Lucinda Todd Papers

1    COLLECTION SUMMARY

1.1       Introduction/Abstract

The Lucinda Todd papers document her activities during the civil rights movement, including her involvement with Oliver Brown, et al., v. Board of Education of Topeka, Kansas, et al., and information about Martin Luther King, Jr. The papers include clippings from the Kansas City star, Topeka daily capital, & other papers concerning Brown v. Board & segregation; academic records such as diplomas & transcripts; correspondence to Milton Tabor concerning his portrayal of Harrison Caldwell & herself; correspondence with Walter Francis White regarding segregation & the activities of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP); correspondence with individuals concerning racism & segregation in Topeka public schools; records of her involvement with the NAACP; and clippings & correspondence documenting early desegregation efforts. Records after the 1960s are reflective in nature, including family histories, articles discussing the impact of Brown v. Board, and recognitions from the NAACP and other groups. The photographs of Todd include photographs of classes she taught.

1.2       Dates

1922 - 2007

1.3      Quantity

1 cubic foot box 

1 oversize folder

1.4       Creator

Mrs. Lucinda Todd

1.5       Title

Mrs. Lucinda Todd Papers Coll. #825

1.6       UID and/or Call #

UID# 47303

1.7       Language

English

1.8     Notes

This finding aid describes materials held by the Kansas State Historical Society. Materials may be used in the Research Room in the society’s Center for Historical Research during regular research hours. Support for telephone, mail, and online research and reference is limited.

In a continuing effort to improve the completeness and accuracy of finding aids, revisions are made as more or new information becomes available. Consequently, this finding aid may differ slightly from what appears in the collection or on the Kansas State Historical Society’s website.

1.9   Repository

Kansas State Historical Society (Topeka)

2    BIOGRAPHY OR HISTORY

[“Biography of Lucinda Wilson-Todd” in the collection] Lucinda Todd was born in a small coal mining camp called Litchfield, in Crawford County, Kansas, in 1903. Her parents had been part of the post Civil War exodus of African Americans from the South into Kansas. Mr. Slaughter, Lucinda’s grandfather, moved the entire family from southern Alabama. Already married, her parents joined the move. Lucinda’s mother, Estella, was born in Birmingham, Alabama, and her father, Charles R. Wilson, was born in Georgia. Since the Wilson family lived and worked the coal mines in a small, second-class city, by population, Kansas law permitted the community’s public schools to be integrated. As a result, the twelve Wilson children were educated in a one-room elementary school attended by both African American and White children. Kansas law of that era only permitted segregated elementary schools in first class cities of fifteen thousand or more residents. When Lucinda reached the fifth grade, the family moved to Girard, Kansas, because in Litchfield there was no junior high or high school. After her high school graduation in 1922, she attended the Kansas State Teacher’s College in nearby Pittsburg for several years. Prior to graduation, she took a teaching position in Joplin, Missouri, but continued her college education. In the late 1920s Lucinda moved to Topeka, Kansas. She taught at Buchanan Elementary School; one of her students was later the noted attorney Charles Scott. She eventually earned her bachelor of arts degree from Pittsburg State Teachers College in 1935, the same year she married Alvin Todd. However, she had to resign her teaching position, as married women could not teach during those days. Alvin Todd was born October 10, 1906, in Oskaloosa, Kansas. His parents were from Missouri but passed away when he was very young; his mother died when he was nine years old. In 1916, he went to live with his grandmother in Lawrence, Kansas, where he attended New York Elementary School. They later moved to Oskaloosa where he continued his education, graduating from Oskaloosa High School in 1928. After graduation, Alvin moved to Topeka where he attended Washburn University for two years. He was always a good provider, supporting his family in the background while his wife participated as one of the key member of Topeka’s NAACP chapter during the years of the Brown v. Board case. He finally retired from his position as a personal assistant to Dr. Karl Menninger in 1975. Mrs. Todd had been a member of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) since 1935, but admitted she did not become concerned about segregation issues until the birth of her only child, Nancy. In 1948, Lucinda became secretary of the Topeka chapter of the NAACP. That same year, Lucinda also became secretary of an ad hoc group called Citizens for Civil Rights, headquartered in her home. Their primary efforts surrounded a lengthy document called a “Writ of Mandamus” prepared by Mr. Daniel Sawyer that outlined a proposal to the Topeka Board of Education to end segregated elementary schools. As part of this effort, Mrs. Todd and Mrs. Fayetta Sawyer walked through Topeka’s Black neighborhoods collecting over 1,400 signatures in a petition to the Board of Education requesting an end to segregated elementary schools. The Board rejected their demands outright. In 1949, Mr. Walter White, Executive Secretary of the national NAACP office, was making a 10 city speaking tour through several Midwestern cities. During his visit to Topeka, he was a guest of the Todd family. Mrs. Todd had the opportunity to discuss the segregated elementary school situation in Topeka and the efforts then underway. As efforts by the local NAACP to desegregate Topeka’s elementary schools had in Mrs. Todd’s words, became unbearable, on August 29, 1950, Mrs. Todd wrote Walter White. In her letter, she reminded him that he had been a house guest the previous year and asked if his legal defense team could be of some assistance as the local chapter had already decided to seek redress through the courts. Letters from Topeka chapter officers McKinley Burnett and Attorney Charles Bledsoe quickly followed. Their efforts brought both the national Executive and Legal Defense Fund (LDF) teams to Topeka to work closely with the Topeka chapter of the NAACP in developing legal strategies for a case soon to be called Oliver Brown et al., v. The Board of Education of Topeka, Kansas. Lucinda Todd’s home became the site of the strategy meetings that set the wheels in motion for the Brown case. As part of their strategy, the legal team asked citizens to volunteer as plaintiffs for the upcoming court case. Lucinda Todd was the first of twelve other Topekans to volunteer on behalf of her daughter Nancy. Mrs. Todd was the only plaintiff who was a member of the NAACP and the only educator. The second to volunteer was her friend Mrs. Lena Carper on behalf of her daughter Cathy. After the U.S. Supreme Court decision of 1954 ending legal segregation in public schools, Mrs. Todd returned to teaching. Her first teaching job was at Pierce Addition Elementary School; the last segregated elementary school in Topeka. She retired in 1965. Mrs. Todd passed away in 1996.

3          SCOPE AND CONTENTS

Lucinda Todd had been a member of the NAACP since 1935, but admitted she did not become concerned about segregation issues until the birth of her only child, Nancy. In 1948, Lucinda became secretary of the Topeka chapter of the NAACP. That same year, Lucinda also became secretary of an adhoc group called Citizens for Civil Rights, headquartered in her home. Their primary efforts surrounded a lengthy document called a “Writ of Mandamus” prepared by Mr. Daniel Sawyer that outlined a proposal to the Topeka Board of Education to end segregated elementary schools. As part of this effort, Mrs. Todd and Mrs. Fayetta Sawyer walked through Topeka’s black neighborhoods collecting over 1,400 signatures in a petition to the Board of Education requesting an end to segregated elementary schools. The board rejected their demands outright.

