After he researched and wrote a book on his family's history, Hunter, realizing that family root searches can be expensive ventures, raised several hundred thousand dollars from his own pocket and the contributions of individuals and corporations to open the Julius K. Hunter & Friends African American Research Collection at the St. Louis County Library.
After researching and writing a book about his family history, Hunter decided to establish a research collection dedicated to African American history at the St. Louis County Library. This was funded through personal contributions and those of others.