This collection contains material documenting the life of James Long Newsom, Sr., (1914-2007) of Durham, North Carolina. A graduate of Duke University and Duke University Law School and attended Syracuse University Law School, he began practicing law in Durham in 1938. Correspondence (1931-1940) documents his post-high school education and courtship of his future wife Frances Martin whom he met at Syracuse. As a member of the United States Naval Reserve, he fought in the South Pacific for the years 1942-1945 during World War II and this experience is covered with extensive correspondence, photographs, souvenirs, programs and military newspapers. After the war, he returned to his law practice and continued his Naval Reserve career. Also included are diplomas, certificates, family-related photographs (back to the 1910s), clippings, and genealogy.
Oral history interview with prominent African American businessman and political leader of Greenville, North Carolina, named Denison D. "D.D." Garrett, Sr. He discusses his background, education, business pursuits, and political involvement including race relations in Greenville and Pitt County, especially during the Civil Rights era.