In 1949, Mr. Walter White, Executive Secretary of the National NAACP office, was making a 10 city speaking tour through several midwestern cities. During his visit to Topeka, He was a guest of the Todd family. Mrs. Todd had the opportunity to discuss the segregated elementary school situation in Topeka and the efforts then underway.

As efforts by the local NAACP to desegregate Topeka’s elementary schools had in Mrs. Todd’s words, became unbearable, On August 29, 1950, Mrs. Todd wrote Walter White. In her letter, she reminded him that he had been a house guest the previous year and asked if his legal defense team could be of some assistance as the local chapter had already decided to seek redress through the courts. Letters from Topeka Chapter officers, McKinley Burnet and Attorney Charles Bledsoe quickly followed. Their efforts brought both the national Executive and Legal Defense fund (LDF) teams to Topeka to work closely with the Topeka Chapter of the NAACP in developing legal strategies for a case soon to be called Reverend Oliver Brown et al, V the Board of Education of Topeka, Kansas. Lucinda Todd’s home became the site of the strategy meetings that set the wheels in motion for the Brown case. As part of their strategy, the legal team asked citizens to volunteer as plaintiffs for the upcoming court case. Lucinda Todd was the first of twelve other Topekans to volunteer on behalf of her daughter Nancy. Mrs. Todd was the only plaintiff who was a member of the NAACP, and the only educator. The second to volunteer was her friend Mrs. Lena Carper on behalf of her daughter Cathy.

After the U.S. Supreme Court Decision of 1954 ending legal segregation in public schools, Mrs. Todd returned to teaching. Her first teaching job was at Pierce Addition Elementary School, the last segregated elementary school in Topeka.

The collection includes various newspaper clippings in regards to Brown v. Board, when the case was ongoing and later reflecting back on the events. Also included are scrapbooks, correspondence, and photographs of those involved in the case—lawyers, NCAA members, plaintiffs, etc. Personal mementos of Mrs. Todd comprise family photos, her diplomas, obituary, and correspondence from observers of the case, including “hate mail.”

Those who research this collection will find accurate information on how Brown v. Board came about and get an insider look as to what happened on the “Brown side.” The major strength of the collection is its documentation of Brown v. Board. Another strength is the description document found in the “Finding Aids” folder at the beginning of the collection that describes the newspaper clippings in each folder, giving a brief summary of each article and when and where they were published. One major weakness of the collection is that some of the newspaper clippings listed in the description Finding Aid are not found in the collection.

