Cynthia Shepard Perry Papers

1946-2010
8 boxes (10.5 linear ft.)
Call no.: MS 842
rotating decorative images from SCUA collections

An educator, diplomat, and expert on Africa, Cynthia Shepard Perry was the first recipient of a Ed.D. from of the Program in International Education at UMass Amherst (1972). Born in Burnett, Indiana, in 1928, Perry was raising a family when she set a twenty-five year goal of earning a doctorate and entering international service. One year after earning a bachelor's degree at Indiana State University in 1967, she arranged for her first trip to Africa, leading a secretarial training project at the University of Nairobi, and over succeeding decades, her connections to the continent deepened dramatically. On faculty at Texas Southern University (1971-1982), Perry served as Associate Director of the university's Peace Corps Program, which resulted in her leading educational projects in Sierra Leone, Ghana, Nigeria, Liberia, and Kenya. In demand for her expertise, she worked as a consultant to the United States Information Service in Kenya, Nigeria, and Zambia and as Staff Development Officer at the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa in Addis Ababa. Having become a full professor and Dean of International Affairs, she left TSU in 1982 to take her first diplomatic post as an officer of the Africa Bureau of the United States Agency for International Development, followed by successive appointments as Ambassador to Sierra Leone (1986-1989) and Burundi (1989-1993), as Honorary Consul General of Rwanda, and finally an appointment as United States Executive Director of the African Development Bank (1996-2001). Although officially retired, Perry remains active in supporting education and development in Africa from her home in Houston. Among many other awards she has received, Perry was the recipient of an honorary doctorate from UMass for her international work and was recognized by the Salute to Service Award.



A record of a life in international service in Africa, the Perry Papers include materials from Perry's time as head of the African Development Bank and her two ambassadorial appointments, including speeches, some correspondence, and a handful of publications. The collection also includes a series of awards and plaques, some family photographs, and memorabilia.

See similar SCUA collections:

Background on Cynthia Shepard Perry


An image of: Cynthia Shepard Perry, ca.1986

Cynthia Shepard Perry, ca.1986

Ambassador Cynthia Shepard Perry was born in Lost Creek, Indiana, outside of Terre Haute, Indiana, on November 11, 1928 as the fifth of nine children. In 1946, she graduated from Otter Creek High School as one of only two black students in her class. At the age of 16 and while raising her family, Perry decided that she wanted to be an ambassador. With the help of her family and her high school principal, Perry devised a twenty-five year plan to complete her goals. This journey included a degree in political science from Indiana State University in 1968; her doctorate in International Education from the University of Massachusetts Amherst in 1972, as the first recipient of a Ed.D. from the program of International Education; working at an international corporation; five years working in Africa; and completing five years of research.

Perry began her career in 1952 in Terre Haute, Indiana working at the Nichols Investment Corporation, and then moved to the IBM Corporation to work as an educational representative. She later served as the Director of the National Teacher Corps at the University of Massachusetts Amherst while she earned her doctorate. Following her time at the UMass, Perry joined the faculty of Texas Southern University as an associate professor and Associate Director of Teacher Corps/Peace Corps. She later became a full professor and Dean of International Affairs from 1978-1982.

Perry first went to Africa in 1969, as a part of the Operation Crossroads Africa project, a secretarial training program at the University of Nairobi. In 1973, Perry and her second husband, James O. Perry, returned to Nairobi for three years as her husband had taken a position with UNESCO at the University of Nairobi. During this time, she trained Peace Corps paramedical volunteers, lectured at the University, and served as a consultant to the IUnited States Information Service in Kenya, Nigeria, and Zambia. In 1974, Perry was a member of diplomatic delegations to Sierra Leone, Ghana, Nigeria, and Liberia. In 1976, she was appointed to the position of Staff Development Officer at the UN Economic Commission for Africa in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Perry's diplomatic journey began in 1982, with her appointment to the position of Chief of the Education and Human Resources Division in the Africa Bureau of the Agency of International Development (A.I.D.) by President Ronald Reagan. She held this position until she was appointed Ambassador to Sierra Leone, where she served as Ambassador from 1986-1989. In 1989, she was appointed Ambassador to Burundi by the new President George H. Bush, and served in Burundi for the entirety of the Bush administration from 1989-1993. In addition to her diplomatic work as an ambassador, Perry also served as Honorary Consul General for Senegal and currently serves as Honorary Consul General for Rwanda.

In 1996, President George W. Bush appointed her Regent of Texas Woman's University during his time as governor of Texas. Perry served there until 2001, when President George W. Bush appointed her U.S. Executive Director of the African Development Bank in Abidjan, Ivory Coast and later, Tunis, Tunisia. She held this position until her retirement in 2007. Shortly afterward, the Ambassador returned to Houston, where she remains active in supporting education and development in Africa. Among many other awards she has received, Perry was the recipient of an honorary doctorate from UMass Amherst for her international work and was recognized by the Salute to Service Award.

