This series comprises John Edgar Tidwell's research materials relating to Frank Marshall Davis more generally, as well as issues that aid in enhancing understanding of Davis's materials, such as jazz music, jazz poetry, freedom of information legislation (particularly in relation to Davis's FBI investigation), and the Phi Beta Sigma fraternity, among other subjects. Materials include annotated photocopies of newspaper articles, journal articles, and correspondence.

Oversize materials have been separated into appropriate housing and are listed at the end of the series.