4    CONTENTS LIST

• Folder 1-3
  • 1951-1994
    • NEWS ARTICLES Collected by Lucinda Todd
• Folder 1
  • Miscellaneous News Articles Various Periodicals
• Folder 1
  • 1951
    • May 25, 1951, Topeka State Journal
      • Segregation Test to Trial June 25: Covers Details about the expected court date related to integration of the State’s elementary schools.
• Folder 1
  • 1953
    • September 11, 1953, The Kansas American , Vol. 17, no. 3
      • “Topeka School Board Opens Segregated Schools” Article announces the opening of Randolph and Southwest school districts to Negro students as the first step in termination of segregation in Topeka’s elementary.
• Folder 1
  • 1953
    • November 29, 1953, The Kansas City Star
      • “In Court Paradox” Article highlights legal efforts and cites concerns over attempting to integrate schools too quickly. It also provides enrollment information for nine of Kansas’ largest cities. One interesting revelation was at the time of the article, the school system of Wichita, Kansas had already integrated its elementary schools without incident.
• Folder 1
  • 1954
    • April 2, 1954, Kansas City Times.
      • “Swimming In Swope Park” Announces the plan to allow both Negro and White swimmers to use the Swope Park pool. (Four to five years before Gage Park Pool opened to Negroes).
• Folder 1
  • 1954
    • June 8, 1954, The Kansas City Star
      • “A School Study” Article discusses results of integration efforts in several cities. It concludes that generally, De-segregation had caused less reaction than expected according to researchers.
• Folder 1
  • 1954
    • May 1954, Topeka Capital
      • “Little Effect Seen In Topeka” Article Quotes reaction of McKinley Burnett, Reverend Oliver Brown and State and Local Officials about their opinions on the Supreme Court Decision. It also discusses impacts in other cities where some cities see no problem in integrating Negro teachers while others seemed to feel there would be any positions available for them. Pittsburg, Kansas indicated it no longer had black teachers as the only three it had were no longer employed.
• Folder 1
  • 1954
    • May 1954, Topeka Capital
      • “South Quick to Protest Ruling” Article cites various comments from southern legislators, governors and other officials in railing against the Supreme Court ruling. Comments came from government officials from these states: South Carolina, Virginia, Louisiana, Florida, Mississippi, Texas and Georgia.
• Folder 1
  • 1954
    • May 24, 1954, Topeka Capital
      • “Says Troops Can’t Even Enforce Ban” Article quote Governor Talmadge of Georgia stating his people would not support the Ban on segregation “even if they send in federal troops”. His sentiments were echoed by the State Attorney General Eugene Cook, who also took exception to the ruling.
• Folder 1
  • 1954
    • May 24, 1954, Topeka Capital
      • “Gov. Talmadge Flatly Declares Segregation Won’t End in Georgia (negro Leaders of the South Pledge “No Compromise”)” Article covers pro and con positions of black and white leaders. The article indicates the NAACP was actively pursuing efforts to integrate Georgia’s schools even before the Supreme Court had made it decision.
• Folder 1
  • 1954
    • May 17, 1954, The Kansas City Star
      • “School and Racial problems are Unconnected in the South” Article cites a study by the Ford Foundation which concludes that integration would help some students while haring others. It also includes several examples to support its conclusion.
• Folder 1
  • 1954
    • May 19, 1954, The Kansas City Star
      • “Comments from the nation’s papers on School Segregation Ruling” Article compiles comments from several newspapers and their opinion about the segregation ruling.
• Folder 1
  • 1954
    • May 1954, The Kansas City Star (assumed)
      • “Georgia Politicians Lifting their Voices Against Segregation Ruling” Article indicates Georgia Governor Talmadge was set to close the States Public Schools because of the ruling.
• Folder 1
  • 1954
    • May 19, 1954, The Kansas City Times
      • “End to Second Class Citizenship” Article states that the United States Supreme court has given another name to “un-Americanism” as it has ruled segregated schools are unconstitutional and “therefore un-American”.
• Folder 1
  • 1954
    • May 18, 1954, The Topeka Daily Capital
      • “Emancipation Proclamation” this editorial opines that the Supreme Court decision will have little effect on Topeka’s schools as it had already initiated those actions that would comply with the ruling. The article went on to say the ruling was the greatest victory “for the Negros since the Emancipation proclamation”.
• Folder 1
  • 1953
    • Undated and unknown publisher Topeka Daily Capital (Assumed)
      • “First Step Taken to End Segregation” Article indicates 15 negro children living in the districts to be integrated may still continue to attend Buchannan Elementary School, but that transportation will no longer be provided. Article quotes Lucinda Todd who thanked the board on behalf of the NAACP “For your fairness and willingness to see that each Topeka child has an equal educational opportunity”.
• Folder 1
  • 1953
    • Undated and unknown publisher Topeka Daily Capital (Assumed)
      • “NAACP, Gets $1,200 at Dinner to Push Anti-Segregation Suit” Article highlights the dinner provided at St. John AME Church and mentions several prominent speakers which included Former Kansas Governor Henry H. Woodring, Dr. Carl Minninger; and Judge Carl Johnson President of the Kansas City, Missouri NAACP.
• Folder 1
  • 1954
    • May 1954, (assumed) Paper Unknown but appears to be an Atlanta paper.
      • “School Drive On” Article covers announcements made by Walter White during an early campaign to eliminate segregated schools while in Atlanta, Georgia in Which he characterized Governor Talmadge of Georgia and Governor James F. Byrnes of South Carolina as “two of the most pathetic figures in American History”
• Folder 1
  • 1954
    • May 1954, (assumed) newspaper unknown
      • “Equality in Schools Urged” Article cites the Board of Governors of the National Congress of Parents and Teachers which urged local parent-teacher leaders to work towards “integrated education for all children”.
• Folder 1
  • 1954
    • May 20, 1954, newspaper unknown
      • “Election Impact from Ruling on Segregation” Article cites the impact of delaying the Supreme Court decision on how they would implement their ruling would have an “impact on the November congressional election”.
• Folder 1
  • 1954
    • Undated and unknown publisher Topeka Daily Capital (Assumed)
      • “Democracy at its Finest In Miami, Topekans Report” Three Topeka ministers who returned from the National Baptist Convention Inc. meeting in Miami had glowing reports about progress in integration of the city’s schools.
• Folder 1
  • 1954
    • May 1954, (assumed) newspaper unknown
      • “Churches and Court Ruling” Article covers joint position of an interdenominational group which called for the support of churches in easing the transition into complying with the Supreme Court ruling.
• Folder 1
  • 1954
    • May 18, 1954, The Kansas City Times
      • “Impact on Dixie” This extensive article covers the severe reaction to the Supreme Court ruling by several southern states who pledged to defy the ruling.
• Folder 1
  • 1954
    • May 26, 1954, The Kansas City Times
      • “Dixie Opinion is just a Myth, the Segregation Ruling Proves” Article states a reporter seeking reaction to the Supreme Court decision on schools learns a “So What?” attitude offsets the loud talk of some white supremacy advocates.
• Folder 1
  • 1953
    • September 9, 1953, The Topeka State Journal
      • “Segregation is Terminated at Randolph and Southwest” Article covers the advent of the initial integration of Topeka’s elementary schools and steps and ideas proposed by Board superintendent Wendell Godwin to implement the process. It also includes cautionary statements he made calling for self discipline by both Caucasians and Negros in the process.
• Folder 1
  • 1954
    • May 21, 1954, The Kansas City Times
      • “Supreme Court Ruling Finally Ends the Civil War” Article portrays the Supreme Court Ruling as an end to the “Civil War” and a “long postponed victory for the Abolitionists”. It also quotes the 14th Amendment to the Constitution which was at the heart of the Supreme Court’s ruling.
• Folder 1
  • 1954
    • May 21, 1954, The Kansas City Times
      • “Court Ruling Overseas” Article cites favorable reaction to the ruling by past critics as America is “setting out to match deed with word as to the meaning of democracy”. It also cited how the communists had criticized America for its segregation policies.
• Folder 1
  • 1969
    • August 28, 1969, Washington Post
      • The School Desegregation Mess: Speaks about dwindling number of Lawyers and activist attempting to further the cause of integrated schools.
• Folder 1
  • 1974
    • May 13, 1974, Los Angeles Times
      • Historic School Segregation Case Still Open: Discusses Linda Brown-Smiths efforts to enroll her Children in a predominantly white school.