Scope of collection

Ambassador Cynthia Shepard Perry spent her life in international service to both the United States and to Africa as an American ambassador, the head of the U.S. branch of the African Development Bank, and as an active supporter of education and development in Africa. The Cynthia Shepard Perry Papers document the Ambassador's career in foreign relations between the United States and Africa. The collection focuses on her time abroad in Sierra Leone and Burundi as an Ambassador and serving as the U.S. Executive Director of the African Development Bank, as well as her work in the United States regarding Africa as an educator at Texas Southern University, the University of Massachusetts, and with the Peace Corps.

The Cynthia Shepard Perry Papers consist of various documents, correspondence, photographs, and memorabilia from her international service abroad and at home in the United States. Also included in the papers are documents, manuscripts, and photographs from her 2001 autobiography, All Things Being Equal: One Woman's Journey

The collection is organized into five series:

Series descriptions

1946-2009
5 boxes

Series 1 is divided into six subseries: Abroad, African Development Bank, United States, Teacher/Peace Corps, Texas Southern University, and University of Massachusetts Amherst.

This series documents the Ambassador's career in both the United States and abroad as well as her involvement with the African Development Bank and the Teacher Corps.

Subseries 1: Abroad, 1969-2008 - This section of the series contains documents, photos, publications, and correspondence concerning the Ambassador's time and professional work abroad. This includes publications from the government concerning her ambassadorial role, her spouse's role, and background information on Sierra Leone. Also included in this subseries are documents relating to schooling for her family, her time in Burundi, her ambassador training, and her work with women.

Subseries 2: African Development Bank, 2001-2008 - This subseries is made up of records documenting the Ambassador's life while working at the African Development Bank (ADB). Coverage includes the time of her appointment to the position of United States Executive Director of the African Development Bank in 2001 to shortly after her retirement from the position in 2008. The subseries contains administrative paperwork, correspondence, reports, and resumes of various ADB employees. Also included are personal documents of the Ambassador's involving her moves to Abidjan and Tunis, Tunisia; her homes; and photographs.

Subseries 3: United States, 1946-2009 - This part of the series documents the portions of the Ambassador's career based in the United States. Included are the Ambassador's degrees, professional correspondence, documents about her involvement as Honorary Consul for Rwanda and Senegal, and materials relating to social engagements. Also included are a United States flag and the flag of the Ambassadors of the United States and their decorative ornaments.

Subseries 4: Teacher/Peace Corps, 1971-1983 - This subseries documents the Teacher Corps and its degree possibilities for TSU and UMass students and interns. Also included are two seminars on western Africa that were given at Texas Southern University by Perry.

Subseries 5: Texas Southern University, 1971-2001 - This part of the series contains documents from the Ambassador's time as a member of Texas Southern University's faculty from 1971-1982. The Nigerian Trade Mission of 1979 that was led by Perry, including photos of the mission, is included in this part of the series.

Subseries 6: University of Massachusetts Amherst, 1970-2003 - Perry served as Director of the National Teacher Corps at the University of Massachusetts Amherst from 1968-1971, and received her Doctorate in International Education at University of Massachusetts in 1972 as the first Ed.D. recipient of the program. This part of the series contains correspondence and some paperwork from her time at UMass-Amherst as well as her interactions with the school as an alumna.

This series documents the publication of the Ambassador's autobiography, All Things Being Equal: One Woman's Journey, which was published in 2001. Contained in the series is paperwork concerning the publication of the memoirs, articles about the book, and photographs and sections that were included in the final publication. The series also contains two versions of the memoir, one from 1997 and printed proofs from 1998.

1971-2009
.5 box

This series contains the speeches and documents relating to the speeches of Ambassador Cynthia Shepard Perry throughout her career. Included are speeches given in both the United States and abroad, as well as two speeches by her husband James Perry. Common topics include U.S.-African relations, women, and African economic development.

This series contains photographs that temporally encompass the majority of the Ambassador's life, as well as VHS tapes relating to her career and politics. Included in this series are photos of Perry and her family, photos from her time in Sierra Leone and other parts of Africa, and the Teacher Corps.

1985-2001
1 box

This series contains plaques that celebrate the Ambassador and her husband, James O. Perry, for their work. The plaques range from plaques from junior high schools to plaques from the NAACP and several colleges and universities.

