The Loretta J. Ross Papers contain speeches, writings, correspondence, organization and conference files, subject files, periodicals, memorabilia and audiovisual materials. The papers pertain primarily to her activism for reproductive justice rights for women of color, anti-violence, and international human rights work. The collection is particularly strong in issues related to black women's health. Other topics include abortion, women's health, teenage pregnancy, housing, socialism, South Africa, and national political activities. Organization files include printed material, board meeting documents, correspondence, memorabilia and notes that document the numerous organizations that Ross founded and was active in, as well as related organizations on which she collected information. They include the Center for Democratic Renewal, National Black Women's Health Project, National Women Health Network, National Center for Human Rights Education, National Organization for Women, Religious Coalition for Abortion Rights, American Friends Service Committee, International Council of African Women, and Women's Global Network on Reproductive Rights.

This collection is organized into ten series:

• I. BIOGRAPHICAL MATERIALS AND PHOTOGRAPHS
• II. CORRESPONDENCE
• III. WRITINGS AND SPEECHES
• IV. ORGANIZATION FILES
• V. CONFERENCES AND EVENTS
• VI. SUBJECT FILES
• VII. AUDIOVISUAL MATERIALS
• VIII. MEMORABILIA
• IX. PERIODICALS
• X. POSTERS

Note: This collection has not been fully processed; therefore:

• Folders may not be clearly labeled or numbered.
• Some materials may not be in folders.
• Materials may not be in logical order within folders.
• The container list may not be very detailed, or completely accurate.
• There may be duplicates of some materials.
• Locations of materials are subject to change when collection is fully processed at a later date.

Please:

• Remove one file at a time and place a flag in its place in the box.
• Put items and folders back in their original order.
• When citing materials do not use box and/or folder numbers as they may change.
• We know you are trying to be helpful, but please refrain from making corrections to the lists or the folders.