William "Bill" Blair, Jr. (1921-2014) was a Dallas, Texas, star athlete, journalist, businessman, political activist and civic leader. In 1946, Blair became a pitcher for the Indianapolis Clowns, one of twelve baseball teams comprising the Negro League. Before an injury to his pitching arm forced his retirement from baseball in 1951, Blair played for several other Negro League teams including the Detroit Stars and Cincinnati Clowns. In 1949, after returning to Dallas, Blair started Southwest Sports News. By 1960, the newspaper had evolved into the Elite News, the oldest African-American publication in North Texas. The William Blair Collection represents Mr. Blair's personal papers as well as the archives of the Elite News, which documents the activities of the African-American community in North Texas for many decades. Collection materials include: Elite News newspapers and press releases, correspondence, photographs, printed materials, and ephemera.
Finding aid available here. Materials provided by Special Collections and Archives at the University of Texas at Arlington.
Finding aid available here. Materials provided by Special Collections and Archives at the University of Texas at Arlington.
Printing is not supported at the primary Gallery Thumbnail page. Please first navigate to a specific Image before printing.
