A stereo daguerreotype of a child from 1897. Mayme Clayton often explained that her mission was to preserve the history so children could know that black people have done great things. (Clarence Williams / LAT)
This 1859 announcement of a slave auction is among the estimated 30,000 items in the collection, which also includes books, movies, sound recordings, photographs, letters and ephemera. (Clarence Williams / LAT)
Clayton’s vast collection included this movie poster and an announcement of an 1859 slave sale, as well as a signed 1773 copy of the first book published by an African-American. (Clarence Williams / LAT)
An autographed print depicts A. Phillip Randolph, who fought for the rights of his people. (Clarence Williams / LAT)
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With limited funds, Mayme Clayton collected 30,000 items, which experts consider a treasure of black Americana. (Clarence Williams / LAT)
