Dr. Vivian Wilson Henderson was the 18th president of Clark College from 1965 until his death in 1976. A native of Bristol, Tennessee, Henderson completed a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics from North Carolina College in Durham in 1947. He earned his Master of Arts and Doctor of Philosophy degrees in Economics from the University of Iowa in 1949 and 1952, respectively. The Vivian Wilson Henderson Papers document Dr. Henderson's personal and professional activities spanning the years 1940 to 1976. The photographs in the collection date primarily from the 1960s and document Henderson's activities at Clark College as well as his family life. Photographs of Dr. Henderson's wife, Anna, and children are included.

At the AUC Robert W. Woodruff Library we are always striving to improve our digital collections. We welcome additional information about people, places, or events depicted in any of the works in this collection. To submit information, please contact us at DSD@auctr.edu. 
Jun 24, 2019

Vivian Henderson Papers

Dr. Vivian Wilson Henderson was the 18th president of Clark College from 1965 until his death in 1976. A native of Bristol, Tennessee, Henderson completed a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics from North Carolina College in Durham in 1947. He earned his Master of Arts and Doctor of Philosophy degrees in Economics from the University of Iowa in 1949 and 1952, respectively. The Vivian Wilson Henderson Papers document Dr. Henderson's personal and professional activities spanning the years 1940 to 1976. The photographs in the collection date primarily from the 1960s and document Henderson's activities at Clark College as well as his family life. Photographs of Dr. Henderson's wife, Anna, and children are included.

At the AUC Robert W. Woodruff Library we are always striving to improve our digital collections. We welcome additional information about people, places, or events depicted in any of the works in this collection. To submit information, please contact us at DSD@auctr.edu

