Memphis Urban League honoring A.W. Willis, Sr.; a copy of Jet Magazine featuring an article on Willis in 1965; a booklet of the Members of the 84th General Assembly of Tennessee; and a plaque of Appreciation for a donation to the NAACP. It also contains a video titled "A.W. Willis, Jr. 'Remembered'" made after his death. The video contains film from several events. The first event was an NAACP Focus on the Housing Task Force in 1987 done by Channel 3. Host Henry Morris interviewed Willis and Henry Turley about the Housing Task Force in place n Memphis. The second event filmed is the Testimonial Dinner held for Willis in November 1987. Guests at the dinner included many African Americans active in Civil Rights. This clip of the video gives a unique opportunity to hear Willis describe his life's work in his own words. The third event consists of home videos from the Willis family's Christmas celebration in 1987. The fourth event is a special film for Black History Month in 1988. Willis and his sister, were interviewed about their father's contribution to the Memphis community and to African Americans in general. The last subject on the video is news coverage after the death of Willis in July 1988. Two news stations interviewed friends and family and the segments aired on local news broadcasts. This video would helpful to researchers examining Willis's role in housing, for those who wish to hear about his life in his own words, and for those interested in the impact he made on the Memphis community.

Box: Items: Oversized Photographs 10 11

This box contains a wide assortment of photographs, some of which are larger prints of images in the regular photograph boxes. The first is a photograph of an African American boxing club. There are only males in the picture, ranging in age from about ten years old to about sixty years old. The picture was taken in a gym. The second and third pictures are copies of a photograph in the regular photograph boxes. The photograph is of those involved in founding Mutual Federal Savings and Loan Association. From left are Ben Hooks, Robert Reed, Willis, and C.C. Sawyer. Reed sits to sign a document. Willis co-founded this company, c. 1950s. The fourth photograph is a composite picture of the Tennessee House of Representatives in 1965 in alphabetical order. The fifth photograph is a calendar advertisement for the M. Thomas Burial Association and Undertaking Co. located in Forest, MS. There is a photograph of the building as well as a photograph of Rev. M. Thomas. This image dates from 1941. The fifth item in this box is a sketched profile portrait of Willis in 1987. The portrait was done on grey paper and the medium used was charcoal pencil. The sixth photograph is of the Church Park Community Center in Church Park in downtown Memphis in 1959. People gather in the Park in support of the Volunteer Ticket in 1959. Visible in the middle-left of the picture is Ben Hooks, who ran for office that year. . In the photograph, many people gather in a circle around an unknown speaker, dated 1959. The seventh item in the folder is a signed and matted photograph of President Lyndon B. Johnson, date unknown. The writing reads, "To A.W. Willis, Jr., with best wishes, Lyndon B. Johnson." Johnson had supported Johnson in the campaign in 1964. The eighth item is a matted antique photograph of a graduating senior class in 1917. The school and the individuals in the photograph are unknown. The seniors both male and female, wears caps and gowns. The ninth photograph pictures 19 males posing for a picture. The date and the occasion are unknown. A.W. Willis, Sr. stands in the back row, third from the left. All other individuals are unknown. The tenth picture is another shot of the Church Park gathering in 1959. The individuals in the photograph are holding up flyers in support of the Volunteer Ticket candidates. George W. Lee stands on the very left of the picture, beside him is A. Maceo Walker. Russell Sugarmon stands in the middle of that cluster of men waving his hand, and Ben Hooks stands beside him, his face covered. The last photograph is of unidentified men walking into the office building for Mutual Federal Savings and Loan Association. The date is unknown.

PHOTOGRAPHS Box Topic Photograph and description 5 Civil Rights "The Pride of Memphis." Pictured are, from left, S.A Wilburn; Ben Jones; J.F. Estes; A.W. Willis, Jr.; Russell Sugarmon, Jr.; Ben Hooks; and Odell Horton. This photograph was taken at the Memphis City Court. The men pictured are attorneys representing activists who had been arrested for participating in the Memphis sit-ins of 1960.

A.W. Willis and Rev. Billy Kyles protesting the segregated nature of the Memphis School Board, c. 1969.

Smaller copy of the above picture.