Inventory

Series 1. Professional
1946-2009
4 boxes
Subseries 1: Abroad
1969-2008
1.5 boxes
25th Anniversary Peace Corps Envelopes
1986 Aug 26
Box 3: 19
African Development Bank (ADB)
2001-2006
Box 3: 20
ADB Conference Materials
2004
Box 3: 21
AISF Donation
1987 Sep 17
Box 3: 22
Ambassadorial Seminar - Ambassadorial Authorities
1989 Oct
Box 3: 23
Ambassadorial Seminar - Ambassadorial Style and Post Morale
1989 Oct
Box 3: 24
Ambassadorial Seminar - Biographies of Co-Chairpersons
1989 Oct
Box 3: 25
Ambassadorial Seminar - Cable from Secretary Baker
1989 Feb
Box 3: 26
Ambassadorial Seminar - Correspondence
1989
Box 3: 27
Ambassadorial Seminar - Country Team
1989 Oct
Box 3: 28
Ambassadorial Seminar - Diplomatic Social Usage
1989 Oct
Box 3: 29
Ambassadorial Seminar - Employee Responsibilities and Conduct
1989 Oct
Box 3: 30
Ambassadorial Seminar - Glossary of Terms and Acronyms
1989 Oct
Box 3: 31
Ambassadorial Seminar - Guidance on Managing Drug Abuse and Post AIDS Update
1989 Oct
Box 3: 32
Ambassadorial Seminar - October Ambassadorial Seminar
1989 Oct
Box 3: 33
Ambassadorial Seminar - Office of Foreign Missions
1989 Oct
Box 3: 34
Ambassadorial Seminar - ORE and Representation
1989 Oct
Box 3: 35
Ambassadorial Seminar - Protocol
1989 Oct
Box 3: 36
Ambassadorial Seminar - Relations with U.S. Business
1989 Oct
Box 3: 37
Ambassadorial Seminar - September Schedule
1989 Sep
Box 3: 38
Ambassadorial Seminar - Table of Contents and Introduction
1989 Oct
Box 3: 39
Ambassador's Performance Evaluation
1988 Jul 11
Box 3: 40
Ambassador's Spouse Notebook - Communicating in Public
1989
Box 3: 41
Ambassador's Spouse Notebook - Departure
1989
Box 3: 42
Ambassador's Spouse Notebook - Expenses
1989
Box 3: 43
Ambassador's Spouse Notebook - Family
1989
Box 3: 44
Ambassador's Spouse Notebook - Family Employment
1989
Box 3: 45
Ambassador's Spouse Notebook - Mission
1989
Box 3: 46
Ambassador's Spouse Notebook - Mission and Morale
1989
Box 3: 47
Ambassador's Spouse Notebook - Morale
1989
Box 3: 48
Ambassador's Spouse Notebook - Permanent Departure
1989
Box 3: 49
Ambassador's Spouse Notebook - Predeparture
1989
Box 3: 50
Ambassador's Spouse Notebook - Re-Entry
1989
Box 3: 51
Ambassador's Spouse Notebook - Representation
1989
Box 3: 52
Ambassador's Spouse Notebook - Residence and Expenses
1989
Box 3: 53
Ambassador's Spouse Notebook - Section 1
1989
Box 3: 54
Ambassador's Spouse Notebook - Suggestions from Former Spouses
1989
Box 3: 55
Ambassador's Spouse Notebook - VIP Visits
1989
Box 3: 56
American International School of Bujumbura
1989-1990
Box 3: 57
American International School of Freetown
1986-1989
Box 3: 58
Amistad Revolt
1985
Box 3: 59
Appointment to Ambassador of Sierra Leone
1983-1986
Box 3: 60
Art Exhibition in Sierra Leone
1988 Dec
Box 3: 61
Association of Black American Ambassadors
1989
Box 3: 62
Background Notes On Sierra Leone
1984 Feb
Box 3: 63
Book Photographs
2000 Jan
Box 3: 64
Bundu Mask
1988 Nov 18
Box 3: 65
Burkina Faso and Mali
1985-1986
Box 3: 66
Burundi Correspondence
1988-1991
Box 3: 67
Burundi Events
1990-1992
Box 3: 68
Burundi Mission
1969-1992
Box 3: 69
Burundi Photographs
ca.1990
Box 3: 70
Cash Invoice
1988 Apr 25
Box 3: 71
City Council At-Large, Position 4
1997 Dec
Box 3: 72
Coastal Barge Corporation
1989 Feb 17
Box 3: 73
Correspondence in Sierra Leone
1988
Box 3: 74
Credentials Ceremony
1986 Jul 16
Box 3: 75
Demand on Carrier/Contractor
1986
Box 3: 77
DIA Slide
undated
Box 6: 4
ESSENCE Announcement
1987 Nov
Box 3: 78
Ethiopia
1975-1986
Box 3: 79
FCA Corps
1996-2000
Box 4: 1
FCA Newsletters
1994-1995
Box 4: 2
Finances and ADB
2002-2007
Box 4: 3
First Ambassador Training
1986-1987
Box 4: 4
