2019-2020 The Mary Lou Williams Center for Black Culture strives to promote racial understanding, build commu- nity, and foster appreciation for and increase knowledge of Black people, Black history, Black culture, and the vast contributions of people of the African Diaspora. We provide programs and services which contribute to the successful academic and personal development of Black students at Duke University and pos- itively impact the lives of all those whom they encounter. We seek to be the hub of information and activity related to Black students, alumni, and other Black members of the Duke community. We welcome all people who seek to engage with and be empowered by a greater understanding of the Black experience. Black presence in the Duke University under- graduate community began in 1963 and, although it would not be realized for two decades, the Mary Lou Williams Center for Black Culture was born of that moment in history and bears its markings. Established in 1983, the Center remains a safe, welcoming and supportive space that reflects the core values, culture, mission and perspectives of Duke’s Black community. The Center was named to honor the great artist, Mary Lou Williams (b. Atlanta, GA, 8 May 1910; d. Durham, NC, 28 May, 1981). See you in the Mary Lou. We welcome additions, corrections, or other suggestions for the Black Book. Send feedback to the Mary Lou Williams Center for Black Culture at [email protected]. Director’s Welcome Greetings, As a member of the community, I know that the task of finding your niche and making this place feel like home may be a bit overwhelming. That is why this guide has been created. The Black Book, developed at the request of students, provides you with a consolidated source of information on faculty and staff uniquely important to your success and places in the Duke/Durham/Triangle area that will help you become even more part of the community. Your success at Duke is perhaps the single most important measure of our success. We know that this doesn’t simply depend upon your effort alone, for truly it “takes a village” of supporters and organizations, with caring faculty principal among them. The staff of the Mary Lou Williams Center for Black Culture (The Mary Lou) is committed to creating connections that strengthen this community. We take great pride in the programs, advising, and support we provide. It is our desire to be an even greater resource to you and the entire community. We welcome you and your engaged participation in the life of the Center, whether that is through use of our lending library, attendance at programs, or just to hang out with us, your friends and faculty. We trust that your involvement in the Mary Lou will greatly enhance your Duke experience and we know that it will greatly enhance ours. Have a wonderful year! Chandra Y. Guinn Director of the Mary Lou Williams Center for Black Culture 3 ThE MARY LOU Staff Chandra Guinn| Director Chandra Guinn is a native to Mississippi who lived in Iowa & Maryland before making the Triangle her home and arriving to Duke in October 2005. Chandra has completed degrees in Sociology at Bucknell University and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Her scholarly interests include Africana Studies, Women’s Studies, Public History, and Philanthropy to name a few. In regards to her work at the Mary Lou Williams Center, Chandra has said “I feel privileged to serve as the Center Director and will always strive to demonstrate excellence in action.” When she is away from the MLWC, Chandra enjoys going to educational and cultural events and outings, traveling, watching design shows, and enjoying the company of good friends, and going to used bookstores among other things. COMING SOON!!| Assistant Director Brie Starks Student Development Coordinator Brie M. Starks is a proud Detroit, MI native, but is no stranger to travel, since she has visited 5 of 7 continents (you’ll have to meet her to find out what’s left). Brie is a proud alumna of the University of Michigan where she obtained a B.A. in History, Political Science, and Afro-American and African Studies. She also holds a Master of Social work from the University of Pennsylvania’s School of Social Policy and Practice. Instead of a clinical based MSW, Brie chose to pursue a macro-focused MSW in community organiz- ing and obtained a certificate in Global Human Rights at Penn. Brie has worked on a number of advocacy efforts for students of color, underrepresented youth, persons living with disabilities and building campaigns around trauma awareness. She enjoys DIY projects and anything that allows for maximum creativity. Brie lives by the motto that, “Things change, so do not remain stagnant within a box of fear, reducing your ability to grow and prosper.” Roslyn Mickens| Office Coordinator Roslyn Mickens comes from a military