Roscoe Cavitt Collection MSS.0026

An Inventory of his Records at the African American Library at the Gregory School, Houston Public Library

Biographical Note

Roscoe Alvin Cavitt served as Executive Secretary with the Houston Negro Chamber of Commerce and Secretary and Executive Director of the National Negro Business League during the 1940s and 50s. As an officer of the organization his responsibilities included organizing conferences and annual meetings, drafting the minutes to meetings, handling the financial records, representing, and corresponding with civic leaders and institutions that sought the services of the organization.

O’Neta “Pink” Cavitt was born May 23rd, 1914 to Cora and Tarver Pink in Kendleton, Texas. She attended Powell Point High School and graduated in 1933. After completing all of the requirements in cosmetology and receiving her certificate as a Cosmetologist from the Franklin Beauty School, she entered the Houston College for Negroes, now known as Texas Southern University (TSU). During this time she opened a hat shop at 222 West Dallas in Houston. There she sold hats she made as well as different kinds of accessories to accompany the hats. She also taught an adult education millinery class in the evenings at Booker T. Washington for adults who were interested in making hats. In 1937 she met Roscoe Alvin Cavitt, then a tax consultant who would go on to serve as Executive Secretary of the Houston Negro Chamber of Commerce. They would remain married until his death. They have one child, a daughter, Cheryle A. Cavitt, who was the former principal at A.B. Anderson Academy.

Return to the Table of Contents

Historical Note

Roscoe Alvin Cavitt served as Executive Secretary with the Houston Negro Chamber of Commerce and Secretary and Executive Director of the National Negro Business League during the 1940s and 50s. The Houston Negro Chamber of Commerce was founded in 1935 and was located on 224 West Dallas Avenue in Houston, Texas. It functioned as a service program based on community goodwill for the commercial and civic development of African Americans businesses and establishing racial goodwill among all races within the community. The Houston Negro Chamber of Commerce also organized workshops, conferences, and annual meetings for members to hone their skills, seek advice, and discuss issues that affect them.

Return to the Table of Contents

Scope and Contents Note

The Roscoe and O’Neta Cavitt Collection consists of documents, correspondence, financial records, minutes, meetings and conferences, photographs, newsclippings, and press releases pertaining to the business and operations of the Houston Negro Chamber of Commerce. Also contained are personal files and records of Roscoe and O’Neta Cavitt.

Return to the Table of Contents

Return to the Table of Contents

Restrictions

Access Restrictions

None.

Use Restrictions

Permission to publish or reproduce materials from the Roscoe and O’Neta Cavitt Collection must be obtained from the African American Library at the Gregory School or the appropriate copyright holder. Please ask reference staff for information and assistance on the possibility of photo duplication and any associated fees. The library reserves the right to restrict duplication.

Return to the Table of Contents

Return to the Table of Contents

Administrative Information

Preferred Citation

Roscoe Cavitt Collection.MSS0026, African American Library at the Gregory School, Houston Public Library

Acquisition Information

Donated by Cheryle Cavitt, July 2010.

Processing Information

Processed by Vince Lee, October 2010.

Return to the Table of Contents

Detailed Description of the Collection

Return to the Table of Contents

Return to the Table of Contents

Return to the Table of Contents

Return to the Table of Contents

Return to the Table of Contents

Return to the Table of Contents

Return to the Table of Contents

Return to the Table of Contents

Return to the Table of Contents

Return to the Table of Contents

Return to the Table of Contents