French Lessons Before Burundi
1988
Box 4: 5
FSN Employee Handbook
1989 Feb 17
Box 4: 6
International Community School of Abidjan
2002
Box 4: 7
International Women's Day Association
1988 Jan 2
Box 4: 8
Inventory On-Hand Summary
2008 Feb 12
Box 4: 9
Kenya
1974 Mar
Box 4: 10
Kingswood
2003
Box 4: 11
La Soukra Lease Agreement
2004
Box 4: 12
Lunch Time Carol Singing
1987 Nov 30
Box 4: 13
Mandela and Bush Speech Transcripts
1990
Box 4: 14
March Challenging the Nzouba Marriage Act
1995 Jun 15
Box 4: 15
Official-Informal
1989 Oct 21
Box 4: 16
Perry, Cynthia Shepard - Swearing-In Ceremony as Ambassador to Sierra Leone
1986 Jul 3
Box 4: 17
Pozil, Scott
2001-2002
Box 4: 18
Presentation of Insignia and Awards and Reception
1988 Apr 22
Box 4: 19
Professional Correspondence
1974-1986
Box 4: 20
Programme for State Funeral for His Excellency Dr. Siaka Probyn Stevens
1988 Jun 12
Box 4: 21
Rwanda Project
1996-2000
Box 4: 22
Salzburg Seminar
1993
Box 4: 23
Seminar/Training Prior to First Mission as Ambassador
1986
Box 4: 24
Shipment Info
2003
Box 4: 25
Sierra Leone Briefing Book - Administrative
1986 Feb 20
Box 4: 26
Sierra Leone Briefing Book - Correspondence
1981-1989
Box 4: 27
Sierra Leone Briefing Book - News Clipping
1986-1988
Box 4: 28
Sierra Leone Briefing Book - Photographs
1981-1989
Box 4: 29
Sierra Leone: Foreign Economic Trends and Their Implication for the United States Report
1987 Dec 9
Box 4: 30
Sierra Leone Post Report
1985 Sep
Box 4: 31
Sierra Leone Programmatic Options Analysis
1987 Oct
Box 4: 32
Sisters of Sierra Leone Second Annual Banquet
1981-1989
Box 4: 33
Social Events
2002
Box 4: 34
Summary of Allowances and Benefits for U.S. Government Civilian Employee Overseas
1985 Aug
Box 4: 35
UNESCO Ethiopia
1972
Box 4: 36
University of Pittsburg
1988
Box 4: 37
Welcome to Sierra Leone - American Embassy
1984 Feb
Box 4: 38
Women Empowerment International Conference and Exhibition
2002 Feb-Mar
Box 4: 39
Subseries 2: African Development Bank (ADB)
2001-2008
1 box
Abidjan
1999-2001
Box 1: 1
ADB Financial
2007
Box 1: 2
Administrative Tribunal
2006 Nov-Dec
Box 1: 3
African Growth and Opportunity Act Competitiveness Report
2005 Jul
Box 1: 4
American Cooperative School of Tunis Student and Parent Handbook
2003-2007
Box 1: 5
Background
2005-02
Box 1: 6
Background Documents for Secretary Summers
2000-2002
Box 1: 7
Board Effectiveness: The World Bank's Experience
undated
Box 1: 8
Business Cards
undated
Box 1: 9
CAHR Meetings
2006
Box 1: 10
Camac
2002
Box 1: 11
Citibank
2002-2003
Box 1: 12
Commissary
2002
Box 1: 13
Compliments of the General Counsel
undated
Box 1: 14
Concept Paper for the Regional Irrigation Project (PRIBUG)
2007
Box 1: 15
Congressional Testimony
2001
Box 1: 16
Correspondence
2001-2004
Box 1: 17-18
Department of the Treasury
2001
Box 1: 19
Dinner in Honor of Ambassador Perry DVDs
2007 Dec 1
Box 1: 20
Draft Summary of the 15th Tea Session
2005 Jan 14
Box 1: 21
ED Position
2007 May 1
Box 1: 22
Elections Process
2004 Apr
Box 1: 23
Entitlement to Education Benefits Request to the US Executive Director
2001 Sep
Box 1: 24
Ethics Committee
2006-2007
Box 1: 25
Ethics Committee Membership
2006-2007
Box 1: 26
Executive Director
2000-2001
Box 1: 27
Executive Directors' Meeting
2002 Sep-Oct
Box 1: 28
Fourth Meeting of the Governor's Consulate Committee Agendas and Programs
2002 Dec
Box 1: 29
Fourth Meeting of the Governor's Consulate Committee Correspondence
2002
Box 1: 30
Fourth Meeting of the Governor's Consulate Committee GCC Governor's Letters
2002 Dec
Box 1: 31
Fourth Meeting of the Governor's Consulate Committee Working Papers
2002 Dec
Box 1: 32
Graduate School Letter of Recommendation
2004
Box 1: 33
Group Life Insurance