• Folder 1
  • 1979
    • May 13, 1979, Washington Post
      • 25 Years After Brown: Discusses several outcomes of the Brown V. Board as it applies to over 20 percent of America's ethnic groups.
• Folder 1
  • 1979
    • May 12, 1979, Washington Afro-American
      • Brown V. Board of Education: a 25th anniversary celebration: Discusses a celebration at Howard university.
• Folder 1
  • 1979
    • May 16, 1979, Topeka State Journal
      • Importance Lost on Child: Article discusses Linda Brown-Smiths vague memories of the day her father testified against the Topeka Board of Education.
• Folder 1
  • 1979
    • May 14, 1979, Washington Post
      • Not Far Enough' on School Desegregation: Contrasts the transition of segregation in the states of Indiana and Mississippi – by 1979 Mississippi had more integration than Indiana did.
• Folder 1
  • 1979
    • May, 13, 1979, Topeka Capital-Journal
      • Brown: Pictorial based article about the Brown V. Board and How it changed Topeka.
• Folder 2
  • Miscellaneous News Articles Various Periodicals
• Folder 2
  • 1951
    • June 1, 1951, The Call
      • Suit Hits Separate Schools in Kansas: News article related to News Releases provided by Mrs. Todd that outlined the nature and background of the lawsuit. (see item 30 above)
• Folder 2
  • 1951
    • 1951 Topeka Daily Capital – exact date not available
      • Segregation Suit To Make History: Most significant in this article is the statement “…Brown et al verses the Topeka Board of Education is by far the most important of the five lawsuits. It could result in a decision which Negros have sought since 1868 when the 14th Amendment theoretically granted them full citizenship and equality before the law.”
• Folder 2
  • 1952
    • October 21, 1952, Topeka Daily Capital
      • Jewish Group Fights Topeka’s Segregation: The American Jewish Congress filed a brief asking the United States Supreme Court to reverse a Kansas federal district court decision upholding segregation in Topeka Public Schools.
• Folder 2
  • 1954
    • May 21, 1954, The Call
      • Kill Segregation: Major headline announcing the Supreme Court’s favorable Brown V. Board decision, with many related articles.
• Folder 2
  • 1954
    • May 18, 1954, Topeka Daily Capital
      • South Quick to protest Court’s School Ruling: Discusses various protests arising from southern federal and state officials about the Supreme Court Decision.
• Folder 2
  • 1954
    • May 17, 1954, Topeka State Journal
      • Numerous articles related to impact and reaction of Topekans on court decision.
• Folder 2
  • 1954
    • May 18, 1954, Kansas city Star
      • Bar to School Segregation: Article describes the case as a “Paradox” because only 8 percent of the in grades ‘were affected by old tradition”.
• Folder 2
  • 1954
    • May 17, 1954, Topeka State Journal
      • High Court Rules Out Segregation: But is the operative word in the Chief Justices ruling that the court would hear further arguments “this fall on how and when to end the practice.”
• Folder 2
  • 1961
    • August 7, 1961, Topeka Daily Capital
      • Negro Teachers Faced Hard Task: Articles speaks about the difficulties Black teachers faced as segregation ended in Topeka’s elementary schools.
• Folder 2
  • 1974
    • February, 1974, Topeka Daily Capital (Date approximate)
      • The 20 Year Journey From Topeka to Detroit: Discusses impact of Brown Case on segregation case then underway in Detroit.
• Folder 2
  • 1979
    • 1979, Topeka Daily Capital – exact date not available
      • Linda Brown talks for $1,500: Discusses Linda Brown’s fee for speaking as detailed by her appointed attorney and representative Joseph Johnson.
• Folder 2
  • 1993
    • April 18, 1993, Topeka Capital-Journal
      • Todd was Key figure in struggle: Article provides a partial look at the contributions made by Lucinda Todd in creating the framework for the Brown V. Board lawsuit.
• Folder 3
  • Miscellaneous News Articles Various Periodicals
• Folder 3
  • 1954
    • 1954, New York Herald Tribune
      • Warren Led Court to Unanimity: Spoke of the Chief justices leadership ability in leading the Supreme Court to Unanimity in the brown Case
• Folder 3
  • 1974
    • May 24, 1974, The Call
      • Commemorate 20th Anniversary of the famous Topeka Case: Captioned photo of some of Mrs. Todd with several original members of the NAACP team, and Linda Brown whose father for whom they named the case.
• Folder 3
  • 1974
    • May 2, 1974, The Wall Street Journal
      • Was it Worth it? Article speaks about the disillusioned on the 20th anniversary of integration ruling. The article specifically mentions the anger of several black Topekans because of the racial imbalance in several schools (“Topeka is 80 percent white but my daughter’s school is 80 percent black”). Thank you note from the article’s author is attached.
• Folder 3
  • 1974
    • 1976, Topeka Daily Capital,
      • Brown Case: Needed, but bad law: Article relies heavily on Richard Kluger’s book “Simple Justice,” but states the brown Case went much further than putting an end to segregated schools as “Everything flowed from the Brown.” “The resulting flood wiped out state sanctioned segregation in parks, theaters, restaurants, libraries and public transportation.”
• Folder 3
  • 1976
    • January 25, 1976, Kansas City Star
      • Civil Rights Epic: Article reviews “Simple Justice” ,serves up some riveting issues mentioned in Kluger’s book about our history as a nation: “We the people”… when there was “institutionalized white supremacy and black degradation” for example.
• Folder 3
  • 1977
    • May 24, 1977, The Capital Journal
      • Topekan meets with Carter: Covers upcoming event where Mrs. Lucinda Todd was invited to the White House as one of the principals in the Topeka Case ( as recommend to the White house by the NAACP legal Defense fund)
• Folder 3
  • 1979
    • March 16, 1979, Capital Journal,
      • Activists cite little progress over years: Article provides a good rundown of efforts in Topeka from two perspectives, one from the legal side as cited by Attorney Charles Scott and the other from and educational view by Mrs. Lucinda Todd.
• Folder 3
  • 1979
    • 1979, Topeka State Journal
      • U.S. official to speak on Brown case: Article Mentions, “Arthur Flemming will speak on the subject of the brown decision Impact and Challenges.” Flemming was former Health and Welfare Secretary under president Eisenhower.
• Folder 3
  • 1979
    • May 17, 1979, Washington Post
      • Reflections on a Milestone Past: Article mentions “Lucinda Todd had no grand vision of racial equality “until I had a child. I didn’t react to those things in Topeka; we were going along with segregation.” Article covers a special and extensive interview of Mrs. Todd.
• Folder 3
  • 1989
    • May 14, 1989, Topeka Capital-Journal
      • 35 years Ago…: Covers information about Lucinda Todd and mentions that NAACP activities radiated from her home. Article has photo of other plaintiffs
• Folder 3
  • 1994
    • January 13, 1994, Black Issues in Higher Education
      • Brown at 40: Magazine article covers extensive opinions about the Brown Case written by doctoral level Black educators.
• Folder 3
  • 1994
    • May 17, Kansas City Star
      • Brown V. Board 40 years Later: This is a very comprehensive article. It contains extensive information about Lucinda Todd, her role in the Brown case and discusses her personal feelings about the case. Unfortunately, it also contains erroneous information. The part about her daughter being upset because the School system left Black schools out of a free music Instrument program is not true; only Mrs. Todd was angry. The part about Linda waiting outside the school in the Cold for 30 minutes is suspect as Nancy Todd-Noches’ Husband attended Monroe School. He told her the doors were open to students well before the city bus arrived. He told her Mr. Green the Janitor was very considerate of the children and her husband often arrived early, often the first student there. This is typical of many articles related to the case that sometimes either mis-quotes or overlook important details.
• Folder 3
  • 1994
    • February 16, 1994, USA Today
      • Legacy of class-action landmark: Covers more accurately Lucinda Todd’s anger over the slight Black schools had from the school system’s free musical instrument program.
• Folder 3
  • 1994
    • September 25, 1994, The Capital Journal
      • Historic Reception: Captioned Photo shows Mrs. Lucinda Todd chatting with Mr. Rayford Harper, superintendent for the Brown V. Board National Historic Site.
• Folder 3A
  • Non-indexed articles
• Folder 4
  • Autographed Photo Nelson Mandela
    • Photograph acknowledges involvement of Todd family in activities that lead to the Brown V Board case. These included inviting the National Chapter to Topeka and later to their Home for meetings and strategy sessions, participating in bake sales, speeches to get funds to support the lawyers in the Supreme court case, and providing dinner, lunch and breakfast to member s of the LDF and NAACP national executive team who either stayed or met at their home. No other Topeka family was so involved in supporting the out of town visitors.
