John Mitchell Brooks collection of NAACP files

The John Mitchell Brooks collection of NAACP files, 1957-1960, is a collection of administrative paperwork and correspondence used by John Mitchell Brooks during his initial years as director of the national voter registration and education program of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). The materials primarily consist of files regarding the state branches of the NAACP across the United States. These branch files contain correspondence and statistical reports from the officials in charge of each state's voter registration initiative. The files show methods that the different branches incorporated to maximize the effectiveness of their individual voting initiatives. Additionally, some branch files include examples of promotional material created by each branch to ignite public interest. The materials were sent to Brooks for approval and feedback.

The collection also includes correspondence between Brooks and various individuals and groups involved with the NAACP's voter registration program. Individuals with whom he corresponded include the famous civil rights activist Henry Lee Moon, who was operating as the public relations director of the NAACP. Additionally, the collection contains correspondence with Ruby Hurley, often referred to as the "queen of civil rights," who was operating the Atlanta, Georgia NAACP regional office at the time. The collection also consists of administrative correspondence with various branch presidents and members regarding the production of NAACP literature.