2003 Jan 31
Box 1: 34
Harassment Policy
2006
Box 1: 35
House Staff Contracts
1991-2002
Box 1: 36
House Staff Resumes
1995-2001
Box 1: 37
HR Pert Chart
2006
Box 1: 38
Human Resources
2006
Box 1: 39
Human Resources Strategy
2004-2006
Box 1: 40
Human Resources Strategy
2007 Apr 30
Box 1: 41
IIF Annual Meeting Registration
2002 Jun
Box 1: 42
Kilani - Unpaid Utility Bills and Repairs
2003
Box 1: 43
Mandatory Staff Retirement Age
2004-2005
Box 1: 44
Matters of Concern to the General Services (GS) Staff of the Bank
undated
Box 1: 45
Memorandum for Under Secretary Taylor
2004 May 13
Box 1: 46
Move to Tunis (Personal)
2003
Box 1: 47
Move to Tunis (Professional)
2003-2006
Box 1: 48
Name Badge
2001 Dec
Box 1: 49
Organizational Chart
2006 Jul 1
Box 1: 50
Per Diem Rates
2002 Jan 24
Box 1: 51
Personnel Archives
2004-2005
Box 1: 52
Photographs in Abidjan
undated
Box 1: 53
Photographs of Tunisia
undated
Box 1: 54
Presentation on Staff Performance Evaluation Process Draft
2004 Dec 10
Box 1: 55
Report
2001 May-Jun
Box 1: 56
Report on the Committee on Administrative and Human Resources Policy Issues (CAHR) Meeting
2006 Jul 6
Box 1: 57
Resumes
2002
Box 1: 58
Schedule
2002 Sep-Oct
Box 1: 59
Soriano, Ronald
undated
Box 1: 60
Staff Medical Benefits Plan Study
2006
Box 1: 61
Staff Performance Evaluations
2004-2007
Box 1: 62
Staff Retirement Plan
2004 Jul
Box 1: 63
Study Visit of the Executive Directors of the ADB Board of Directors
2006 Mar
Box 1: 64
Summary of the 7th Tea Season
2004 Feb 20
Box 1: 65
Thursday Luncheon Group
2002
Box 1: 66
Treasury
2002-2008
Box 1: 67
Tunisia Home
2003-2007
Box 1: 68
US Nationals at ADB
2006 May 2
Box 1: 69
Visit to Gambia
2004 Jan
Box 1: 70
Visit to Washington DC
2004 Jan
Box 1: 71
Wall (Lot) Bids
2002
Box 1: 72
Zirimwabagabo, Irene
2001
Box 1: 73
Subseries 3: United States
1946-2009
1.5 box
11th Annual African Research Symposium
2003 Apr
Box 2: 30
50th Presidential Inauguration
1985 Jan
Box 2: 31
54th Presidential Inauguration Activities
2001
Box 2: 32
157th IMA Detachment Holiday Reception
2001
Box 2: 33
Ambassador's Paintings and Texas African Business Summit
2003 Apr
Box 2: 34
Awards/Nominations
2009
Box 2: 35
Bahá'í Faith
1980-1998
Box 2: 36
Biographical Data/Information
1994
Box 2: 37
Bush, George H. and Bush, George W.
1985-1997
Box 2: 49
Civil Rights and American History
1986-1995
Box 2: 38
Cocktail Party Honoring Messrs. Sidney Poitier and Michael Caine
1974 Apr 2
Box 2: 39
Correspondence - Trozzo, Eunice
2000 Oct
Box 2: 48
Consular Ball
2001 Oct
Box 2: 41
Council of American Ambassadors
1998-2008
Box 2: 42
Cum Yah Gullah Projects
1985-2000
Box 2: 43
Dedicated to Serving America
2001 Oct 15
Box 2: 44
Delta Sigma Theta
1998
Box 2: 45
Degree from Indiana State University
1968 Jun 2
Box 2: 46
Degree from Otter Creek High School
1946 Apr 23
Box 2: 47
Ellis, Rodney (Senator)
2001 Feb 19
Box 2: 69
Flag of the Ambassadors of the United States
undated
Box 8
Flag of the United States
undated
Box 8
Flagstands
undated
Girls Inc.
2009 Mar
Box 2: 50
Green, Gene (Congressmen)
1994 Apr 18
Box 2: 51
Honorary Consul General for Rwanda
2008
Box 2: 51b
Honorary Consul of Senegal
1995
Box 2: 52
Honorary Degree - Coppin State College
1991
Box 2: 53
Inaugural Celebrity Gala
1985 Jan 19
Box 2: 54
Kiplinger Letters
1969-1970
Box 2: 55
Menace of Human Trafficking in Africa
2005
Box 2: 56
Minority Membership in the State Department
2001 Jan
Box 2: 57
National Summit on Africa
1999 Apr
Box 2: 58
NBRC Inaugural Celebrity Gala
1985
Box 2: 59
Order of Merit
2012-2013
Box 2: 60
Par Excellence
2000 Jan 8
Box 2: 61
Phi Delta Kappa
1971-1972
Box 2: 62
Photographs of the Ambassador
undated
Box 2: 63