• Folder 5 (oversize)
  • 1922
    • Lucinda Todd’s Diploma Girard, Kansas High School, 1922
      • Fragile, but complete – very large document (Includes Photo)
• Folder 5 (oversize)
  • 1928
    • July, 27, 1928 Life Diploma
      • Life Diploma Earned by Lucinda Todd, which allowed her to teach in public schools, located in state of Kansas. (Large Document )
• Folder 5 (oversize)
  • 1954
    • June 14, 1954, NAACP Board of Directors Certificate of Recognition
      • Certificate of Recognition presented by the NAACP Board of Directors to the Topeka, Kansas, Branch in thanks for their efforts culminating in the Brown v. Board decision.
• Folder 6
  • 1930-1934
    • May 9, 1930, Kansas State Teachers College, Transcript; Aug. 3, 1934, summer term transcript
      • A copy of Mrs. Lucinda Todd’s College transcript years 1922-1928.
• Folder 7
  • 1935
    • August 2, 1935, Bachelor of Science Degree Diploma , The Kansas State Teachers College of Pittsburg
      • Awarded to Lucinda Wilson (Todd); Lucinda taught elementary school before she graduated from Teachers college, very common those days.
• Folder 8
  • 1947
    • Received September 25, 1947, Topeka’s Ten Year Ten-Point Program for Improving School Facilities
      • Plan created by Kenneth McFarland to improve several Topeka Schools. Plan does not address segregated grades school system although it does initially mention “great deal of progress …since the 1942 reorganization” which was when seventh, eighth grades were added to the Jr. High schools from Topeka’s four black elementary schools. The results of the changed laws
• Folder 9
  • 1948
    • Draft of April 11, 1948 Letter from Ms. Lucinda Todd to Mr. Milton Tabor, Topeka Daily Capital
      • In which she chastises him for the way he portrayed Harrison Caldwell and characterized her as a militant.
• Folder 10
  • 1948
    • 1948 Leaflet created by the “Citizens Committee on Civil Rights” and used in conjunction with a citywide petition later rejected by the Topeka Board of Education. (UID 213389)
      • This Ad Hoc group headquartered at the home of Lucinda Todd created this leaflet for circulation around Topeka’s Black Community. It requested funds to support the effort. Mrs. Todd and Mrs. Dan Sawyer walked the streets of Topeka to get the petition signed by almost every Black household.
• Folder 11
  • 1948
    • September 13, 1948, Writ of Mandamus. (UID 213393)
      • Daniel S. Sawyer, representing the Citizen’s Committee for Civil Rights, filed this comprehensive document, with the Topeka Board of Education; the Board rejected it outright. They headquartered this committee at the Todd home, 1007 Jewel Street.
• Folder 12
  • 1949
    • Flyer April 26, 1949. (UID 213392)
      • Announcing “Coming Walter White, Executive Secretary for the Advancement of Colored People, Tuesday, April 26, 8:15P.M Memorial Hall, 10th &Jackson, World’s Foremost Living Champion of “Human Rights” ‘Don’t Miss this Treat” Author, U.N. Consultant. Columnist …”
• Folder 13
  • 1949
    • News Clipping Photo “With Senator Capper”
      • Photo shows Senator Capper, Walter White, McKinley Burnett, John Scott who met with Walter White during his visit Tuesday; he was a guest of Alvin and Lucinda Todd During this visit
• Folder 14
  • 1949
    • Photo of Walter White addressing audience at Memorial Hall April 26, 1949. Kansas Memory item
      • During his presentation, Walter White predicted the eventual end to segregation in the United States of America. Related news clipping “brings his 10 day tour of five mid-western states to Topeka.
• Folder 15
  • 1949
    • July 23, 1948, Kansas Supreme court Will Hear Jim Crow School Case This Month”
      • Filed by Attorney William T. Powers, in an effort to allow Negro children to attend the new $60,000 school in Merriam, Kansas
• Folder 16
  • 1949
    • Autograph Book that began in 1949
      • Contains several names familiar to the Todd home, Walter White, Attorney Robert Carter, Jack Greenburg, Roy Wilkins and many others – Book also includes an autograph of Martin Luther King January 1968.
• Folder 17
  • 1950
    • Circa 1950, Original Handwritten draft document
      • Early collected thoughts of Ms. Lucinda Todd (On very old aged lined paper) which provides backdrop of legal efforts in1950 and 1951 on the issue of segregated schools in Topeka With attached list of financial contributions made by private citizens
• Folder 18
  • 1950
    • Copy of September 13, 1950 Letter from Walter White to Ms. Lucinda Todd. Kansas Memory item
      • Letter mentioned receipt of her letter of August 29, 1950 about the situation in Topeka’s elementary schools. Walter White mentioned that he would immediately refer the letter to his legal department and expect to be hearing from him in a few days. (Extra copies made)
• Folder 19
  • 1950
    • Copy of Lucinda Todd letter of August 29, 1950, sent to Walter White. Kansas Memory item
      • First letter from Topeka NAACP, that eventually brought LDF and Executive team et.al to Todd Home for Brown Case strategy sessions
• Folder 20
  • 1950
    • September 1, 1950 Letter from McKinley Burnet to Walter White
      • McKinley Burnett’s letter advised Walter White that the Topeka Legal staff informed him the Topeka NAACP, has a case that is valid in the Federal Courts.
• Folder 21
  • 1950
    • September 7, 1950, from Constant Baker Motley, Assistant Special Counsel, NAACP Legal Defense Fund
      • In that letter Attorney Motley informed McKinley Burnett, they would be very happy to cooperate with the Topeka Legal staff “in the matter of filing a suit seeking admission of Negro children to white elementary schools”
• Folder 22
  • 1950
    • September 5, 1950, letter from Charles E. Bledsoe to the “NAACP Legal Department.” Kansas Memory item
      • In that letter attorney, Bledsoe outlined the general nature of Topeka’s situation as influenced by local laws (The Kansas Permissive law).
• Folder 23
  • 1950
    • September 18, 1950, Reply to Bledsoe’s letter of September 7, 1950. Kansas Memory item
      • In his reply to Attorney Bledsoe, Attorney Robert L. Carter outlined his initial thoughts about strategies and approaches to the case: “Three Judge Court”; “get as many plaintiffs and their parents from various grades from the lowest to the highest”; He also offered to help “in whatever they deemed desirable”
• Folder 24
  • 1950
    • 1950 Photo of Nancy Jane Todd,
      • Photo shows Nancy in front of Buchannan Elementary school.
• Folder 25
  • 1950
    • Photo of the Todd home as it would have appeared at the time Brown Case was initiated
      • Only known early photo of Todd home as it would have appeared in 1950
• Folder 26
  • 1950
    • November 1950 News Clipping
      • M.L. Burnett Re-Named Topeka NAACP Head
• Folder 27
  • 1950-1954
    • Scrap Book
      • Lucinda Todd started this book, August 22, 1950. It contains an eclectic collection of news articles related to a wide span of social and personal events she found of interest.
• Folder 30
  • 1951
    • 1951 Handwritten news Release “For the Negro Press” Suit Hits Separate Schools In Kansas
      • Copy of Lucinda Todd’s hand written News Release outlining the legal actions underway, explaining the causes, names of attorneys filing the actions
• Folder 31
  • 1951
    • May 23, 1951 Clipping from the Kansas City Star, “Common Sense on Segregation”
      • One of many articles Lucinda Todd saved. This one provides efforts underway in Kansas City, Missouri to open public facilities to “Negroes” such as the Starlight theater, the Auditorium, and the restaurant at the municipal airport (all a few years before such actions took place in Topeka).
• Folder 32
  • 1951
    • September 14, 1951, Letter from the Attorney Robert Carter of the National Chapter to McKinley Burnett. Kansas Memory item
      • Letter advised Chapter President McKinley Burnet that it would take $5,000 to take the case to the United States Supreme Court; and it would have to be raised locally However he did offer some suggested means including contacting nearby chapters for assistance.
• Folder 33
  • 1951
    • September 14, 1951 Letter from Attorney Robert Carter to Mr. Herbert Bell , President of the Abilene, Kansas Branch of the NAACP. Kansas Memory item
      • These letters were sent out to every nearby chapter urging them to assist in raising funds for the case
• Folder 34
  • 1951
    • June 21, 1951 handwritten List of “Children of Brown”
      • List is of both parents and children. List is not alphabetized, indicative it may represent order in which children identified for participation. One name “Fleming” dropped out.
• Folder 35
  • 1951
    • Official 1951 School Photo of Nancy Todd
      • Taken while Nancy was a student at segregated Buchannan Elementary school
• Folder 36
  • 1952
    • Circa 1952, Original Handwritten document
      •  Mrs. Todd provides a background paper about the Brown Case in her handwriting starting in 1942, with appointment of Dr. Kenneth McFarland as school superintendent.
