Vivian Henderson Papers

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

This audio recording contains a speech delivered at a convocation ceremony at DePaul University by Dr. Vivian Henderson. He discusses the importance of equality of access rather than equality of opportunity and the unrealistic expectations of African Americans relating to the availability of housing, education, and employment. He discusses the responses white people have used in regards to the slogan Black Power! Dr. Henderson also urges that people adopt the ideal that the nation should have a racially integrated society, and he also shares his opinions about civil rights activist and Pan-Africanist, Stokely Carmichael (later known as Kwame Ture).

In this undated audio recording, an unidentified representative of Fisk University in Nashville, Tennessee, addresses a group of unidentified people on the topic of the Fisk University Honors Program. The speaker mentions that Dr. Vivian Wilson Henderson was on the committee that set the program up. He argues that the Honors Program needs to be particularly thoughtful about the choice of director, but that it is even more important to have a strong committee so that the program does not become a one man operation. The speaker also insists that it is better to separate the honors students from other students at the university.

This audio recording contains two parts. The first part consists of Henderson speaking about the restructuring of the ghetto. He believes the ghetto is not an economically viable structure in our society. He also thinks the solution to this problem is to desegregate the ghetto. The second part of the audio contains a recording of a radio show, titled What Must Be Done, led by Percy Sutten. Dr. Vivian Henderson, Mr. Robert Theofold, and Dr. Robert Netser address what can and must be done by the listener in order to solve the issues of the ghetto and the Black community.

This audio recording consists of five different speakers from various fields speaking on ideas to improve the welfare system in order to better help the poor. The first speaker is Ed Sparrow. Sparrow speaks on the legal rights of the poor. He discusses how the welfare department holds all the power when it comes to the life and death of the poor because their lives depend on the amount of welfare assistance they receive. The second speaker is Dr. Green who discusses the idea of adopting a negative income tax. He explains how it would work as well as who would be eligible. The third speaker is Dr. Vivian Wilson Henderson, 18th president of Clark College. Dr. Henderson discusses the unbalanced occupational structure of the Negro labor force and argues that income maintenance programs such as the negative income tax will not actually solve the problems with welfare. The next speaker, John Fields, discusses inter-government relationships and how they affect the solution process of welfare needs. He urges the different government officials to work together to solve problems. The last speaker is the Honorable Charles L. Weltner, former US congressman. Weltner argues that minimum wage puts people out of work. He begs institutions and agencies to work harder to create a better means of teaching skills today for the tasks of tomorrow. The recording ends with a question and answer session with the speakers and members of the audience.