family background in which she traveled extensively. Eventually, her parents decided to settle down in North Carolina and make Durham their home. While growing up in Durham, she was active in the local civil rights movement and participated in community organizing and educational reform efforts of influential black activist Howard Fuller. She graduated from the “original” Hillside High School and continued her education at Virginia State University. She had an extensive career at Nortel Networks Corporation before coming to Duke. Roslyn is an active member of her community, where she served for 15 years as a Girl Scout troop leader and volunteers as a mentor in programs for at-risk adolescents and teenage girls. She and her husband José have four daughters. Roslyn is a huge Duke fan. In her free time, 4 she loves watching sports, camping, and vintage shopping. Table of Contents 6 55 Duke Black History Timeline Guide to Student Organizations 9 65 Prominent Figures Guide to Community Resources • Cultural & Art Centers • Barbershops 11 • Salons • Places of Worship • Restaurants Guide to Faculty • Accommodations 43 82 Guide to Administration & Staff Events 53 83 Guide to Offices Centers or 23 Tips for Success Institutes of Special Interest Roslyn Mickens| Office Coordinator Duke Black History TIMELINE G. Hill D. Blue B. Armstrong R. Howard P. Murray J. Abele March 8, 1961 1966 The Board of Trustees announces that students will be Dr. Samuel DuBois Cook becomes Duke University’s admitted to graduate and professional schools without first Black faculty member. regard to race, creed, or national origin. 1968 Sept. 1961 The Afro-American Society is founded (now the Black Ruben Speaks is the first Black to enroll in the Student Alliance). Divinity School as a special student. Walter Johson, Jr. and David Robinson are the first Black students to enroll Feb. 13, 1969 (The Allen Building Takeover) in the Law School. 60 members of the Afro-American Society occupy the Allen Building for 8 hours to present the University with June 2, 1962 a list of demands. City police, highway patrolmen, and The Board of Trustees announces that undergraduate county sheriff’s deputies are on campus making arrests students will be admitted without regard to race. and using tear gas. Sept. 1962 1969 Matthew A. Zimmerman and Donald Ballard are the Black Studies Program is instituted. first Black students to enroll in the Divinity School. Ida Office of Black Affairs is instituted(now the Stephens Owens and Odell Richardson Reuben are the Center for Multicultural Affairs). first Black students to enroll in the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences. Sept. 24, 1975 100 students protest and present the administration with Sept. 1963 grievances and demand for action toward the ameliora- Wilhelmina Reuben-Cooke, Mary Mitchell Harris, Gene tion of Black student conditions. Kendall, Cassandra Smith Rush, and Nathaniel White, Jr. are the first class of Black undergraduates. Delano 1976 Merriweather is the first Black to enroll in the School of Reginaldo Howard elected student body president. Medicine. Mary Harris is the first Black student on the Reginaldo Howard Memorial Scholarship is established. Dean’s List. C.G Newsom L. Boarders M. Bryant C. Simmons C. Lattimore G. Wall 1982 2006 Duke University Black Alumni Connection (DUBAC) is African & African American Studies is elevated to created, now the Duke Black Alumni (DBA). departmental status. 1983 2008 The Mary Lou Williams Center for Black Culture is Mary Lou Williams Center celebrates its 25th Anniver- established. sary. May 3, 1986 2009 The Board of Trustees votes to divest Duke’s invest- Dan Blue is elected as Chair of the Board of Trustees. ments in South Africa. 2013 1989 Duke celebrates 50 years of Black Julian Abele Outstanding Achievement Award is undergraduate presence with year long established. commemoration. 1990 Leonard C. Beckum is the first Black officer of the 2015 University (vice president and vice provost). Valerie Ashby named Dean of Trinity College. 1991 2016 Janet Smith Dickerson is the first Black woman officer of Duke University changes the name of the West Quad to the University (vice president). the Abele Quad in honor of architect Julian Abele. 1997 2017 Samuel DuBois Cook Society is founded. Duke welcomes the Class of 2021, the largest class of Black undergraduates in its history at 232. 8 Black Historical Presence... Prominent Figures M. Mitchell Harris N. White Jr. C. Smith Rush G. Kendall W. Reuben-Cooke The Fabulous Five First five Black undergraduate students Samuel DuBois Cook (b. 1928 - d. 2017) In 1966, Samuel DuBois Cook became the first black professor at Duke University and has the distinction of being the first African American to hold a regular faculty appointment at any predominantly white college or university in the South.