• Folder 37
  • 1952
    • November 30, 1952, Article Topeka Daily Capital Sunday Magazine
      • Article entitled “Segregation Suit to Make History” Provides a comprehensive background of the pending Brown V. Board of Education of Topeka, Kansas lawsuit. It mentions how others cases from other states that joined in the case and why the Topeka case was more significant than the others were.
• Folder 38
  • 1953
    • 1953 Des Moines Speech. Kansas Memory item
      • Speech Lucinda Todd made in Des Moines, Iowa on background of the Brown court case. Speech made to get funds for Supreme Court Attorneys
• Folder 39
  • 1953
    • Copy of a flyer about a NAACP Mass meeting, April 12, 1953
      • Announces visit from assistant council Attorney Robert Carter who would be speaking at St John AME Church
• Folder 40
  • 1953
    • Copy, The Kansas American News Paper Vol. 16, No. 32 April 10, 1953
      • Headline announces “NAACP Mass Meeting Sunday, at St. John AME
• Folder 41
  • 1953
    • March 31, 1953 Airmail Special Letter, From Robert Carter to McKinley Burnett. Kansas Memory item
      • Attorney Carter acknowledges receipt of a copy of a letter from McKinley Burnett sent with an enclosed memo from Superintendent McFarland. He advises Mr. Burnett if the Superintendent proceeds in this” (possible dismissal of Negro Teachers) he would immediately institute court action. Attorney Carter further advises he would be in Des Moines and he would be happy to meet with any teachers who have received “these notices.”
• Folder 42
  • 1953
    • April 10, 1953 Kansas City Call, “Kansas Begins Purge of Negro Teachers
      • Article terms action as mass “weeding out” of teachers in Topeka and other cities. Article indicates school boards from 10 largest cities are planning to weed out Negro teachers wholesale because of the possible Supreme Court Ruling making Segregated Schools Illegal.
• Folder 43
  • 1953
    • May 16, 1953 Kansas American “An Open Letter To Six Topeka Teachers.”
      • News article chastises six Topeka teachers who were dismissed and not fighting for their rights
• Folder 45
  • 1954
    • May 24, 1974, Kansas City Call, “Strategy Brought about 1954 Brown School Decision”
      • In this article saved by Lucinda Todd Roy Wilkins clarifies the role of the NAACP contrasted with that of the LDF. He states that the “Brown opinion of 1954, is too important a milestone in the long struggle for freedom for there to be any doubts as to who did what” Mrs. Todd underlined that part of the article.
• Folder 46
  • 1954
    • May 17, 1954, The Topeka State Journal, “Segregation Banned”
      • Front Page headline about the 1954 Supreme Court Decision
• Folder 47
  • 1954
    • May 21, 1954, Kansas City Call, Newspaper “Victory by a Knockout”
      • Describes the historical significance of the Brown Decision
• Folder 48
  • 1958
    • July 20, 1958, University of Kansas
      • Letter with enclosed extension classes Taken by Lucinda Todd as part of her continuing education.
• Folder 49
  • 1958
    • June 1958, Topeka Branch of the NAACP flyer
      • Flyer announces a “Mass Meeting” to discuss the state of Civil Rights in Topeka.
• Folder 50
  • 1965
    • March 9, 1965, photo of Central park Elementary School teaching Staff
      • Central park was one of Lucinda Todd’s last teaching assignments; other photos of her classes are in Folder 102.
• Folder 51
  • 1965
    • May 28, 1965, Retirement Card
      • A card celebrating Lucinda Todd’s career, which started in 1928 and signed by her co-workers at Central Park Elementary School; School was destroyed the following year in the 1966 Tornado Note: Mrs. Todd also taught the last year of Topeka’s only segregated school – Pierce Addition Elementary School.
• Folder 52
  • 1967
    • October 8, 1967, news clipping Topeka Daily Capital, “McFarland Warns of Freedom Loss”
      • Mrs. Todd saved this article because she knew of Kenneth McFarland’s reputation as a segregationist during her years as secretary of Topeka’s NAACP chapter. The article appeared to indicate McFarland’s slant continued to be racial in context.
• Folder 54
  • 1970
    • February 5, 1970, Letter from Mrs. Thomas Thatcher, Bronx new York, June 24, 1970 letter from Ms. Barbara A. Thatcher of Bronx, New York to Ms. Lucinda Todd
      • Who in the course of conversation with members of the Menninger staff about the impact of the foundation (Menninger) on the case eventually lead her to Mrs. Lucinda Todd in which Mrs. Todd related “the long hard job of getting the Brown Case underway” In which Ms. Thatcher acknowledges the August 29, 1950 letter of Mrs. Todd as the first communication related to the Brown Case.
• Folder 55
  • 1970
    • November 4, 1970 Letter
      • Belated note of thanks to Mrs. Todd from Mr. Richard Kluger, author of the Book Simple Justice in which he mentioned her “comments were exceedingly helpful and opened up a number of vital points toward letting me understand the tensions and dilemma within the black community, then and now. Same envelope also contains a handwritten note from Mr. Kluger informing Mrs. Todd he would be in Topeka 21st through the 24 of October, 1970 and he would be “extremely grateful” if she could spare a half hour with him “for an off the record interview”.
• Folder 55A
  • 1972
    • 1972 Family History Written by Lucinda Todd
      • Family history entitled “Walk to Freedom” which details the efforts of Lucinda's grandfather R. B. Slaughter in his quest to move his family from Georgia to the state of Kansas circa 1885.
• Folder 56
  • 1972
    • June 30, 1972, Letter from Ms. Janet Stevenson, Astoria Oregon to Lucinda Todd
      • Ms. Stevenson mentions several photos she took of Nancy as she prepared to complete a book about the Brown case.
• Folder 57
  • 1974
    • May 15, 1974, Congressional Record – Senate S 8233, “Things Should Be better (Three Copies)
      • Mentions Lucinda Todd as one of 13 plaintiffs “In the Brown Case,” 1970 May 25 letter from Kansas Governor Mike Hayden congratulating her on her birthday
• Folder 58
  • 1974
    • A commemorative booklet, Published by the NAACP legal Defense Fund Inc.
      • Booklet contains photo of Mrs. Lucinda Todd during her meeting with President Carter and other information about the Brown V. Board of Education Case.
• Folder 59
  • 1977
    • January 27, letter, Original Handwritten document
      • Ms. Lucinda Todd explaining the many invitations she received to participate in various celebrations of the Brown Case.
• Folder 60
  • 1977
    • Note From Ms Todd, (Original Handwritten document) on white house stationary, to CBS
      • Note expresses alarm about their intentions to interview Ms. Linda Brown about the case when she was a mere six years old when the case developed and would have no personal knowledge of those events. Moreover, as such information is of historical importance, she requested review of items to be discussed to ensure information would be historically correct
• Folder 61
  • Folder empty
• Folder 62
  • 1977
    • May 19, 1977, Topeka Capital Journal Article Topekan Meets with Carter
      • Article discusses meeting Lucinda had with President Carter Commemorating the 23rd anniversary of the Brown Case.
• Folder 63
  • 1977
    • Hate Mail postmarked May 23, 1977, mailed in Topeka Kansas, Original Handwritten document
      • Letter speaks of Blackening Lowman Hill School
• Folder 64
  • 1977
    • Background paper explaining history of the School segregation cases, preparatory to meeting with President Jimmy Carter, May 18, 1977
      • Paper prepared by the Legal Defense Fund about segregation cases it had litigated. The Brown V. Board case was the lead case among several others
• Folder 65
  • 1977
    • 1977 Document with brief biographical sketches of those to meet with President Carter
      • Lucinda Todd was among those listed because of her participation in development of the case as Secretary to the Topeka Branch of the NAACP
• Folder 67
  • 1977
    • May 19, 1977, Los Angeles Times, Civil Rights Veterans Meet With Carter
      • Article includes an interview with Mrs. Todd about Topeka’s situation 23 years following the Supreme Court Decision.
• Folder 68
  • 1977
    • A typed letter with original signature
      • Biographical Sketch of Ms. Lucinda Todd, prepared prior to meeting with President Carter
• Folder 69
  • 1978
    • September 23, 1978
      • Ms. Lucinda Todd wrote a profile about her daughter Nancy Jane Todd (Noches).
• Folder 70
  • 1979
    • May 10, 1979 Mailgram from Special assistant to President Carter Inviting Mr. and Mrs. Todd “To Join the President of the United States
      • Meeting in conjunction with the 25th Anniversary of the Brown V. Board of Education Supreme Court Decision (sic) (Related Documents)
• Folder 71
  • 1979
    • 25th Anniversary Dinner, Program Shoreham Americana Hotel, May 17, 1979
      • Lucinda Todd among the list of community leaders in the Brown Case and among those to sit on the dais
• Folder 72
  • 1979
    • May 16, 1979, Atlanta Constitution News Report, “Black and White Together