A welcome party greets Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. at the Memphis Airport in 1959. King came to Memphis in support of the Volunteer Ticket, a full slate of African American candidates running for every municipal office except mayor. King stands in the middle of the group, just under the right side of the large sign reading "Rev. King." Also visible in this picture are Russell Sugarmon, Ben Hooks, George Lee, and Willis.

Attorneys for the Northcross versus Board of Education case in Memphis in 1960. This case spearheaded desegregation in Memphis City Schools. From left are H.T Lockard, Constance Baker Motley (an attorney who argued many desegregation cases for the national branch of the NAACP defense fund), Russell Sugarmon, B.F. Jones, and Willis.

Another shot of the above-mentioned scene.

Attorneys for the Northcross case. From left are Willis, Ben Hooks, B.F. Jones, H.T Lockard, and Russell Sugarmon.

Attorneys for the Memphis versus O.A. Evers case walk outside the courthouse. This case was an instrument case in bus desegregation in Memphis. From left are B.F. Jones, Willis, H.T. Lockard, and Russell Sugarmon, January 1958.

5 Politics Willis is sworn into the Tennessee State Legislature in 1965--color photograph.

An enlarged, black and white copy of the above photograph.

Willis sits at his desk at the Tennessee State Legislature, c. 1965-1969.

Mahaffey White speaks at the podium at a rally for Willis's mayoral campaign in 1967. Willis sits on the far right.

Man speaks in a church during a rally for the Willis Mayoral Campaign in 1967. Willis sits in the background.

Another shot of the above-mentioned scene. This time, Willis is standing.

A gathering outside the Shelby County Democratic Club office during Willis's Mayoral Campaign in 1967. Willis stands in the background on the left, the others are unidentified.

People gathering outside during Willis's Mayoral Campaign. Willis stands in the center, walking toward the left, the others are unidentified, c. 1967.

Unidentified individuals gathering outside sometime during Willis's Mayoral Campaign, c. 1967.

Willis stands talking with people at a gathering in a church during his Mayoral Campaign, c. 1967.

Willis shakes a worker's hand during a political campaign, probably his Mayoral Campaign in 1967.

A political event. Willis is in the far right of the picture. Just to his left is U.S. Senator Edmund Muskie, the democratic vice-presidential nominee for 1968, c. late 1960s to early 1970s.

Another shot of the above-mentioned scene. Here, Willis's face is more visible.

Willis shakes William Ingraham's hand. Ingraham was mayor of Memphis from 1963-1967. Ingraham, Willis, and Henry Loeb all ran for mayor in 1967; Loeb won. Governor Frank Clement sits on the far left. An unidentified man stands behind the podium on the right, c. 1960s.

Pictured from the left are Fred Davis; A.W. Willis, Jr.; Jesse Turner; President Lyndon Johnson; and an unidentified man. This was during the 1964 election year when Johnson was running for re-election. During this time, Willis supported Johnson while running for the Tennessee State Legislature.

Fred Davis, Willis, Johnson, and an unidentified man at the above-mentioned scene.

Willis and Harold Ford, Sr., at an event. Willis and Ford hold each other’s hands. The other men in the picture are unidentified. The picture is signed by Ford, c. 1970s.

Willis stands conversing with two unidentified men. Willis is in the center, c. 1970s.

Willis and Harold Ford, Sr. at a political event. Willis is second from the left and Ford is on the right. The rest of the individuals are unidentified, c. 1970s.

Victory party after Dick Hackett's election as Mayor October 8, 1987. Hackett stands at the podium. Willis stands to Hackett's left.

Another shot of the above-mentioned scene.

Willis stands between two unidentified women at Hackett's victory party.

Willis and Governor Ned McWherter speak to each other at an event. The photograph is signed by WcWherter, c. 1987.

5 Supreme Mortgage and A photograph of the outside of Supreme's office building. Realty All of the photographs in this heading were taken during the same photo session. The date for all of the pictures is unknown.

C.A. Westley (Willis's brother-in-law), Michael Wilkins, Betty Strong, and an unidentified individual converse in the office building.

Willis sits at his desk with two unidentified individuals.

The cashier's desk in the office. Cynthia Boddie waits on unidentified customers.

Unidentified customers sit in the lobby.

JoAnn Bailey and Dorothy O'Neal sit at their desks in the office.

Another shot of the above scene.

Betty Strong, Jean Dotson, and C.A Westley in the office.

Another copy of the above picture.