President of Rwanda's Visit to the United States
1990-2010
Box 2: 64
Professional Correspondence
1978-2001
Box 2: 65
Publicity and Articles about the Ambassador
1978-2000
Box 2: 66
Reception for Minister Dzingai Mutumbuku
1985 Dec 23
Box 2: 67
Right to Free Education
1979
Box 2: 68
Sister's (Madonna) Daughter's Graduation
2001 May 20
Box 2: 70
Texas Women's University
1999-2000
Box 2: 71
Texas Southern University-Related Publications Mentioning the Ambassador
1978-1995
Box 2: 72
UNESCO Ethiopia
1976-1981
Box 2: 73
UNESCO Nigeria
1973-1980
Box 2: 74
United Nations Environment Programme
1976-1977
Box 2: 75
US-Africa Business Summit
2003 Mar
Box 2: 76
The World Through Mark's Eyes
1971
Box 2: 77
Subseries 4: Teacher/Peace Corps
1971-1983
7 folders
Concept Paper for a Cycle 7 Teacher Corps Project
1971
Box 2: 78
Curriculum Units
undated
Box 2: 79
Seminar in West Africa: A Field Experience for Teachers
1974
Box 2: 80
Seminar in West Africa: Women's Liberation in Sierra Leone? But the Roots Grow Deep and Strong
1973
Box 3: 1
Texas Southern University
1971-1983
Box 3: 2
University of Massachusetts Amherst
1971
Box 3: 3
University of Massachusetts Amherst Teacher Corps Interns
ca.1970
Box 3: 4
Subseries 5: Texas Southern University
1971-2001
8 folders
Correspondence
1977-1980
Box 3: 5
Correspondence Regarding Leave
1982
Box 3: 6
Multicultural Education Seminar
1982
Box 3: 7
Nigerian Trade Mission 1979
1979
Box 3: 8
Photographs of Trade Mission the Ambassador Led to Nigeria
1979
Box 3: 9
Renewable Energy and Environmental Protection (REEP)
2001
Box 3: 10
Student Services
1971-1982
Box 3: 11
Teacher/Peace Corps 25 Year Reunion
1996 Apr 6
Box 3: 12
Subseries 6: University of Massachusetts Amherst
1970-2003
6 folders
Alumni Interaction
1981-2001
Box 3: 13
Center for International Education
1981-2003
Box 3: 14
Commencement - Honorary Doctor of Public Service
1988
Box 3: 15
Distinguished Alumni Awards Ceremony
2001 Apr 3
Box 3: 16
International Applications, Programs, Correspondence
1971
Box 3: 17
Something '70
1970
Box 3: 18
Series 2. Autobiography
1994-2000
30 folders
1997 Manuscript
1997
Box 2: 1
1998 Proofs
1998
Box 2: 2
Advance Book Information
2000
Box 2: 3
Articles
2000
Box 2: 4
Book Signing in Houston City Hall
2000 Nov
Box 2: 5
Central Houston Pachyderm Club
1999
Box 2: 6
CIP Number
1999
Box 2: 7
Company Name
1999 Aug 30
Box 2: 8
Copyright Number
1998
Box 2: 9
Correspondence
2000
Box 2: 10
EIN Number
2000
Box 2: 11
Ingram Book Distributors
2000
Box 2: 12
Invoices
2000
Box 2: 13
ISBN Number
1999-2000
Box 2: 14
Order/Contract Form - DIGIimage
2000 Feb 2
Box 2: 15
Photographs/Covers
2000
Box 2: 16
PO Box
1994 Sep 23
Box 2: 17
Pictures for Book
2000 Jan 31
Box 2: 18
Publisher's Responses
1998
Box 2: 19
Preface
ca.2000
Box 2: 20
Preface
ca.2000
Box 2: 21
Printers' Quotations
2000
Box 2: 22
Reader Responses
2000
Box 2: 23
SAN
1999
Box 2: 24
Selling to Libraries
undated
Box 2: 25
Stonecrest International Publishers Stationary
undated
Box 2: 26
Thank You Notes
2000
Box 2: 27
Unifier
1999 Nov
Box 2: 28
Using the Great Seal
1999 Dec 30
Box 2: 29
Cover Model
ca.2000
Box 6: 3
Series 3. Speeches
1971-2009
.5 box
47th Consular Ball
1998 Oct 24
Box 4: 41
1980 Debutante Ball
1980 Dec 27
Box 4: 42
African Development Bank
2004-2008
Box 4: 43
American Promise Host Committee
1995 Oct 11
Box 4: 44
Burundi
1989-1993
Box 4: 45
Business and Professional Women's Breakfast Club
1994 Apr 20
Box 4: 46-47
Chauncey Rose Middle School
2000-10-24
Box 4: 48
Conference on Empowerment of Women
2002 Feb 26
Box 4: 49
Denton Black Chamber
2001
Box 4: 50
EDCI 645
2000
Box 4: 51
Emery Campbell
1999
Box 4: 52
