Black history archivist Avery Clayton dies
The custodian of one of the nation’s major black history archives has died. Avery Clayton suffered an apparent heart attack during a Thanksgiving gathering with his family in Culver City. Clayton inherited his mother’s passion for sharing the heritage of African-Americans in the western United States.
When Avery Clayton's mother Mayme Clayton died three years ago, she left a substantial collection of black history artifacts that included a rare signed volume of poetry by the 18th century slave Phillis Wheatley and original prints of early black-cast talking films.
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The longtime university librarian stored her collection in her garage. It fell to her son to promote it and try to arrange for its permanent home and proper care. Scholars regard the Clayton collection on a par with those of the Vivian G. Harsh Collection at the Chicago Public Library and the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture at the New York Public Library.
Avery Clayton guided journalists and archivists on tours of the collection, and secured an unused courthouse as the future location of the Western States Black Research and Educational Center.
Clayton worked to raise money for the enterprise, and he lent artifacts to other institutions for display. He co-curated the Huntington Library’s current exhibit “Central Avenue and Beyond: The Harlem Renaissance in Los Angeles” that continues through the first week of February.
Avery Clayton was 62 years old.
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2 months, 1 week ago
Dear Ms Devall:
Thanks for broadcasting this well informed and complimentary obituary on my long time friend, Avery Clayton.
Besides the aspects of his life you mentioned, Avery was also a very spiritual and generous person. He was a regular meditator, and hosted a Sunday morning meditation group for several years. The group was open to all comers, and enriched many lives. He also hosted a study group for people interested in the book, A Course in Miracles. This too was open to all comers. As your article aptly noted, he died in the midst of an act of generosity, hosting a Thanksgiving Day party.
William J. Kelleher, Ph.D.
InternetVoting@gmail.com
2 months, 1 week ago
Our world has lost a truly wonderful human being !
2 months, 1 week ago
I work for the PBS show History Detectives and Avery has been the only TWO time contributor this program. I had the privilege of getting a walking tour through the courthouse with Avery on our last story with him and you could tell he had a passion for creating access to his mother's collection. I hope someone carries on his and his mother's legacy in promoting African-American art through her collection. Thanks Avery, RIP.
2 months, 1 week ago
I grew up with Avery and his family In Los Angeles on Montclair. I was his 1st "girlfriend." We were probably about 8 or 9 years old at the time. I am devastated to learn of his passing. I recently saw him at the Museum on November 21st. We had a great time chatting about the old and new. He was a born artist. I worked with him on his art when were kids. He always had the gift. I will miss him. This is so sudden. I didn't see him often, but when I did he was warm and welcoming, and we were always delighted to see each other. It was like old home week. He was so vibrant and alive, less than two weeks ago when I saw him. It's hard to absorb right now. Rest in peace, Avery.