Correspondence, memoranda, annual reports, subject files, proposals, background material, news releases, drafts and published pamphlets and booklets, biographical material, and other papers pertaining to Fleming's work as executive vice president (1961-1967) and president (1967-1987) of the Potomac Institute. The collection documents his efforts to eliminate racial discrimination, to expand African American civil rights, and to foster cooperation among private and public agencies to achieve these goals through the institute's sponsorship of research programs, publications, and conferences. Also includes papers of James O. Gibson and Arthur J. Levin, other executives with the institute.

Topics include Harry S. Ashmore, Hazel Brannon Smith, affirmative action in the armed forces, compliance with the Civil Rights Act of 1964 by state and local governments and police, equal opportunity in employment and housing, fairness in mortgage policies and zoning, improvement of inner city economic development and schools, national youth service, occupational training, the poor and children of the poor, race relations, and school integregation.

Organizations represented include American Civil Liberties Union, American Friends Service Committee, American Institute of Architects, Anti-Defamation League of B'nai B'rith, Black Arts Council (Washington, D.C.), Center for the Study of Democratic Institutions, Congressional Black Caucus, D.C. Black Repertory Company, International City Management Association, Leadership Conference on Civil Rights, NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, National Association of Intergroup Relations Officials, National Committee Against Discrimination in Housing, National Conference of Christians and Jews, National Urban Coalition, New World Foundation, Southern Christian Leadership Conference, Southern Regional Council, United States-South Africa Leader Exchange Program, White House Conference on Balanced National Growth and Economic Development, and the White House conference entitled "To Fulfill These Rights."

Correspondents include Will D. Campbell, Audrey and Stephen R. Currier, G. W. Foster, Lloyd K. Garrison, John Hope, Vernon E. Jordan, Burke Marshall, George McMillan, Paul Moore, Benjamin Muse, John Silard, and John G. Simon.