Enhancing Black Leadership and Removing Boundaries, Extending Our Reach
2000 Jun 10
Box 4: 53
Enron Global Leadership Lecture Series
2000 Apr 26
Box 4: 54
Ethiopia: Trade and Investment Conference
2001 Jan 22
Box 4: 55
Fifth International Business Conference
1999 Nov 15
Box 4: 56
Girls Inc.
2009 May 6
Box 4: 57
Graduation Exercises - Nairobi International School
1975 Jun 12
Box 4: 58
Greater Houston Partnership Conference on Doing Business with Africa
2008 Apr 18
Box 4: 59
HIF
1998 Apr 22
Box 4: 60
Houston Business and Professional Men's Club
2000 Mar 15
Box 4: 61
Houston Consular Award Luncheon
2009 Apr 23
Box 4: 62
Houston Forum at Brennard
1998 May 20
Box 4: 63
Houston Junior Chamber of Commerce
1994 Apr 15
Box 4: 64
Houston World Affairs Council 1994 Annual Membership Dinner
1994 Apr 12
Box 4: 65
IDA-13 Replenishment Meeting Readout Grants
2001 Oct 24
Box 4: 66
ISU Women's Conference
1994 Mar 26
Box 4: 67
Looking Ahead: The Future Investment Climate in North Africa
2005 Sep
Box 4: 70
Menace of Human Trafficking in Africa
2008 Oct 16
Box 4: 71-72
National Political Congress of Black Women Inc. Seating Roster
1999 Nov 19
Box 4: 73
NAWE in Collaboration with FDA
2002 Feb 28
Box 4: 74
New Orleans Banking on Development Conference
2006 Mar
Box 4: 75
Perry, James Olden
1995 Jan 5
Box 4: 68
Perry, James Olden - Houston Business and Professional Men's Club
1981-2001
Box 4: 69
Role of U.S. Universities in African Human Resources Development
1984 Nov 12
Box 4: 76
Second Workshop on the Conservation and Management of Afromontane Forests
1992 Jul
Box 4: 77
Seminar on Teacher Education
1973 Nov
Box 4: 78
Soroptimist International of Pasadena Texas
2000 Oct
Box 4: 79
South Africa: A Cause for Hope
1992 Apr 24
Box 4: 80
Speech at Paul Quinn
1973 Jan 8
Box 4: 81
Speech Material/Africa
2007
Box 4: 82
Speech to Iowa State
1985
Box 4: 83
Speech to Washington ALO
2000
Box 4: 84
Teach Africa Educator's Workshop
2008-10
Box 4: 85
Third International Conference on Public Management Policy and Development
2001 May 4
Box 4: 86
Texas Southern University Prep
1993 Apr 3
Box 4: 87
Texas Southern University Speech
2001 Jan
Box 4: 88
United Nations College Fund, Inc. International Educator and Training Conference
2000 Jan
Box 4: 89
Untitled Speeches in English and French
undated
Box 4: 90
University of Massachusetts Marathon Conference
2001 Oct
Box 4: 91
U.S.-Sub-Saharan Africa Trade and Cooperation Forum
2001 Oct 29
Box 4: 92
Welcome Reception for H.E. Paul Kagame
2010 May 1
Box 4: 93
Whitehall Breakfast Club
1994 Apr 15
Box 4: 94
Women of the World/Education for One World
1971
Box 4: 95
World Affairs Council of Houston
2008 Nov 19
Box 4: 96
Series 4. Photographs and Videos
1934-2014
1.5 box
8 Year Old Ambassador at Lot Creek Baptist Church
1934
Box 4: 97
40th Anniversary of African Development Bank
2004
Box 4: 98
Annual Meetings Daily Publication
2014 May 23
Box 6: 1
Ambassador Training in Salzburg, Austria
1993 Sep
Box 4: 99
Art Festival in Sierra Leone
1988 Dec
Box 4: 100
Baker, James - Secretary of State
1992
Box 4: 101
Black and White Photos of Celebration/Other for Ambassador in Sierra Leone
1988
Box 4: 102
Bush and Cheney
2000
Box 4: 103
Bush, George W. and Laura
ca.2005
Box 4: 104
Cave of the Winds
1965 Aug 31
Box 4: 105
Clements, Bill
ca.1990
Box 4: 106
Clements, Bill
ca.1990
Box 6: 2
Conference in Cameroon
ca.1980
Box 4: 107
Delta Sigma Theta
undated
Box 4: 108
First Graduates from the Teacher Corps/Peace Corps from Texas Southern University
1981
Box 4: 109
Fourah Bay College in Sierra Leone (with Perry, J.O. in the background)
undated
Box 4: 110
Fowler, Paul ISU Professor Visit to Houston
2000 Aug 12
Box 4: 111
Governor Bill Clements of Texas