A.W. Willis sits with an unidentified customer.

JoAnn Matthews and Barbara Renfree in the office.

Unidentified customers sit in the lobby.

Miriam DeCosta Willis and C.A Westley in the office.

Unidentified employees in the office.

Willis converses with an unidentified customer.

Employees of Supreme. Willis sits at the head of the table.

5 Mutual Federal Savings From left are Ben Hooks, Robert Reed, Willis, and C.C. and Loan Association Sawyer. Reed sits to sign a document. Willis co-founded this company, c. 1950s.

Another copy of the same photograph.

Another copy of the same photograph

5 Adler Hotel The Adler Hotel as it stood after Supreme redeveloped the building.

An enlarged copy of the above image.

A photograph index of photos of the Adler Hotel.

5 Miscellaneous A residential street in March 1959.

A gathering of unidentified people outside of an unidentified church, date unknown.

Russell Sugarmon, Jr. sits second from left, Willis third from left, at a public meeting. The rest of the people in the photograph are unidentified, c. late 1950s or early 1960s.

Willis sits behind a microphone at the above mentioned meeting.

Willis covers his face with his hands at the above- mentioned meeting.

Willis sits looking over a paper with a cigarette in his hand. An unidentified man stands beside him, date unknown.

Willis stands in the center with Rev. James Lawson on the right and Lawson's son, who holds a cross. The others in the picture are unidentified, date unknown.

Enlarged copy of the above-mentioned image.

Willis stands, second from the left, with a group of unidentified people in front of a fireplace, date unknown.

Another shot of the above-mentioned scene.

From left are Floyd Newsum, Andrewnetta Jones, Ben Hooks, Willis, and Mahalia Jackson. The group stands in front of one of the Mahalia Jackson Chicken System's Restaurants, late 1960s.

An event, probably announcing the donation of the Chisca Hotel to the Church of God in Christ. Fred Davis stands second from the left, Willis is fourth from the left, Bishop J.O. Patterson, Sr. is fourth from the right, and J.O. Patterson, Jr. is third from the right, c. 1970s.

A group tours inner city homes. From left are Harrell C. Moore, Maxine Smith, Ken Tate, Willis, Alvin Bowser, George Wilson, and Blanche White.

Church Park Community Center, February 1969.

Church Park, February 1969.

Church Park Community Center, November 1966.

Willis receives something for his participation in the boy scout capital campaign. The other man in the picture is unidentified, July 1983.

Willis stands at the podium of a gathering of the Memphis Chapter of the National Association of Real Estate Brokers, date unknown.

Members of the National Association of Real Estate Brokers at a meeting with Patricia Harris, Secretary of HUD. The meeting was held at the Peabody Hotel before it reopened, c. 1979.

Willis sits on a stage with a hat, sunglasses, and a cane. The gathering was for a "House the Homeless" project, c. 1988.

Another shot of the above-mentioned scene.

Willis stands with Rev. James Lawson in February 1988.

5 Negatives This box contains 21 negatives. The first 19 are negatives from photographs already in the various photograph boxes. The last two are not in the boxes in photograph form. The first is a negative from an event during Willis's Mayoral campaign in 1967, and the second is a portrait of Willis from the late 1980s.

A posed photograph of Willis, Sr. (bottom right) as a young man. The others in the photograph are unidentified, date unknown. 6 A.W. Willis, Sr. The State Association of the Universal Life Insurance, Co. in Jackson, MS September 1936. Willis, Sr. stands in the second row from the bottom, fourth person from the right. He wears a dark-colored jacket with light-colored pants.

A man stands at a podium outside at an event. Willis, Sr. stands directly behind the man at the podium with his hands behind his back. The rest of the individuals are unidentified, date unknown.

Willis, Sr. stands at the outside podium at the above- mentioned scene.

A priest says a prayer at the above mentioned scene, Willis, Sr. and an unidentified man bow their heads.

Another copy of the above image.

A man speaks at the podium of the same scene, Willis, Sr. stands just behind.

Willis, Sr. stands at the outside podium at the above- mentioned scene.

Willis, Sr. sits at a desk with stacks of papers, c. 1951.

Another copy of the above image.

Willis, Sr. sits at a desk with an unidentified man, date unknown.

Willis, Sr. (in the foreground) sits at a desk. Unidentified individuals sit in the background, c. 1951.

