Oberlin began its commemoration of Black History Month more than 30 years ago following the establishment of a Black Studies Department in 1967. Early efforts by the department and the Multicultural Resource Center involved a day or weeklong program with a keynote speaker, or a series of events sprinkled throughout the month that brought in prominent civic and political leaders, scholars, writers, dancers, and musicians of African descent.
In recent years, a committee led by faculty and staff from the African American studies department and the Multicultural Resources Center has organized these events. Programming sometimes centers on the theme established by the national Black History Month organization, the Association for the Study of African American Life and History. The committee often receives financial and in-kind support from several of the college's academic and administrative departments and some community organizations. The committee's leadership, with support from other partners, has brought to campus a rich and diverse collection of events that touch upon the cultural, social, political, spiritual, artistic, and historical issues that define Oberlin.
The theme for Oberlin's 2012 Black History Celebration, Breaking (new) Ground, aims to remind us of Oberlin’s history as a radical institution dedicated to issues of social justice and inclusion in the United States and abroad. The year 2012 marks the 177th and 175th anniversary of Oberlin’s admittance of African Americans and women, respectively, into the college.
This year’s celebration also is a chance to be inspired by the forward thinking and ever-evolving work of our esteemed guests, faculty, staff, and students. It is also, however; a challenge to channel the creative and inspirational spirit of the weeks ahead; to convert that spirit into a kinetic and productive energy that will propel Oberlin College forward and begin to revive its radical tradition; and to pose the question of what great issue we plan to tackle next.
We invite you to attend any and all of our Black History Month programs.
Recent Programs
1980
On January 2, 1980, nine Oberlin students set out on a 420-mile trek to retrace the Underground Railroad, a journey leading through the back roads of Kentucky and Ohio and into Oberlin—freedom. Donning cotton clothing, head wraps, and large brimmed hats—attire similar to that worn by fugitives in 1850—they try desperately to keep warm. Five students made the journey on foot (joined later by two more), while the other four “escapees” forged ahead in a 25-foot camper in search of churches, barns, or other secure structures offering shelter and food. Finally, after 33 days, they complete their winter-term project, and lessons learned become life changing. “Our mutual need for cooperation from everyone drew us so close that it was as though we were family and always would be,” said members of the group after their return. “We saw that black people, if we work together, can do anything.” The participants were Lester Barclay, Herm Beavers, David Hoard, George Barnwell, Larry Spinks, Adrian Banks, Gale Elison, (all Class of 1981), Richard Littlejohn ’79, and Marzella Player-Credit ’82.
1988
Juan Williams of the Washington Post debates Ron Walters of Howard University in a program during Oberlin's Black History Celebration. The two debate the merits and lessons of the presidential bid by the Rev. Jesse L. Jackson Sr. College and community attendees packed Finney Chapel to hear the discussion.
1995
Oberlin is the first college chosen to host a nationwide tour of seven films produced and directed by African American filmmakers. The film series takes place in February during the annual Black History Celebration. Attendees view movies by up-and-coming independent filmmakers Dianah (Diane) Wynter, Carl Franklin, and David Massey, among others.
2000
Toward a New Millennium - Building a Community is the theme of a town and gown celebration. Featured events include a lecture by historian and scholar Henry Louis Gates Jr. of Harvard University; a presentation of the George Wolfe drama The Colored Museum; and a performance by Calvin Hernton, a poet, novelist, activist, and social scientist.
2002
The Oberlin Conservatory Black Musicians Guild, a student-based musical organization, presents a concert of spirituals and contemporary music. Established in 2001, the guild presents music by African American composers and brings to the public the works of African American musical artists, performers, educators, and arrangers, among others.
2007
(Re)Defining Space: The Resilience and Endurance of a People is the theme for the monthlong commemoration. A highlight is a visit and Convocation lecture by Kwame Anthony Appiah, Laurance S. Rockefeller University Professor of Philosophy and the University Center for Human Values at Princeton University. Appiah is a widely published scholar of African and African American literary and cultural studies. He may be best known for the book, In My Father's House (Oxford University Press, 1993), a collection of essays that explore the role of African and African American intellectuals in shaping contemporary African cultural life.
Photograph of Underground Railroad courtesy of Oberlin Alumni Magazine
Photograph of Kwame Appiah courtesy of Office of Communications, Princeton University
