Repository

Heinz History Center

Title

Luther J. Sewell Papers

Creator

Sewell, Luther J.

Collection Number

MSS 1251

Extent

13 Linear Feet (11 boxes and 1 o/s folder)

Extent

4.44 Gigabytes (1,910 digital files)

Date

1962-2019

Abstract

Luther J. Sewell, Jr. began his career as a magazine publisher and political consultant in 1962 with the publication of Tavern Talk (now known as Talk Magazine), which focused on African American culture, news stories, trends, social issues, health and wellness, and political engagement. Through his marketing and consultation company, The LJS Group, Sewell added other magazines for publication, consulted on over 25 political campaigns, planned events for corporations and public institutions interested in reaching the African American and minority markets. The Luther J. Sewell Papers contain magazine issues, correspondence, event programs, campaign materials, and photographs of Sewell and individuals at LJS Group sponsored events.

Language

English .

Author

The guide to this collection was written by Bryan Brown.

Publisher

Heinz History Center

Address

1212 Smallman St.
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15222
library@heinzhistorycenter.org
URL: https://www.heinzhistorycenter.org

Biographical / Historical

Luther J. Sewell, Jr. was born on August 9, 1936, to Luther J. Sewell, Sr., and Minnie Pearl Sewell in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Sewell moved to Pittsburgh's Hill District and attended Pittsburgh Public Schools before continuing his education at Tennessee Agricultural and Industrial State College, now known as Tennessee State University, Monterey College, and Duquesne University.

After completing his studies, Sewell began his career as a magazine publisher in August of 1962 with Tavern Talk, a magazine that focused on Pittsburgh's African American entertainment and culture. In 1964, the magazine's name changed to Talk to coincide with the launch of Sewell's new company, the LJS Publishing and Marketing Incorporated, now known as The LJS Group. Sewell received the African Methodist Episcopal General Conference's "Young Businessman of the Year" award in 1964 for his efforts. Sewell expanded LJS Publishing with News in Pictures (later published under the titles News in Pittsburgh, Black Opinion Magazine, and Minority Opinion Magazine) in 1984 to increase the coverage of African American causes with local and national news stories, editorials, and educational and business articles and advice. Sewell also published Better Health Magazine and The 1st Sunday in the 1990s. In 2008, Sewell's wife, Roxanne Sewell, joined his magazine and marketing venture as an editor and president of The LJS Group. With Roxanne serving as president, The LJS Group merged Talk Magazine and Minority Opinion Magazine into one publication in 2010.

Throughout his career as a magazine publisher, Sewell also used his position to participate and manage over 25 political campaigns. Sewell served as a special consultant, analyst, organizer, and planner for national, state, and local candidates. His political clientele included Richard Nixon, Hubert Humphrey, Mayor of Pittsburgh Richard Caliguiri, Senator John Heinz, Senator Rick Santorum, Governor Tom Ridge, and Allegheny County Executive Jim Roddey among others. Sewell would include materials related to campaigns and political events in his magazines. For his work in the political field, Sewell was appointed to the Allegheny County Civil Service Commission in 1973. Sewell also served on the Governor's Advisory Commission on African American Affairs for eight years. With Roxanne Sewell's guidance, The LJS Group created Talk Minority Action Group, a non-profit organization focused on educating and providing opportunities for underserved minority communities across Pennsylvania to improve their economic and social circumstances through civic engagement.

In the years that followed, Luther J. and Roxanne Sewell continued in their roles of publisher, editor, and president of The LJS Group. The LJS Group continued to publish Talk Magazine and engage communities with Talk Minority Action Group. They have hosted the Pennsylvania African-American Network Convention, the African-American Jazz Weekend, and the Minority Achiever's Luncheon.

Scope and Contents

The Luther J. Sewell Papers primarily contain the records of The LJS Group, the publishing and marketing company of Luther J. and Roxanne Sewell. Documents in this collection focus on Sewell's role as the company's founder and magazine publisher, his career as a political campaign consultant, and his personal life. Records in this collection include Sewell's notes and correspondence, final and draft versions of magazine issues, promotional materials for The LJS Group events, photographs, and political campaign materials. This collection contains one oversized folder of presentation posters that is stored separately.

Arrangement

The Luther J. Sewell Papers collection has been arranged into the following two series and further arranged into subseries:

Conditions Governing Access

No restrictions.

Physical Characteristics and Technical Requirements

Access to born-digital folders (noted as "Digital") is available upon request at the computer workstation in the Detre Library and Archives at the Heinz History Center.

A DVD titled "K. Leroy Irvis: The Lion of Pennsylvania" in the Administrative, Marketing, and Programs subseries is damaged and was not playable at the time of processing.

Conditions Governing Use

Property rights reside with the Senator John Heinz History Center. Copyright may be retained by the creators of the records and their heirs. Researchers are therefore advised to follow the regulations set forth in the U.S. Copyright Code when publishing, quoting, or reproducing material from this collection without the consent of the creator/author or that go beyond what is allowed by fair use.

Immediate Source of Acquisition

Gift of Luther J. Sewell, Jr. in 2019. Archives Accession 2019.0056

Separated Materials

A Pittsburgh Phalanx Fraternity patch was transferred to the Museum Division.

Processing Information

Collection processed by Bryan Brown in 2021.

Preferred Citation

Luther J. Sewell Papers, 1962-2019, MSS 1251, Detre Library & Archives, Heinz History Center

Container List