Another copy of the above image.

Willis, Sr. stands holding a trophy that reads "1951, Winner, Universal Life Insurance Company, A.W. Willis, Special, Conservation Weeks Campaign."

Willis, Sr. sits at a desk with an unidentified man, date unknown.

Willis, Sr. (second from the left) at a 1941 birthday celebration for J.E. Walker. The individuals are either employees of Universal Life Insurance, Co. or are members of the Walker family.

A smaller copy of the above image.

From left are J. E. Walker, A. Maceo Walker, Willis, Sr., and (ask Wayne) standing behind a gift box, date unknown.

Enlarged copy of the above image.

1952 groundbreaking for Universal Life Insurance Co. building. J.E. Walker sits behind the wheel of the machine. Standing, from left, are B.G. Olive, Jr.; Willis, Sr.; J. A Swazze; A. Maceo Walker; L.R. Taylor; W.A. Gillian, Sr.; and J.W. Kelso.

Another shot of the above-mentioned scene.

"Groundbreaking and future home of Universal Life Ins. Co." From left are Mrs. J.E. Walker; Dr. J.E. Walker; Mr. M.W. Bonner; Mr. M.M. McKissack; Mrs. M.W. Bonner; Mr. B.G. Olive; Mr. A.W. Willis; Mr. J.A. Swayze, date unknown.

The completed Universal Life Insurance, Co. office building, date unknown.

Ellen Murrel Willis, 1866-1939. Grandmother of A.W. Willis, Jr. Wife of Charles Willis, date unknown. Antique Family pictures Another copy of the above image.

Charles Westley Willis, 1859-1939. Grandfather of A.W. Willis, Jr. Husband of Ellen Murrel Willis, date unknown.

Another copy of the above image.

An unidentified man poses for a photograph in a cap and gown, probably for a graduation, date unknown.

A portrait of a child, Winston, Jr. The back of the photograph reads "Winston Jr., Winston Boler (son), Calif." The front of the photograph reads "To Aunt Bea & Husband from Baby Winston," date unknown.

An unidentified family poses for a photograph in a wooded area, date unknown.

Another copy of the above image.

A mother poses with her baby. The back of the photograph reads "Mrs. U.N. and Carl Allen Cole," date unknown.

Two unidentified young men pose wearing suits and holding their hats in their hands, date unknown.

A posed photograph of an unidentified man. The photograph is backed with a heavy mat, date unknown.

A posed photograph of an unidentified man and woman. The pharaoh is backed in cardboard, date unknown.

An unidentified man sits posed for a photograph in a striped shirt. The photograph is backed with a heavy mat, date unknown.

A unidentified young man wears a suit and hat, posing for a photograph. The photograph is backed with a heavy mat, date unknown.

A portrait of an unidentified man wearing a suit. The photograph is backed with a heavy mat, date unknown.

A portrait of an unidentified young man who wears a suit and white bow tie. The back of the photograph reads "One of 'A's' uncles. The photograph is backed with a heavy mat, date unknown.

Three unidentified women in the doorway of a house, c. 1900-1920. The photograph is backed with a heavy mat.

An unidentified couple poses for a photograph. The photograph is backed with a heavy mat, date unknown.

A portrait of an unidentified man wearing a suit and tie. The photograph is backed with a heavy mat, date unknown.

Two young girls pose for a photograph outside. The younger girl sits in a chair while the older girl stands behind. They both wear dresses. The photograph is backed with a heavy mat, date unknown.

A portrait of a woman who wears a plaid dress and small eye glasses. The photograph is backed with a heavy mat, date unknown.

A damaged portrait of a man wearing a suit and bowtie. The photograph is backed with a heavy mat, date unknown.

A graduation portrait of a young woman. She wears a cap and gown and sits among white flowers holding her diploma, date unknown.

A portrait of a baby girl. She wears a long dress and has a white bow in her hair. The photograph is backed with a heavy mat, date unknown.

A portrait of a young woman. She wears a white dresses and white shoes and sits in a chair with a book under her arm, date unknown.

A woman sits for a portrait wearing a checked dress and a large hat. The back of the photograph reads, "Aunt Bea's next door neighbor, had Mama Boulah's café. The photograph is backed with a heavy mat, date unknown.

A family poses for a photograph outside their home, date unknown.

