Frank L. Stanley Photograph Collection, ca. 1930s-1980s

Held by The Filson Historical Society

Creator: Stanley, Frank Leslie, Sr., 1906-1974

Title: Frank L. Stanley Photograph Collection, ca. 1930s-1980s

Rights: For information regarding literary and copyright interest for these photographs, contact the Collections Department.

Size of Collection: 1 med. box (158 photographs and 306 slides)

Location Number: 012PC58

Scope and Content Note

This collection consists of 158 photographs and 306 slides detailing the later years of Frank L.
Stanley’s life as the senior editor and publisher of the Louisville Defender Newspaper and as the
general president of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity from 1955-1957. Images include family
members and colleagues throughout his life and career, journalism photographs, and different
events of the Alpha Phi Alpha and Sigma Pi Phi (also known as The Boulé) Fraternities.

The Frank L. Stanley, Sr., Papers and the Louisville Defender photos and records are at the
University of Louisville Archives and Special Collections Library:
https://archivescatalog.library.louisville.edu/resources/stanley
https://archivescatalog.library.louisville.edu/resources/defender-photos

Biographical Note

 Frank Leslie Stanley, Sr., was born on April 6, 1906, in Chicago, Illinois, to Frank and Helen
Stanley of Cicero, Illinois, and Louisville, Kentucky. Frank moved to Louisville in 1912 with his
mother and attended Central High School. He attended Atlantic University on a football
scholarship, where he was voted All-American in football, was the editor of the Scroll, the
captain of the basketball and football teams, the president of student council, president of his
class, and a varsity debater. Stanley then received his Master of English degree from the
University of Cincinnati. After graduating from UC, he taught English at Central High School.

He worked as the reporter of their news articles and headed the English department.
Stanley was heavily involved in civil rights activism. He continuously advocated for racial
justice in employment, education, housing, public accommodations, and integration in military
units during World War II. In 1930, he drafted Senate Resolution number 53 for the integration
of higher education in Kentucky. He organized the Kentucky Human Rights Commission, was
the vice president of the Louisville Council of Public Schools, originated world-wide broadcast
of Black war correspondents, and directed “Negro Newspaper Week,” earning himself several
achievements and accreditations from the U.S. Government.

In 1933, Stanley became the feature and editorial writer of the newly organized Louisville
Defender Newspaper and was quickly promoted to publisher and editor three years later. He
continued his community advocacy throughout his professional career in Louisville by becoming
a member of the board of directors of Red Cross Hospital, a member of the Alpha Lambda
Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, the Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity, Southern Regional Council,
and Associated Publishers. In 1962, he conducted a journalism seminar for African editors and
radio program directors. He cofounded the National Newspaper Publishers Association where he
later became vice president. During this time, Frank was a member of the group that fought to
desegregate the University of Kentucky.

During his thirty-eight years as the senior editor and publisher of the Louisville Defender,
Stanley won over thirty-five national awards in journalism, including the President’s Secret
Service Award of the National Newspaper Publishers Association in 1970 and the Wendell
Willkie Award for Public Service, presented by President Truman. His achievements led to
holding positions like a Jurist for the Pulitzer Prize Award Panel, the 18th General President of
Alpha Phi Alpha (1955-1957), and an honorary Doctor of Law degree by the University of
Kentucky in May of 1974. He was posthumously inducted into the University of Kentucky
Journalism Hall of Fame in 1983.

Frank L. Stanley, Sr., had two sons with his first wife, Ione Garrett Stanley: Frank Leslie Stanley,
Jr. (1937-2007) and Kenneth T. Stanley (1942-2005), who both had worked with their father on
the Louisville Defender. After he and Ione divorced, Stanley married Vivian Clarke Stanley, a
native of Memphis, Tennessee. Vivian was also a civil rights and community activist. She was a
member of the NAACP, active in the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, and a member at Magazine St.
Seventh Day Adventist Church. She passed away on December 28, 2005.

Folder List

Folder 1: Portraits – miscellaneous individuals

012PC58.01-.02: Small portraits of Frank Stanley’s sons Frank Leslie Stanley, Jr. (1937-
2007) (right) and Kenneth T. Stanley (1942-2005) (left) at young ages. Photographs are
connected, but the top photograph has Kenneth cut out.