      • Comprehensive reports about the state of segregated school and details about each of the court cases with comprehensive coverage of the Topeka Case
• Folder 73
  • 1979
    • February 22, 1979 Mailgram from Jack Greenberg, Director and general Council, NAACP Legal Defense Fund
      • Mailgram invites Mrs. Todd to a two-day very special program in Washington DC commemorating the 25^th Anniversary of the Supreme Court Decision in Brown V Board of Education. (Related Documents)
• Folder 74
  • 1979
    • May 17, 1979, The White House
      • Personal memo from President Carter upon the 25th Anniversary of the Brown Case
• Folder 75
  • 1980
    • Written June 5, 1980, Original Handwritten document
      • Recollections of Ms. Lucinda Todd about her knowledge of the Brown case
• Folder 76
  • 1980
    • Doctoral Dissertation, 1980, By Ms. Isabell Masters “The Life and Legacy of Oliver Brown, the First Listed Plaintiff of Brown Vs. Board of Education, Topeka Kansas
      • Cover page that related to Mrs. Lucinda Todd although the dissertation clarifies Rev. Oliver Brown’s Role as the first listed plaintiff, and by no means the first plaintiff. (related Documents)
• Folder 77
  • 1980
    • April 20, 1980, Letter from Lucinda Todd to Mrs. Masters
      • Mrs. Todd terms “regrettable” that the brown case is going down in history in error. She specifically that many have mistakenly credited Reverend Brown as filing the case. The Topeka Chapter of the NAACP filed the case. She also states, “in fact reverend Brown was very reluctant to participate.”
• Folder 78
  • 1980
    • October 7, 1980 Letter from the Atlanta Branch NAACP
      • Letter advises Mrs. Todd about the strict NAACP Freedom Awards Banquet schedule for Dais guests, program
• Folder 79
  • 1980
    • August 27, 1980, Letter Atlanta Branch, NAACP
      • This is a letter from the Atlanta branch of the NAACP, inviting Mrs. Todd to Atlanta for a special award for her contribution to the Brown V. Board of Education court case.
• Folder 80
  • 1983
    • August 1983, Life Membership in the NAACP
      • Life membership certificate for Lucinda Todd Mrs. Todd had been a member of the NAACP since 1935
• Folder 81
  • 1984
    • March 9, 1984, Lucinda Todd Oral History “Deed of Gift” to the University of Kansas
      • Subject of the interview was Afro American Clubwomen of Kansas and more specifically the Links and its impact on civil rights in Topeka
• Folder 82
  • 1984
    • May 17, 1984, LDF Brown V Board Pamphlet
      • Covers historical notes related to efforts related to the Brown V. Board Case. Parts cover sacrifices made by the Todd Family in the effort.
• Folder 83
  • 1986
    • January 27, 1986, Handwritten Letter by Lucinda Todd
      • Discusses part of the Brown v Board case but focuses on her activities following retirement (25 years of teaching)
• Folder 84
  • 1986
    • December 19, 1986 Letter
      • Letter from Lewis Freedman, of Television Station WQED, Pittsburg, Pennsylvania Thanking Mrs. Todd for an interview he will televise on his station.
• Folder 85
  • 1989
    • News Paper Article, May14, 1989,
      • Pictorial feature about activities in the Todd household during development of the Brown V. Board Case
• Folder 86
  • 1990
    • May 15, 1990, Letter from LDF Birthday Tribute to Lucinda Todd,
      • Letter characterized Mrs. Lucinda Todd as the “Unsung heroines of the civil rights struggle”.
• Folder 87
  • 1990
    • May 14, 1990 Birthday Memo
      • Memo from Senator Nancy Kassebaum, That concluded the handwritten phrase “With much admiration and my very best wishes”
• Folder 88
  • 1991
    • February 6, 1991 8 ½ by 11 photograph of Mr. And Ms Todd with Kansas Senators Nancy Kassebaum and Bob Dole
      • Mr. Todd worked for Nancy’s Father, Alf Landon and developed a very close friendship between the families.
• Folder 89
  • 1993
    • January 14, 1993 Memo from Senator Nancy Landon Kassebaum to Lucinda and Alvin
      • Note from Senator Kassebaum expressed best wishes for the New Year and an added note about enjoying a visit with them; contains related photo.
• Folder 90
  • 1993
    • April 18, 1993, Topeka Capital-Journal “Todd Key to Struggle”
      • Covers, in part, some of the activities of Lucinda Todd related to development of the foundation for the Brown V. Board Case of Topeka.
• Folder 91
  • 1996
    • Lucinda Todd Obituary
      • Lucinda Todd passed away July 17, 1996
• Folder 92
  • 1996
    • July 22, 1996. Funeral Service Card
      • Funeral order of service for Mrs. Lucinda Todd, at St. John AME Church, Topeka Kansas.
• Folder 93
  • 1996
    • Letter, Senator Nancy Landon Kassebaum
      • A handwritten note expressing her condolences on the passing of Mr. Alvin Todd.
• Folder 95
  • 2003
    • Letters , Smithsonian Institute (National Museum of American History)
      • Letter confirms items they will have on display at the Smithsonian Institute related to the Brown V. Board from the Todd home. 3 letters in folder
• Folder 96
  • 2004
    • August 2, 2004 Editorial Capitol Journal, “Lucinda Todd, Patient Lady”
      • Article mentions inadequate coverage of one of the most important figures in development of the actions that eventually lead to Topeka’s Brown V. Board Case she needed better recognition. Also in folder is an e-mail from a former student in response to the article.
• Folder 97
  • 2004
    • April 11, 2004, copy of Certified Letter with Receipt sent to Ebony Magazine staff member Lerone Bennett, Sr.
      • Ebony Magazine had printed an article about the Brown V. Board case including several serious misprints about Lucinda Todd. Lucinda’s daughter, Nancy Noches was so incensed she sent a registered letter to the magazine citing contents of their May 2004 issue (printed in April) that needed correction. She never heard back from them. That is one of the main concerns of Nancy, as were her mothers, too many people have set themselves up as authorities about the case. Unfortunately, it appears most children of plaintiffs often relied on books and news articles, which also often contained errors—folder includes copy of Ebony Magazine that contained the article.
• Folder 98
  • 2005
    • L.L.M Thesis St Thomas University School of Law, by Michael F. Blevins, J.D.
      • Attorney Blevins paid special tribute to Lucinda Todd, his fifth grade teacher for inspiring him.
• Folder 99
  • 2006
    • May, 7, 2006 Parade Magazine, “History Happened Here”
      • Article covers Little-known places that helped shape our nation’s culture and heritage” The Lucinda Todd Home was one of ten places selected nation-wide.
• Folder 100
  • 2007
    • Program for Dedication of Education Center Building May 17, 2007
      • First educational facility dedicated to Lucinda Todd, one of the last Black educators’ so recognized by the city of Topeka. Lucinda Todd was the only Black educator involved in the Topeka Brown v. Board Education Case.
• Folder 101
  • 2007
    • November 16, 2006, Topeka Board of education resolution
      • Resolution recognized Lucinda Todd as a courageous force in the Court case, Brown vs Board of Education of Topeka that dismantled the “separate but equal” provisons for the education of African American students in America’s public schools.
• Folder 102
  • Undated
    • Photos
      • This folder contains photos of the Todd family, Lucinda Todd’s portrait, Photo of Lucinda when she met Dr. Martin Luther King, photos of Mrs. Todd’s first classes and of her last class, and an old photo of Todd home.
• Folder 104
  • 1954
    • May 18, 1954 Telegram sent Anson Phelps -Stokes Western Union Telegram sent to Dr. Channing Tobias, National Chairman, NAACP, indicating his elation over Supreme Court Decision. Seeking Original
• Folder 105
  • 1984
    • May 29 1984, Letter Letter sent from Congressman Jim Slattery congratulating Lucinda Todd’s daughter, Nancy for her key role in the Brown case.
• Folder 106
  • 1963
    • April 16, 1963, Letter written by Dr. Martin Luther King This is a photocopy of a transcript of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s, famous Letter from the Birmingham Jail.
• Folder 107
  • 1963
    • April 16, 1963, Letter written by Dr. Martin Luther King Donated copy of the above Letter from the Birmingham Jail. This is a very fragile document apparently copied using an old reprographics process called “Thermofax”. The process while minimally effective in making copies had numerous drawbacks. The paper is extremely sensitive to light and very brittle.
• Folder 108
  • [1996?]
    • Biography of Lucinda Wilson-Todd Biographical sketch written after her death
• Folder 109
  • [1959?]
    •  “Last Negro School Closes” Topeka Daily Capital, [1959?]. Photo of Lucinda Todd, 3rd and 4th grade teacher at Pierce School, with class accompanying story, “One-Teacher Schools Few,” on closing one-room schools in Shawnee County.
• Folder 110
  • 1934
    • Topeka Public Schools, Directory, 1934-1935
• Folder 111
  • Undated
    • 1977 Press Conference at Hay Adams Hotel
      • Framed photo of Lucinda Todd and others with President Jimmy Carter, May 18, 1977. People identified on back.

