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Professor of history at Cornell University; recordings and transcripts of interviews conducted in the course of Salvatore's research into the life and career of C. L. Franklin, African American clergyman, long-time pastor of New Bethel Baptist Church in Detroit, Michigan, and active participant in the civil rights movement.

The records of the C.L. Franklin Oral History Project, 1998-2002, consist of audiocassette recordings and typed transcripts of interviews conducted by Dr. Nick Salvatore as part of his research which resulted in publication of the book Singing in a Strange Land : C.L. Franklin, the Black Church, and the Transformation of America. Among the 47 interviewees were family members, parishioners in Franklin's church, ministerial colleagues from Detroit, and civil rights activists. Among the topics covered are personal recollections of Franklin, his preaching style, the role of gospel music in Franklin's ministry and his influence gospel music styles, and Franklin's role as civic and civil rights leader.

Church documents and personal papers of Dr. Frederick G. Sampson II, pastor of Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church of Detroit Mich., noted lecturer and keynote speaker, and member of various commissions and boards dedicated to human rights, community outreach, and community education.

The Frederick G. Sampson collection includes personal and church related papers that document his professional work and church activities from 1970 until his death in 2001. In addition, there is some information about the Foundation established in his name. The papers are arranged in the following series: Pastoral Career and Personal Papers.