012PC58.03: Black and white photograph of Frank’s grandchild in a highchair in a
living/dining room area. In the foreground, the table is covered in items.

012PC58.04: Black and white photograph of Frank’s grandchild in fuzzy winter coat
looking back at the camera (same child from 012PC58.03).

012PC58.05: Black and white graduation photograph of unidentified woman wearing cap
and gown (high school or college staged photograph).

012PC58.06: Black and white wedding photograph of Walter and Stine taken by Hooks
Brothers Photography, Memphis, Tennessee.

012PC58.07: Black and white portrait of DeVerne Lee Calloway reading “With Love,
Verne” on the bottom right-hand corner.

012PC58.08: Color group photograph of the Country Village Ladies Wednesday Golf
Group, October 1977.

012PC58.09: Color group photograph of the Country Village Ladies Wednesday Golf
Group, 1970s.

012PC58.10: Black and white photograph of a member of the Louisville Defender.

Folder 2: Jazz musicians

012PC58.11: Black and white photograph of Kenneth T. and a jazz band on stage
performing – one trumpet player in forefront and three saxophonists in background, ca.
1970s. There is a George Hudson banner seen separating them.

012PC58.12: Black and white photo of Jonah Jones with accompanying trumpet players
in the background. Writing at the bottom is cut off but reads “To Frank Grey. Wishing
you lots…”
012PC58.13: Black and white photograph of jazz musician Kenneth T.

012PC58.14: Signed black and white portrait of Kenneth T. that reads “From Ken. With
love to the Stanley family “1959.”

012PC58.15: Black and white photograph of two trumpet players actively playing. The
musician on the left is Kenneth T.

012PC58.16: Black and white photograph of three Black men on stage – one possibly
being Lionel Hampton. Stage is set up for a performance. Bass drum reads “Wabash
College Crawfordsville, Indiana LIONEL HAMPTON, ca. 1970s-1980s.

Folder 3: Family photographs

012PC58.17: Color photograph of Frank L. Stanley, Sr. with their grandchildren,
September 1966.

012PC58.18: Color photograph of Vivan Stanley with their grandchildren, September
1966.

012PC58.19: Color group photograph of three individuals with Frank L. Stanley, Sr. in
the middle.

012PC58.20: Color photograph of Frank and Vivian Stanley in their backyard.

012PC58.21: Color photograph of Frank L. Stanley, Sr. playing ping pong with another
gentleman (back towards the camera).

012PC58.22: Color photograph of Frank L. Stanley, Sr. behind a light blue car with a
white roof.

012PC58.23: Color photograph of Frank L. Stanley, Sr. in his back yard smoking a
cigarette and holding a black hat.

012PC58.24: Black and white photograph of Frank and Vivian Stanley posed in front of a
tree.

012PC58.25: Black and white photograph of three men with Frank L. Stanley, Sr. in the
middle.

012PC58.26: Color photograph of Frank and Vivian Stanley in front yard.

012PC58.27: Black and white photograph of Frank L. Stanley in front yard.

012PC58.28: Color photograph of Frank L. Stanley, Sr. with three suitcases in front of his
home.

012PC58.29: Color photograph of Frank and Vivian Stanley dressed up posed in front of
their car.

012PC58.30: Color photograph of Frank L. Stanley, Sr. posed in front of their car.

012PC58.31: Color photograph of Frank and Vivian Stanley in front yard.

012PC58.32: Black and white photograph of Frank L. Stanley, Sr. in front yard.

012PC58.33: Black and white photograph of Frank and Vivian Stanley posed in front of a
tree.

012PC58.34: Black and white group photograph of six individuals – Vivian and Frank are
second and third from right.

012PC58.35: Black and white photograph of two women in front yard posed in front of a
tree.

012PC58.36: Color group photograph of five individuals – Frank L. Stanley, Sr. is seen in
the center.

012PC58.37: Color group photograph of five individuals posed in front of river – Frank
L. Stanley, Sr. is seen in the center.