A man stands wearing an overcoat and hat and holds a cigarette in his hand, date unknown.

A photograph of a baby wearing a long white gown, date unknown.

Three children pose outside their home. The middle child sits on a toy rocking horse. The back of the photograph reads, "Leonard D. Calhoun, Bonnie-Earl Calhoun, and Claudia Cornell Calhoun," date unknown.

Two young children pose for a photograph outside. The infant wears a gown and sits in a chair while the older child wears a white dress and stands. The back of the photograph reads "(Theresa or Lois--standing), Donnezville Cole." The photograph is backed with a heavy mat, date unknown.

Two babies pose for a picture. They are both lying down and wearing lacey white dresses. The photograph is backed with a heavy mat, date unknown.

A young man poses for a picture. He stands, wearing a suit and tie and holding onto the back of a chair, date unknown.

A woman stands fixing a woman's hair in a beauty or barber shop. A young girl stands up, looking at the camera, date unknown.

The kindergarten and first grade at Lemoyne. A.W. Willis, Jr. is second from the left. His brother, Thomas Willis, stands on the far left, 1931.

Another copy of the above image.

A baby portrait of Willis in a white gown, c. 1925. 7 Portraits of Willis Willis poses for a portrait in a suit and tie, July 1960.

Another copy of the above image.

Willis sits for a portrait wearing a tuxedo jacket, a black bowtie, and eye glasses. This photograph may have been taken at the Kennedy inauguration, c. early 1960s.

A smaller copy of the above image.

Willis sits for a portrait in a dark suit and dark tie with his hands crossed, date unknown.

Willis sits for a portrait. Here, his hair is longer and he wears a grey jacket and dark tie. He smiles with his mouth open, the only portrait with this characteristic. February 1969.

Willis poses for a portrait. His hair is even longer. He wears a collared shirt and a jacket, but no tie, c. 1970s.

Another copy of the above image.

Willis sits for a portrait wearing a dark grey jacket, a striped tie, and a white shirt, c. 1970s.

Another portrait from the same sitting.

Willis wears a light grey jacket, a white shirt, and a striped tie. 1983.

A portrait of Willis from the mid-1980s. He wears a grey jacket and dark, striped tie.

Willis sits for a photograph. He wears a jacket and patterned tie with a white shirt. He also wears eye glasses and has a moustache, c. 1987-1988. This photograph was printed on the front of the program for his funeral.

Another copy of the above image.

All of the photographs in this topic were taken the night of the November 28, 1987 Testimonial dinner given in Willis's honor at the Peabody Hotel. There is also film footage of this event located on the video located in Box 9 of this collection. This first photograph is a picture of a billboard that reads "Memphis Thanks A.W. Willis for Years of Community Service."

Testimonial Dinner 1987 Willis speaks, standing behind the podium.

Willis and his wife, Miriam DeCosta Willis, stand smiling behind the podium.

Harold Ford, Sr. stands behind the podium. Willis and Miriam DeCosta Willis sit to the left of the podium. The other men are unidentified.

Willis and Miriam DeCosta Willis stand behind the podium holding a package.

An unidentified man stands behind the podium to speak. The other men in the picture are unidentified except for Mayor Dick Hackett located on the far right.

A poster board display highlighting Willis's achievements in the Memphis community.

An unidentified man stands behind the podium to speak. The other individuals are unidentified.

Carla Thomas, once artist at Stax Studios and daughter of artist Rufus Thomas, sings at Willis's dinner.

An unidentified man stands behind the podium to speak. Willis and Miriam DeCosta Willis sit to the left of the podium.

An unidentified man stands behind the podium to speak. The other individuals are unidentified.

Carla Thomas sings beside the poster board display.

Mayor Dick Hackett stands behind the podium to speak. The other individuals are unidentified except for Miriam DeCosta Willis, who sits to the left of the podium.

Mayor Dick Hackett stands behind the podium to speak. Willis and Miriam DeCosta Willis sit to the left of the podium.

Unidentified guests at the dinner.

An unidentified man stands at the podium to speak. Willis and Miriam DeCosta Willis sit to the left of the podium.

Guests at the dinner. Archie Willis III sits on the far right. Rosalyn Ilunga Willis (Willis's daughter) sits second from the left. The other two in the photograph could be their spouses.

