Chiefly letters, pamphlets, clippings, and other papers (ca. 1973-2003) documenting Hicks' efforts to prevent passage of the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA). Also included are letters, 1975-2001, with Mabel B. Pace of Charleston, S.C., and other friends and colleagues; notes for genealogy courses and workshops taught by Hicks at the University of South Carolina and elsewhere; notes from the Augusta Genealogical Society; and text of speeches and talks given by Hicks, including items relating to Native American genealogy (see folder 44 and in Speeches, folders 32- 33). Papers (ca. 1970s) documenting efforts to stop passage of the ERA include letters to the editor, clippings, legal documents re a law suit filed against the Commission on the Status of Women for not operating as mandated by the General Assembly; and financial records, ca. 1971-1974, of the S.C. Commission on Human Affairs (folder 12). Collection includes many publications both against and favoring passage of the ERA; pamphlets (folder 49) discuss potential impact of ERA on life in the United States, such as relation to the abortion debate, perception that it would provide more power to the Federal government over U.S. citiizens and other aspects, including such titles as "What's in it for Black Women?" Newsletters include copies of the Phyllis Schaffley Report (ca. 1977-1978); and Congress of Freedom News (Summit, Miss.), ca. 1974-1976 (folder 14), a conservative Christian publication, including the issue of 1 Oct. 1974, listing names of 2000 of their supporters. Also includes legal documents, ca. 1983-1984, re law suit of L.H. Davis, Petitioner, vs. Henry D. Monteith, et al, Respondents, re a real estate dispute dating back to 1949 (Folder 13), and involving the family of Dr. Henry D. Monteith. [This case is thought to involve the land associated with the Monteith School, a private institution for African American students in operation ca. 1921-1947. The school, located in the 6500 block of North Main St., closed soon after the Columbia public school system took over operations prior to 1950. H.D. Monteith and his wife purchased the land in 1987].