012PC58.38: Color photograph of the front of the Stanley family home decorated for
Christmas.

012PC58.39: Color photograph of a woman with a flower in her hair posed in front of
foliage.

012PC58.40: Color photograph of two women on the beach.

012PC58.41: Color photograph of woman wearing a scarf over her hair looking off into
the distance.

012PC58.42: Color photograph of two women sharing a coconut drink in front of palm
trees.

012PC58.43: Color photograph of women walking on the beach.

012PC58.44: Black and white photograph of Patricia Haley posed beside a car.

012PC58.45: Black and white portrait photograph of Vivian Clarke Stanley.

012PC58.46: Group of slides including family home and group photographs.

012PC58.47: Group of miscellaneous family slides.

012PC58.48: Group of slides of the Western U.S. – Arizona.

012PC58.49: Group of slides of family trips and vacations – Disney Land, California.

012PC58.50: Group of slides of family trips and vacations – St. Louis, MO, Virgin
Islands.

012PC58.51: Group of slides at an unidentified event at Fort Harrod, ca. 1970s.

Folder 4: Louisville Defender journalism photographs

012PC58.52: Color photograph of two individuals posed in front of large window with
Kenneth T. Stanley on the right.

012PC58.53: Color group photograph of three individuals posed in front of dam rocks.
Front to back: Miley Reed Johnikan, Wilona Green Koens, Kenneth T. Stanley.

012PC58.54: Color group photograph of thirteen African American individuals from the
Louisville Defender in church attire.

012PC58.55: Color group photograph of African American individuals from the
Louisville Defender dressed in church attire, identified below as:

Kneeling – George Biram, Charles Washburn
Front Row, Left to Right – Jimmie Winchester Hitchings, Louise Pleasant Taylor,
Jeanetta Horne Powell, DeVerne Lee Calloway, Julian Bell, Jesse Springer, Blair
I. Hunt, Velma Ribbins McLemore, Marguerite Lewis McChriston, Christine
Sweet Robinson, Mallie Miller Weathers, Ida Washington Jamison, Miley Reed
Johnikan, Lee Quincy Still Tuggle.
Second Row – Marcie Bell Pamplett Jones, Mayonia Scott Larkridge, Dorothy
Roberson Ingram, Velma Sims McChriston, Marjorie Jones Barringer, Maggie
Newsom, Vester Wooten Sanders, Sadie Shinn Cabbage, Laura Downs Jones,
Beulah Houston Phillips, Vera Woods Batchman, Thelma Johnson Harris, Wilona
Green Koens Willetta Garner, Rita Hawkins, Smith, Erie Broadie Robertson,
Laura Tucker Roberson, Louise Ware Harris.
Thire Row – Russell Weathers, Clifton Mosely, Mattie Clanton Grayson, O’Nelia
Brookins, Addie Griffin Owen, Lucy Tiller Pruitt, Dearine King, James Pickett,
William Pruitt, Chester Harp, Wardell Copeland, William Washburn, William
Gordon, Sidney Bradfield.

012PC58.56: Color photograph of Louisville Defender individuals presenting a plaque to
a woman. Kenneth T. Stanley can be seen at the back of the group, September 1977.

012PC58.57: Black and white photograph of two men shaking hands while wearing the
same jacket – Kenneth T. Stanley is seen on the left.

012PC58.58: Black and white photograph of two African American men – Kenneth T.
Stanley is seen on the left.

012PC58.59: Black and white photograph of two gentlemen presenting an award plaque
to a woman in the center – Kenneth T. Stanley can be seen on the right.

012PC58.60: Black and white photograph of Kenneth T. Stanley and a woman enjoying
drinks at a restaurant.

012PC58.61: Frank L. Stanley, Sr. and George Clement shaking hands.

012PC58.62: Black and white photograph of Frank L. Stanley, Sr. and another gentleman
speaking into a microphone while reading from a script.

012PC58.63: Black and white photograph of three African American men around the
debut poster of Major Dundee. Frank L. Stanley, Sr. with the Louisville Defender is
second from left, 1965.
“Frank with Arthur Broch Petters at showing of Columbia Pictures movie “Major
Dundee” at NNPA Convention.”