1982
Box 4: 112
Hill, Raymond Granddaughter (Paris)
ca.1987
Box 4: 113
Home in Tunisia
ca.2005
Box 4: 114
Ligon, Dr. Claudette
ca.1980
Box 4: 115
Nikki Granddaughter
undated
Box 4: 116
O'Brian, Hugh in Pretoria, South Africa
1964
Box 4: 117
Peace Corps - Sierra Leone - Molten, Dr. Sarah
1978
Box 4: 118
Perry - Family Photo
1978
Box 4: 119
Perry - Government Officials Sierra Leone
1988
Box 4: 119
Perry in her Home
ca.1986
Box 4: 120
Perry - Passport Photo
1986
Box 4: 121
Perry - with her First Two Children
ca.1955
Box 4: 122
Perry, James Jr. Graduation + Nigerian Trade Delegation
undated
Box 4: 123
Perry J.O. - School Chidren in Freetown
ca.1985
Box 4: 124
Personal Travel
1989
Box 4: 125
Photographs from the Governor of Indiana
1988
Box 5: 1
Sierra Leone
1986-1988
Box 5: 2
Sierra Leone During First Mission
1974
Box 5: 3
Sierra Leone Staff Meeting/Training as Ambassador
undated
Box 5: 4
Shepard, James
undated
Box 5: 5
Shepard, Mark
undated
Box 5: 6
Swearing-In Ceremony as Ambassador in Sierra Leone
1986
Box 5: 7
Teacher Corps/Peace Corps
ca.1975
Box 5: 8
Terre Haute, Indiana Recognition
undated
Box 5: 9
Trip to Bahamas to Visit Another Ambassador from Cohort
undated
Box 5: 10
Upcountry Visits - Sierra Leone
1987d
Box 5: 11
Various Unnamed Photographs
undated
Box 5: 12
Visiting First Peace Corps Graduates in Sierra Leone
1986-1989
Box 5: 13
Yande Conference - Cameroon
1984
Box 5: 14
VHS: Embassy Gardens Buju
1990
Box 5
VHS: Ambassadorial Swearing-In Department of State Washington D.C.
1990 Jan 9
Box 5
VHS: Bush Announcement + Republican Presidential Debate + Perry Reception
undated
Box 5
Series 5. Plaques
1985-2001
1 box
James D. Ryan Junior High Black History Month
1978 Feb
Box 7
James O. Perry Distinguished Service Award
1985 May 6
Box 7
A Person Who Makes Things Happen Award - Central Houston Pachyderm Club
1999 Jul 19
Box 7
Black Women - National Council of Negro Women
1983 Jun 4
Box 7
USS Harlan County
1989 Jul-Aug
Box 7
Booker J. Whatley Award
1985 Dec 5
Box 7
Fleet Visit to Sierra Leone
1988
Box 7
Paul Wuinn College Distinguished Service Award
1997 Jan 31
Box 7
Texas Woman's University Third Annual Women Students' Leadership Conference Keynote Speaker
2000 Feb 25
Box 7
NAACP Presidents Award
1987 May 2
Box 7
Prairie View A and M University College of Agriculture Certificate of Appreciation
1984 May 12
Box 7
James O. Perry School of Education Recognition of Dedicated Service
1974-01
Box 7
James O. Perry Award of Gratitude
1986 Jun 30
Box 7
James O. Perry Recognition of Effort and Contributions
undated
Box 7
National Association of Black Geologists and Geophysicists
2001 Jun
Box 7
Recognition of Service as United States Ambassador to Sierra Leone - Otter Creek Junior High School
1987 May 12
Box 7

Administrative information

Access

The collection is open for research.

Provenance

Acquired from Cynthia Shepard Perry, October, 2014.

Processing Information

Processed by Joanna Nevins, December, 2015.

Language:

English

Copyright and Use (More information )

Cite as: Cynthia Shepard Perry Papers (MS 842). Special Collections and University Archives, University of Massachusetts Amherst Libraries.

Search terms

Subjects

  • Africa--Foreign relations--United States.
  • African Development Bank
  • Burundi--History.
  • International Education--Africa
  • National Teacher Corps (U.S.)
  • Sierra Leone--United States.
  • United States--Foreign relations--Africa.
  • Women diplomats, African American

Contributors

  • Perry, Cynthia Shepard [main entry]
  • Perry, Cynthia Shepard.

Genres and formats

  • Autobiographies
  • Memorabilia
  • Photographs

Link to similar SCUA collections