Guests at the dinner. Marc Willis sits on the left, Menelik Fombi sits on the right (both are Willis's sons). The two women could be the wives of the Willis children.

Another copy of the above image.

Unidentified guests at the dinner.

Another copy of the Archie Willis III and Rosalyn Ilunga Willis picture.

School Superintendent Willie Herrenton (later Mayor of Memphis) sits with Maxine Smith.

Unidentified guests at the dinner.

An unidentified woman stands behind the podium to speak. Willis and Miriam DeCosta Willis sit to the left of the podium.

An unidentified man stands to speak behind the podium. Miriam DeCosta Willis sits to the left.

An unidentified man stands to speak at the podium. Willis and Miriam DeCosta Willis sit to the left of the podium. The back of Maxine Smith's head can be seen in the far left of the picture.

Unidentified guests at the dinner.

Willis stands with an unidentified woman, holding a framed drawing. Miriam DeCosta Willis sits to the left.

Willis stands shaking the hand of an unidentified man in front of the poster board display.

Unidentified guests at the dinner.

An unidentified man stands behind the podium to speak. Willis and Miriam DeCosta Willis sit to the left of the podium. Maxine Smith's profile can barely be seen in the left corner of the picture.

Willis stands with an unidentified man in front of the poster board display.

Unidentified guests at the dinner.

Willis squats with an unidentified man and woman in front of the poster board display.

Willis stands behind the podium holding a package. Miriam DeCosta Willis sits to the left of the podium.

Unidentified guests at the dinner.

Willis stands behind the podium to speak. Miriam DeCosta Willis sits to the left of the podium.

Miriam DeCosta Willis stands talking with Carla Thomas.

Unidentified guests at the dinner.

Willis stands with unidentified guests at the dinner.

Mayor Dick Hackett stands to speak at the podium. Willis and Miriam DeCosta Willis sit to the left of the podium. J.O Patterson and Maxine Smith sit to the left of the Willises.

Harold Ford, Sr. stands to speak at the podium. Willis and Miriam DeCosta Willis sit to the left of the podium.

Willis and Miriam DeCosta Willis stand with J.O Patterson beside the podium.

Mayor Dick Hackett and Willis stand together.

Mayor Dick Hackett stands at the podium to speak. Willis and Miriam DeCosta Willis sit to the left of the podium.

An unidentified woman holds Willis's hand above her head.

Another shot of the above image, this time including Miriam DeCosta Willis.

Willis and Miriam DeCosta Willis stand with an unidentified man beside the podium.

Willis either gives an award to or receives an award from an unidentified man, c. 1960s. Other Honors Willis stands holding a Community Service Award from the National Conference of Christians and Jews. Rosalyn Ilunga Willis stands to the left. Miriam DeCosta Willis stands to the right. Archie III is on the far right. The child is a grandchild, probably the daughter of Rosalyn. September 1987.

Willis stands holding his Community Service Award with an unidentified woman. September 1987.

Archie Willis II sits on the far left and Marc Willis sits across from him on the right. The other guests at this table are unidentified, c. 1987.

Miriam DeCosta Willis and Willis sit with an unidentified man at the above-mentioned dinner, c. 1987.

Willis stands holding an award with an unidentified woman. Willie Herenton sits to the left, c. early to mid- 1980s.

Miriam DeCosta Willis and Willis sit at a table at the above-mentioned dinner.

Unidentified guests sit at a table at the above-mentioned dinner.

Miriam DeCosta Willis stands with an unidentified man, possibly her son from a previous marriage at the above- mentioned dinner.

Willis stands behind the podium at an awards dinner, c. 1987. The other individuals are unidentified.

Mayor Dick Hackett stands with Willis at the re-dedication of the Auction Avenue Bridge, named in honor of Willis. December 1987.

Unidentified woman stands behind a table full of holiday food, date unknown. Family Willis's Aunt Bea stands with her flowers, June 1968.

Willis's Aunt Bea sits beside her flowers, June 1968.

Willis's Aunt Bea sits on a front porch, 1977.

Aunt Bea shows her flowers, date unknown.

Aunt Bea sits beside her flowers, June 1968.

Aunt Bea shows her flowers, date unknown.

Aunt Bea sits outside, July 1980.

Willis stands with Aunt Bea, July 1980.

From left are an unidentified woman, Miriam DeCosta Willis, and Aunt Bea, July 1980.