This audio recording is a 1976 episode of the radio program Martin Luther King Speaks. The episode is a tribute episode to Dr. Vivian Wilson Henderson and reproduces a speech given by Henderson at the 18th Annual Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) Convention in 1975. Dr. Henderson discusses the economic situation facing the United States and how it affects African Americans as well as the working poor. He argues for improved public policies, including a drive for a policy of full employment. Henderson closes by urging that economic class distinctions, and not just race relations, need to be considered more by organizations such as the SCLC.
Group portrait of Dr. Vivian Wilson Henderson and six unidentified women during the 1974 "Henderson, We Love you Madly Day" Celebration.
Vivian Henderson Papers
Dr. Vivian Wilson Henderson with three unidentified guests at the We Love You Madly Day Ceremony.
Unidentified man giving a speech during the 1974 "Henderson, We Love you Madly Day" Celebration.
This audio recording, dated 1974, captures part of a panel of speakers discussing the topic Stagflation and the Poor.  Dr. Vivian Wilson Henderson, president of Clark College, speaks first.  Henderson argues that people should not see the federal government as the culprit in the simultaneous rise of recession and inflation.  He contends that the solution for stagflation is for the government to create jobs programs and, ultimately, restructure the tax code to be more progressive.  He asserts that there will be social upheaval if the problem of economic class distinctions is not addressed.  The recording also includes a portion of a speech by Lucille Rose, the Commissioner of the City of New York's Department of Employment.
Vivian Henderson Papers
Unidentified man giving a speech during the 1974 "Henderson, We Love you Madly Day" Celebration.
This audio recording, dated 1974, captures part of a panel of speakers discussing the topic Stagflation and the Poor.  The recording begins with a discussion of a presentation by a Mr. Higgins of the Small Business Administration (SBA).  Notably, Atlanta City Council member Carl Ware asks Higgins about the plans of the presidential administration of Gerald Ford in regard to the SBAs investments in minority-owned businesses.  The recording also includes a portion of the comments of a Mr. Bryce, who is not otherwise identified.  Bryce argues for the creation of jobs programs for the poor, noting that poor people are always searching for and want jobs.
Vivian Henderson Papers
Dr. Vivian Wilson Henderson receives an award at the We Love You Madly Day Ceremony.
Dr. Vivian Wilson Henderson meets with five unidentified women.
An unidentified woman delivering a speech during the 1974 "Henderson, We Love you Madly Day" Celebration.
Portrait of Dwight Cedric Henderson, son of Dr. Vivian Wilson Henderson, with his prom date, Yvonne Strickland, and her parents.
Anna Henderson, wife of Dr. Vivian Wilson Henderson, on vacation in Bermuda.
Vivian Henderson Papers
This audio recording contains an award deliverance and acceptance speech delivered by Mr. John R. Meyer and Mr. Arthur F. Burns. Mr. Meyer begins by presenting awards to two individuals for their contribution to the National Bureau of Economic Research. He then presents an award to the guest of honor, Mr. Arthur F. Burns. Mr. Burns receives his award and delivers an acceptance speech. During his speech, he gives thanks and speaks to the audience in a very informal manner while reminiscing about previous experiences within his research and career.
This audio recording contains the celebration of the National Bureau of Economic Researchs 50th anniversary. Multiple speakers each take thirty minutes to speak on the success of the bureau as well as the guest of honor. The first speaker is Mr. Wassily Leontief who speaks on the changes and improvements made in the economic world because of the presence of the National Bureau of Economic Research. The second speaker, George P. Schultz, speaks on different techniques and products that have changed over the past fifty years. Schultz also speaks on Burns Laws. The last speaker is John R. Meyer. Meyer discusses the advances of the bureau in the past 25 years such as their new international program and launch of new studies programs.
Group portrait of Dr.Vivian Wilson Henderson, president of Clark College, and unidentified men and women during an award ceremony for Clark College, possibly at the Atlanta Marriott.
Vivian Henderson Papers
Dr.Vivian Wilson Henderson, president of Clark College, presenting an award to an unidentified woman at an award ceremony for Clark College, possibly at the Atlanta Marriott.
Vivian Henderson Papers
People at the beach.
Vivian Henderson Papers
This audio recording contains a speech delivered by Dr. Vivian Henderson at a meeting on May 22, 1967. Dr. Henderson describes some of his research findings. He also discusses the challenges faced by people who "suffer the burdens of history." Dr. Henderson asserts the importance of equality of access over equality of opportunity in education and describes the testing and entrance experiences of African American students once they are admitted into college.  He stresses the necessity of historically black colleges being integrated.
Unidentified construction worker and Dr. Vivian Wilson Henderson, president of Clark College, at the construction site of the Clark College Health and Physical Education building.
Dr. Vivian Wilson Henderson, president of Clark College, and an unidentified woman in an office.
Unidentified construction worker and Dr. Vivian Wilson Henderson, president of Clark College, at the construction site of the Clark College Health and Physical Education building.
Dr. Vivian Wilson Henderson, president of Clark College.
Boys sit on a bench.
Vivian Henderson Papers
Unidentified male and female students speaking with Dr. Vivian Wilson Henderson.
Unidentified construction worker and Dr. Vivian Wilson Henderson, president of Clark College, at the construction site of the Clark College Health and Physical Education building.
This audio recording consists of Clark Colleges centennial ceremony exercises. The main speaker for this ceremony is Dr. Lawrence Dunbar Reddick, a historian and the author of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.s biography. Dr. Reddick speaks to the audience about the importance of Clarks centennial for the history of black colleges. He stresses the important role the students play in maintaining the legacy of these schools and their futures. Dr. Vivian W. Henderson, 18th president of Clark College, then speaks on the forces that play a role in the shaky state of American higher education.
Vivian Henderson Papers
A panel of faculty at Clark College in Atlanta, Georgia, discusses the possibility of creating an honors program at Clark in this audio recording, recorded circa 1973. The participating individuals are unidentified but may include Dr. Vivian Wilson Henderson. Several participants express concerns that the honors program not result in a form of separatism on the campus between the honors students and those in the traditional college program.
Vivian Henderson Papers
Group portrait of members of the Citizen's Advisory Committee on Civil Rights.
Aerial view of a city.
Vivian Henderson Papers
People stand on a boat.
Vivian Henderson Papers
View of the outside of a building.
Vivian Henderson Papers
People at the beach.
Vivian Henderson Papers
View of boats on the water.
Vivian Henderson Papers
This audio recording contains a group meeting discussing the problem of "human resource adjustment." Members of the meeting address discrimination of the United States Employment Service Office when it comes to African American employment. They attempt to provide solutions to the problem. They also discuss the issue of advanced technology forcing people out of the labor force because they are replaced by machines.
Vivian Henderson Papers
This audio recording contains a discussion led by Dr. Vivian Henderson on July 3, 1968. Dr. Henderson discusses human obsolescence and the forces that diminish the human element in critical areas of the society. The main force he discusses is that of technology. According to Henderson modern technology poses the threat of dehumanization, and this threat is continuing to grow as technology gets more advanced. Henderson then explores how this affects African American workers.
Vivian Henderson Papers
David Wayne and Wyonella Marie Henderson, children of Dr. Vivian Wilson Henderson, in a pool.
Vivian Henderson Papers
View of Anna Henderson, wife of Dr. Vivian Wilson Henderson, with daughter Kimberly Anne Henderson.
Vivian Henderson Papers
A final report titled "An Analysis and Interpretation of Data on the Social Characteristics of Residenrs of Vine City - A Negro Slum Ghetto within the City of Atlanta, Georgia".
This audio recording, dated circa 1971, consists of a speech delivered at the Atlanta University Center by Swedish economist Karl Gunnar Myrdal. Dr. Myrdal had recently published his book The Challenge of World Poverty: A World Anti-Poverty Program in Outline.
In this audio recording, dated circa 1971, Dr. Vivian Wilson Henderson, president of Clark College in Atlanta, Georgia, addresses an audience of leaders in the United Methodist Church. Dr. Hendersons speech focuses on the economic conditions unique to HBCUs. He points out particular financial stressors for the colleges, including a large number of students from low income families, lack of reliable alumni contributions, and increasing academic aspirations of faculty and students.
David Wayne Henderson and Kimberly Anne Henderson next to Christmas tree.
Vivian Henderson Papers
Two men at a golf course.
Vivian Henderson Papers
Anna Powell Henderson and the Henderson children sitting beside a Christmas tree.
Children stand  in front of a car.
View of the mountain view and outdoor land.
Vivian Henderson Papers
U.S.S. George Washington Carver submarine.
People stand on a beach, possibly on Jekyll Island, Georgia.
Vivian Henderson Papers
Clark College President Henderson presenting a certificate to the college's oldest living alumnus while an unidentified woman observes.
This undated audio recording consists of a speech, possibly delivered by attorney and politician, Louis Stokes. Born in Cleveland, Ohio, Stokes served as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives for Ohio's 21st District and later the 11th District.
Vivian Henderson Papers
Vivian Wilson Henderson, at a commencement ceremony at Clark College in Atlanta, Georgia.
Vivian Henderson Papers