Contents
Collection Access
Aaron H. Payne papers
Descriptive Summary
- Title
- Aaron H. Payne papers
- Identifier
- BMRC.UIC.PAYNE
- Repository
- University of Illinois at Chicago, Special Collections and University Archives Department at the Richard J. Daley Library
- Language
- English
- Size
- 1.5 Linear feet
- Dates
- 1894-1989
- Creator
- Payne, Aaron H., 1901-1994
Biographical note
Aaron H. Payne (1901 to 1994) was a Chicago-area attorney and civic activist. In 1926, after studying law at the University of Chicago Law School, he was admitted to the Bar of the State of Illinois. Three years later Payne served as Assistant City Prosecutor, Assistant Corporate Counsel, and Arbitrator for the Illinois Industrial Commission. In addition, he served for several years as a member of the Legal Staff of the Chicago Transit Authority. Later, Payne started his own legal practice. As an independent attorney, he represented heavyweight boxing champ Joe Louis in a legal matter involving problems with the Internal Revenue Service. Additionally, he represented singer-songwriter Nat King Cole in a discrimination matter taken up against the Hoffman Hotel Company. Payne was also an active member of a number of civic and community groups which included: NAACP, Chicago Urban League, Fourth Ward Regular Democratic Organization, Defense Lawyers Association, and Hyde Park Neighborhood.
Scope and Contents note
The Aaron H. Payne papers mainly reflect his work as an attorney and civic activist in the City of Chicago. The papers partially reflect his many philanthropic endeavors. The collection includes correspondence, newspaper clippings, photographs, scrapbooks, memos, telegrams, awards, and transcripts of speeches.
Processing Information note
This collection was surveyed as part of the Black Metropolis Research Consortium's Survey Initiative on 2009 December 1 by Lisa Calahan and Bergis Jules.