012PC58.64: Black and white photograph of Frank L. Stanley, Sr. and New York
Governor Nelson Rockefeller, ca. 1974-1977.

012PC58.65: Black and white photograph of Frank L. Stanley, Sr. and New York Mayor
John Lindsey, 1966-1974.

012PC58.66: Black and white photograph of Frank L. Stanley, Sr. and Promila Show
from Hyderabad, India, while conducting research in Surulere, Lagos.

012PC58.67: Black and white photograph of three Black individuals with Frank L.
Stanley, Sr. in the middle. He is shaking hands with Noah A. Naluitive on the right. On
the left is a man identified as Joseph.

012PC58.68: Black and white group photograph with Frank L. Stanley, Sr. on the left.

012PC58.69: Black and white group photograph of Frank L. Stanley, Sr. with Clarkson
de Majoni – editor of Everybody’s Journal in Lagos, Nigeria.

012PC58.70: Black and white photograph of Frank L. Stanley, Sr. behind bar with people
conversing around him.

012PC58.71: Black and white photograph of Frank L. Stanley, Sr. and Benjamin Mays –
President of Morehouse from 1940 to 1967.

012PC58.72: Black and white photograph of Frank and Vivian Stanley with Sammy
Davis, Jr. (1925-1990) and co-star Paula Wayne (1934-2018) after performance of
“Golden Boy” in New York.

012PC58.73: Black and white photograph of Frank L. Stanley presenting a certificate of
Appreciation to former New York Mayor Robert F. Wagner, March 12, 1963.

012PC58.74: Black and white photograph of Frank and Vivian Stanley entering the White
House for State Dinner.

012PC58.75: Black and white photograph of Frank L. Stanley, Sr. addressing a
Washington conference, 1967.

012PC58.76: Black and white group photograph of men emptying a barrel at a distillery.
Frank L. Stanley, Sr. can be seen on the left with a camera around his neck.

012PC58.77: Black and white photograph of Frank L. Stanley, Sr. with the NNPA and the
Louisville Defender with an unidentified gentleman to the right. Both were speakers at
the March on Frankfort held in Frankfort, Kentucky on March 5, 1964.

012PC58.78: Black and white group photograph of individuals from the Louisville
Defender arriving at the dock of the Bahamas with the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism.

012PC58.79: Black and white photograph of three individuals at an event with Frank L.
Stanley, Sr. on the left.

012PC58.80: Black and white photograph of three individuals conversing at an event.
Frank L. Stanley, Sr. can be seen in the background.

012PC58.81: Black and white photograph of three individuals conversing at an event.

012PC58.82: Black and white photograph of Frank L. Stanley, Sr. holding a gift while
standing behind a table covered in Christmas presents. Vivian Stanley can be seen in the
background.

012PC58.83: Black and white group photograph of individuals around a table with food.
Frank L. Stanley is seen in the background smiling for the camera.

012PC58.84: Black and white photograph of two individuals conversing in a crowd.
Frank L. Stanley is on the left.

012PC58.85: Black and white photograph of an award being presented to member of the
Louisville Defender.

012PC58.86: Color photograph of a couple entering a formal event, February 1967.

012PC58.87: Black and white photograph of Frank L. Stanley conversing with another
speaker at the March on Frankfort Allied Organizations for Civil Rights (AOCR) held
March 5, 1964, and coordinated by Frank L. Stanley, Jr.

012PC58.88: Black and white photograph of members of the Louisville Defender. Frank
L. Stanley, Sr. is on the right.

012PC58.89: Color group photograph of Louisville Defender members or partners. Frank
L. Stanley, Sr. is second from right.

012PC58.90: Color group photograph of members of the Louisville Defender standing on
stage with a sign that reads “Clothe-A-Child-For-Christmas.”

012PC58.91: Black and white photograph of Frank L. Stanley, Sr. (left) and other
individuals associated with the Louisville Defender at the Kentucky Derby.

012PC58.92: Black and white photograph of Frank L. Stanley, St. (left) and other
individuals associated with the Louisville Defender at the Kentucky Derby behind a
“Mutuels” sign.