5    RELATED MATERIALS

• Brown v Topeka Board of Education Oral History Collection at the Kansas State Historical Society (UID 40251).
• Records of the Attorney Generals Office, Major Cases – Brown vs Board of Education (UID 190291).

6    INDEX TERMS/SUBJECT HEADINGS/ACCESS POINTS

Individual subjects:

• King, Martin Luther, Jr., 1929-1968
• Todd, Lucinda Wilson, 1903-1996
• White, Walter Francis, 1893-1955

Corporate names:

• National Association for the Advancement of Colored People

General Subjects:

• African American women civil rights workers -- (z)Kansas -- (z)Topeka
• Civil rights -- (z)Kansas -- (z)Topeka
• Civil rights movements -- (z)Kansas -- (z)Topeka
• Segregation -- (z)United States
• Segregation -- (z)Kansas -- (z)Topeka
• Segregation in education -- (z)Kansas -- (z)Topeka
• Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka
• Elementary school teachers -- (z)Kansas -- (z)Topeka

7    ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION

7.1       Restrictions on access

None

7.2       Restrictions on use

Notice: This material may be protected by copyright law (Title 17, U.S. Code). The user is cautioned that the publication of the contents of this collection may be construed as constituting a violation of literary property rights. These rights derive from the principle of common law, affirmed in the copyright law of 1976 as amended, that the writer of an unpublished letter or other manuscript has the sole right to publish the contents thereof unless he or she affirmatively parts with that right; the right descends to his or her legal heirs regardless of the ownership of the physical manuscript itself. It is the responsibility of a user or his or her publisher to secure the permission of the owner of literary property rights in unpublished writing.

7.3       Alternate forms

This collection has been digitized for Kansas Memory. A majority of the collection is available as UID 47303. The following items are available separately on Kansas Memory:

• Airmail Special Letter: Robert Carter to Mckinley Burnett (UID 213404).
• Attorney Robert Carter to McKinley Burnett (UID 213401).
• Charles E. Bledsoe to the NAACP Legal Department (UID 213409).
• Citizens Committee on Civil Rights: The People, Fight Back (UID 213389).
• Coming Walter White (UID 213392).
• For the Negro Press: Suit Hits Separate Schools in Kansas (UID 213400).
• Letter to the Topeka Board of Education (UID 213393).
• Lucinda Todd: handwritten draft of the background of the Brown case (UID 213407).
• Lucinda Todd to Walter White (UID 213405).
• NAACP Legal Defense Fund to Charles Bledsoe (UID 213410).
• Nancy Jane Todd Noches (UID 447238).
• Nancy Jane Todd Noches (UID 447237).
• Robert Carter to Herbert Bell (UID 213402).
• Speech, Des Moines, Iowa (UID 213403).
• Walter White addressing audience at Memorial Hall (UID 213391).
• Walter White, Reverend E. Bernard Hurd, McKinley Burnett, and Arthur Capper (UID 303124).
• Walter White to Lucinda Todd (UID 213406).

7.4       Preferred citation

Note: [document and/or series description, date], Mrs. Lucinda Todd papers, Coll. #825, Kansas State Historical Society.

Bibliography: Mrs. Lucinda Todd papers, Coll. #825, Kansas State Historical Society.

7.5       Acquisition information (Accession #)

Accession #2009-015

UID #47303

7.6      Processing information (Processor name)

Sara Shupe, volunteer, 2012.

Updated by Cordell Moats, Digital Archivist, 2026.

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