Miriam DeCosta Willis stands with Aunt Bea, July 1980.

An unidentified man on board a ship in the 1940s.

A photograph of George Willis, Carrie (wife), Aunt Bea, and Charlie Smith. Date unknown.

Four of the Willis children with their mother, Annie Willis, Willis's first wife, c. 1950s.

Willis with a friend in the 1940s.

Four of the Willis children with their mother, Annie Willis, Willis's first wife, c. 1960s.

Rev. Ben Hooks with Willis and two of Willis's sons in the 1950s.

A baby picture of Archie Willis III, c. 1957.

A unidentified woman sits in a bedroom, date unknown.

A portrait of Rosalyn Willis from 1967.

An unidentified man sitting outside, date unknown.

C.A. Westley with an unidentified woman, date unknown.

Michael Willis in a school picture, about 7 or 8 years old. c.1962.

Archie Willis III in a school picture, 1975.

Archie Willis III on Mother's Day in 1963. He stands outside holding a toy truck.

Michael Willis in a school picture, 1961.

A baby picture of Stephanie Willis, c. 1962.

A baby picture of Dannie Kay Herman at 7 months old, date unknown.

A school picture of Archie Willis III, 1975.

A school picture of Marc Willis, 1972.

Archie Willis III holds his diploma wearing a cap and gown, date unknown.

An unidentified man swims in a pool, July 1980.

An unidentified baby picture.

A baby picture of Michael Willis, c. 1956.

A baby picture of Michael Willis, 1955.

A school picture of Archie Willis III at 5 or 6 years old, c. 1963.

Archie Willis III in a graduation gown, date unknown.

Black lawyers at the swearing in of S.A. Wilburn. From left are Ruby Wharton, Wilburn, Floyd Peete, D'Army Bailey, Willis, and Willie Miles. Back row: C. Eric Lincoln, unknown, Tony Johnson, Walter Evans, Brown, and Murphy.

A woman, possibly Willis's mother, stands at her 80th birthday celebration.

Aunt Bea stands in the middle of two unidentified individuals in July 1980.

Various members of Willis's family stand outside for a picture, the woman seated in the front could be Willis's mother, date unknown.

Aunt Bea sits with two unidentified individuals, date unknown.

An unidentified woman sits near stairs outside, August 1972.

An unidentified woman stands in front of a couch, date unknown.

Unidentified individuals stand outside in August 1972.

A portrait of Aunt Bea, date unknown.

Willis and Miriam DeCosta Willis on a cruise, date unknown.

An unidentified baby picture taken at a 6-month celebration, date unknown.

The 5 Willis children. Standing from left are Archie III, Marc, Michael (later Menelik Fombi). Seated are Rosalyn Ilunga with a baby, and Stephanie. They are seated in front of a Christmas tree, date unknown.

A portrait of Miriam DeCosta Willis in 1971.

A small, antique photograph of an unidentified woman, date unknown.

A black and white shot of an unidentified gathering of people outside, date unknown.

A black and white shot of Aunt Bea sitting in an armchair.

A picture of A.W. Willis wearing a Hawaiian shirt and dancing with a hula dancer.

An unidentified man wades in a baptismal pool waiting to be baptized inside a church building in 1974.

A ten year-old girl stands, wearing a blue dress, in a sitting room. The back of the photograph reads, "To Aunt Bea, Joyce Bridges?, 2/27/66, 10 years old."

An unidentified baby picture. The little boy is wearing a blue jumper with tall blue socks and white shoes, date unknown.

Willis sits in the middle of the group with Miriam DeCosta Willis sitting on the left. The rest of the individuals are the couple's children, all of them from the couple's first marriages. Archie Willis III stands on the far left, Marc Willis stands in the middle top row. Rosalyn Ilunga Willis sits on the other side of Willis. Stephanie Willis sits on the left bottom and Menelik Fombi is beside her holding a baby. The other individuals are Miriam DeCosta Willis's children from her previous marriage to Russell Sugarmon, date unknown.

Willis and Miriam DeCosta Willis sit in the center surrounded by their children and a few of the children's spouses and nine of their grandchildren in 1987.

Another copy of the above image.

A portrait of two unidentified children, probably Willis's grandchildren. The baby lies propped up on a blanket and the older girl sits behind her, date unknown.