012PC58.93: Color group photograph of a Louisville Defender dinner event. Frank L.
Stanley, Sr. in on the left.

012PC58.94: Color photograph of Frank L. Stanley, Sr. and another individual from the
Louisville Defender eating at an event.

012PC58.95: Black and white photograph of Frank L. Stanley, Sr. having a conversation
with a woman during a Louisville Defender event. His son Kenneth T. Stanley can be
seen in the background.

012PC58.96: Black and white photograph of Frank L. Stanley, Sr. reading a newspaper.
There are individuals in front and behind him.

012PC58.97: Black and white photograph of Louisville Defender members conversing in
front of an embellished wall.

012PC58.98: Black and white photograph of four members of the Louisville Defender
sitting at an elaborately dressed table. Frank L. Stanley, Sr. is on the right.

012PC58.99: Color photograph of Frank L. Stanley, Sr. walking into an event shaking
hands with individuals on the left. Another member of the Louisville Defender is seen
entering before him.

012PC58.100: Color photograph of two Louisville Defender members at the Kentucky
Derby, June 1970.

012PC58.101: Color photograph of three Louisville Defender members at the Kentucky
Derby, June 1970.

012PC58.102: Color photograph of three Louisville Defender members posed at the
Kentucky Derby, June 1970.

012PC58.103: Black and white photograph of Frank L. Stanley, Sr. and members of the
Louisville Defender at a dinner event.

012PC58.104: Black and white photograph of Frank L. Stanley, Sr. being presented with
an award at an event.

012PC58.105: Black and white Newsweek Atlantic City photograph of Frank L. Stanley,
Sr. with another gentleman on the left.

012PC58.106: Color photograph of Frank L. Stanley, Sr. signing documents while
smoking a cigar/cigarette.

012PC58.107: Color photograph of Kenneth T. Stanley and Frank L. Stanley, Jr.
conversing around the drink table at an event.

012PC58.108: Color photograph of Frank L. Stanley, Sr. at an event.

012PC58.109: Black and white photograph of two women of the Louisville Defender
presenting the Russwurm Award in honor of the National Newspaper Publishers
Association to Vice President Hubert H. Humphrey.

012PC58.110: Black and white photograph of Frank L. Stanley, Sr. presenting the
Russwurm Award in honor of the National Newspaper Publishers Association to Louis E.
Martin.

012PC58.111: Color photograph of Frank L. Stanley and an unidentified woman of the
Louisville Defender presenting a trophy to Mrs. Jessie Talbott – Woman of the Year 1972.

012PC58.112: Black and white photograph of Frank L. Stanley and an unidentified
woman of the Louisville Defender presenting a trophy to Mrs. Jessie Talbott – Woman of
the Year 1972.

012PC58.113: Black and white photograph of woman of the Louisville Defender
presenting a trophy to Sister Patricia Haley – Woman of the Year 1972 2nd Runner-Up.

012PC58.114: Black and white photograph of two women being receiving awards –
Sister Patricia Haley and Mrs. Jessie Talbott – Women of the Year and 2nd Runner-Up
1972.

012PC58.115: Black and white photograph of three women conversing at an event –
Vivian Stanley is seen on the right.

012PC58.116: Black and white photograph of two men in front of a Coca-Cola sign at an
event – Frank L. Stanley is seen on the left holding a camera.

012PC58.117: Black and white photograph of group from the Louisville Defender
presenting a plaque to a young man – Kenneth T. Stanley, Sr. is third from the right.

012PC58.118: Color photograph of four individuals from the Louisville Defender in front
of a Kentucky Fried Chicken – Frank L. Stanley, Sr. is on the right.

012PC58.119: Color photograph of members of the Louisville Defender presenting
plaques to Muhammad Ali (center), one being in Memoriam of Frank L. Stanley, Sr. –
Kenneth T. Stanley and Frank L. Stanley, Jr. are on the left.

012PC58.120: Group of photograph slides of an awards dinner – possibly Louisville
Defender event.

012PC58.121: Group of photograph slides of the 1964 Democratic National Convention
held in Atlantic City, New Jersey.

