Good Afternoon, May I speak to Rev. ______ This is L & W Record Co., contact division for sunshine Record Co. We are trying to find the ministers who are interested in getting recorded, even if its the choir or an individual of your church, but we are interested in recording you. Is it possible that we may make an appointment to talk with you and your family about recording yourself. As you know there are only two legal record companies in Houston: Sunshine and Peacock. We Realize that this is a new company. This means that we have to try that much harder.

In these papers, Michelle Barnes writes two drafts of a speech. Draft one, page one, "I am michelle Barnes artists, co-founder of the CAC, a community-based arts organization deeply rooted in Houston's 3rd and committed to serving all people of Houston through the arts. Our artist directed organization encourages out of the studio into processes which can utilize their skills and for which they can earn not only a living but earn credibility and visibility by quality service they promote. Tied to a government which wants to be and should be supportive of the people who support people. tied to the children who need to see and experience the rights of life. The joys of thinking, learning, doing, creative. Happy to have this opportunity to share this time with my colleagues in the work of that we have to each other. NEA- of the people/ for the people. We are tied to each other as artists, art educators, art administrators. As people practicing, perfecting, and professionalizing the art of giving back to our city. We are supportive of the NEA as an agency of the people being supportive of the people who do the work in neighborhoods across the country." …

A receipt from Thomas Bond to William M. Rice listing goods and services purchased such as stay straps, mouth straps, and a turnbuckle

A receipt of goods purchased from L. H. Wood by William M. Rice.

A receipt from the Continental Hotel to William M. Rice confirming payments for a room.

A document listing transactions of cotton and freight of cotton by William M. Rice

A list titled Cotton to William M. Rice with various numbers listed in the range between 340-490.

A special requisition asking for various items, such as "three black books" and "lead pencils"

A receipt from the Galveton Tri-Weekly News to Fred A. Rice confirming payment for a subscription.

A list made by E. R. Wells listing various clothes.

Bill from the Union Square Hotel listing itemized charges including board and meals for a friend, issued to William M. Rice and marked paid.

A check from the Houston Insurance Company to William M. Rice dated December 26, 1866]

Receipt from Miss Randon to Mrs. Pipprin of goods purchased, including materials for clothing such as buttons.

Receipt from F. A. Rice to G. H. Mayhurst for dues to Washington Chapter.

A two-column list of names, each followed by a number, some with an "x" at the end. There is also a calculation at the end.

A list titled "Memorandum of Furniture and Bedding for Mrs. B." which includes various items and quantities, including bedsteads, mattresses, pillows, chairs, and other items.

A list containing three columns that appear to include a quantity, item name or description, and amount or cost. Items appear to be furnishings, including chairs, tubs, and wardrobes.

Invoice of charges on goods received on "Lela" from London, especially freight charges.

I am Michelle Barnes, Artist and co-founder of the Community Artists' Collective. We are deeply rooted in the heritage of Houston's 3rd Ward. We are deeply committed to serving all people of Houston though our art related work with individuals and other organizations across the city. It is good and I appreciate this opportunity to share this particular time and space m=with my colleagues in service to the people of our city and country to symbolize the ties we have with each other and many others across the nation working in our field of dreams and endeavor. We are tied to each other as artists, educators, administrators, mothers, fathers, and as people who vote, people who care. People who are practicing, perfecting, and professionalizing the art of giving back to our communities across the country. We want the National Endowment for the Arts. It must continue to be an agency of the people of America but the National Endowment for the arts must respect the people it serves. The Congress must let the NEA do the work it knows should be done.