012PC58.122: Group of photograph slides of journalism and Louisville Defender
photographs – Miss Exposition, 1964 and Kentucky Legislature.

012PC58.123: Group of photograph slides of a Kentucky Derby Parade, 1970s.

012PC58.124: Group of photograph slides of journalism and Louisville Defender
photographs – Jazz Fest, Kentucky Derby, and journalists.

Folder 5: Miscellaneous Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity, The Boulé and Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity,
Incorporated events and trips

012PC58.125-131: Group of slides of Alpha Phi Alpha and Boulé fraternity events, ca.
1950s-1960s. There are miscellaneous group family photographs throughout from the
trip.

Folder 6: Frank L. Stanley, Sr. portraits and group photographs

012PC58.131: Black and white photograph of Frank L. Stanley, Sr. seated smoking a
cigar/cigarette.

012PC58.132: Black and white portrait of Frank L. Stanley, Sr.

012PC58.133: Photograph of Frank L. Stanley, Sr. looking away from the camera
(fading).

012PC58.134: Black and white photograph of Vivian and Frank L. Stanley at the
Kentucky Derby the year they were married, 1961.

012PC58.135: Black and white portrait of Frank L. Stanley, Sr.

012PC58.136: Black and white photograph of Frank L. Stanley, Sr.

012PC58.137.1-3: Collection of black and white photographs of Frank L. Stanley, Sr.

012PC58.138: Black and white candid photograph of Vivian and Frank L. Stanley, Sr.

012PC58.139: Black and white photograph of Frank L. Stanley, Sr. from the National
Cyclopedia of American Biography, signed.

012PC58.140: Black and white photograph of Frank L. Stanley, Sr. in his office.

012PC58.141-.143: Black and white portrait of Frank L. Stanley, Sr.

012PC58.144: Black and white portrait of Frank L. Stanley, Sr. posed holding a copy of
the Louisville Defender.

012PC58.145: Black and white photograph of Frank L. Stanley, Sr. shaking hands with
President Lyndon B. Johnson.

012PC58.146: Color photograph of Frank L. Stanley, Sr. standing in a crowd during an
event.

012PC58.147: Black and white candid photograph of Frank L. Stanley, Sr. smoking a
cigar/cigarette and conversing at a table during an event.

012PC58.148: Color photograph of Frank L. Stanley, Sr. under umbrellas surrounded by
goods sellers.

012PC58.149: Black and white photograph of Frank L. Stanley, Sr. walking towards the
camera on the main floor of an event.

012PC58.150: Black and white portrait of Frank L. Stanley, Sr. sitting at his desk.

012PC58.151: Color photograph of four individuals standing around a 100th Kentucky
Derby sign – Vivian and Frank L. Stanley, Sr. can be seen on the right.

012PC58.152: Black and white photograph of Frank L. Stanley, Sr. in doctoral robe on
stage with papers, May 1974.“1974 – May; Got Doctorate at University of Kentucky; October he died”

012PC58.153: Black and white photograph of Frank L. Stanley, Sr. in doctoral robe on
stage with papers, May 1974.

012PC58.154: Black and white photograph of Frank L. Stanley, Sr. in doctoral robe on
stage with papers, May 1974.

012PC58.155: Black and white photograph of Frank L. Stanley, Sr. in doctoral robe
preparing to be hooded, May 1974.

012PC58.156: Black and white photograph of Frank L. Stanley, Sr. in doctoral robe
shaking hands with dean of students or president of the University of Kentucky, May
1974.

012PC58.157: Black and white photograph of Frank L. Stanley, Sr. and an unidentified
colleague in doctoral robes and hoods, May 1974.

012PC58.158: Black and white photograph of Frank L. Stanley, Sr. and an unidentified
colleague in doctoral robes and hoods, May 1974.

 

Subject Headings

African American journalists
African American newspaper editors
African American newspapers
African American press
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity
Boulé
Stanley, Frank L., 1905-1974
Stanley, Vivian Clarke, 1917-2005
Journalism
Journalists
Newspaper editors
Photojournalists
Reporters and reporting