black book 16|17 The Mary Lou Williams Center for Black Culture strives to promote racial understanding, build community, and foster an 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 positively impact the lives of all those whom they encounter. We seek to be a hub for information and activity related to Black students, alumni, and other Black members of the Duke community. We welcome all who seek to engage with and be empowered by a greater understanding of the Black experience. see you in the lou. We welcome additions, corrections, or other suggestions for the Black Book or feedback for the Mary Lou Williams Center for Black Culture at: [email protected] director’s welcome Greetings, As a new 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 (aka The Campus & Community Resource Guide), 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 adjust to 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 (MLWC) is committed to creating connections that strengthen this community. We take great pride in the programs, advising, and support we provide and 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! Director Mary Lou Williams Center for Black Culture table of contents 4 duke black history timeline 56 barbershops & salons key events in duke university’s black get your hair done here history 5 prominent figures 58 places of worship a brief look at some of duke’s most put a praise right there, and there, and… notable figures of african descent 6 mary lou williams center 60 entertainment history and the folks who make it happen when schooling is too much at the center 8 guide to faculty & staff 62 restaurants folks who make it happen around campus yum! 45 guide to student organizations 65 accommodations key student organizations for your places for your parents to rest their consideration heads 53 guide to community resources 66 shopping & specialty shops venues and vendors that you should spend some moola! know and places you should go 54 cultural & art centers 69 events area art centers and cultural organizations mark your calendars 55 bookstores & libraries 70 tips for success knowledge is power twenty tips to ensure you succeed duke black history timeline G. Hill D. Blue B. Armstrong R. Howard P. Murray J. Abele March 8, 1961 - The Board of Trustees announces that September 24, 1975 - 100 students protest and students will be admitted to graduate and professional present the administration with grievances and demand schools without regard to race, creed, or national origin. for action toward the amelioration of Black student conditions. September 1961 - Ruben Speaks is the first Black to enroll in the Divinity School as a special student. Walter 1976 - Reginaldo Howard elected student body Johnson, Jr. and David Robinson are the first Black president. Reginaldo Howard Memorial Scholarship is students to enroll in the Law School. established. June 2, 1962 - The Board of Trustees announces that 1982 - Duke University Black Alumni Connection undergraduate students will be admitted without regard (DUBAC) is created. to race. 1983 - The Mary Lou Williams Center for Black Culture is September 1962 - Matthew A. Zimmerman and established. Donald Ballard are the first Black students to enroll in the Divinity School. Ida Stephens Owens and Odell May 3, 1986 - The Board of Trustees votes to divest Richardson Reuben are the first Black students to enroll Duke’s investments in South Africa. in the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences. 1989 - Julian Abele Outstanding Achievement Award is September 1963 - Wilhelmina Reuben-Cooke, Mary established. Mitchell Harris, Gene Kendall, Cassandra Smith Rush, and Nathaniel White, Jr. are the first class of Black 1990 - Leonard C. Beckum is the first Black officer of the undergraduates. Delano Merriweather is the first Black University (vice president and vice provost). to enroll in the School of Medicine. Mary Harris is the first Black student on the Dean’s List. 1991 - Janet Smith Dickerson is the first Black woman officer of the University (vice president). 1966 - Dr. Samuel DuBois Cook becomes Duke University’s first Black faculty member. 1997 - Samuel DuBois Cook Society is founded. 1968 - The Afro-American Society is founded (now the 2006 - African & African American Studies is elevated to Black Student Alliance). departmental status. February 13, 1969 - The Allen Building Takeover: 60 2008 - Mary Lou Williams Center celebrates its 25th members of the Afro-American Society occupy the Allen Anniversary. Building for 8 hours to present the University with a list of demands. City police, highway patrolmen, and county 2009 - Dan Blue is elected as Chair of the Board of sheriff’s deputies are on campus making arrests and Trustees. using tear gas. 2013 - Duke celebrates 50 years of Black undergraduate 1969 - Black Studies Program is instituted. Office presence with year long commemoration. of Black Affairs is instituted (now the Center for Multicultural Affairs). 2015 - Valerie Ashby named Dean of Trinity College. 4 black book | Fall 2016 – Spring 2017 | www.studentaffairs.duke.edu/mlw 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 - ) 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. He served as a member of the Duke University Board of Trustees from 1981 - 1993 and was elected by the Board as a Trustee Emeritus in 1993. After earning his A.B. degree from Morehouse College, Dr. Cook received his M.A. and Ph.D. degrees from The Ohio State University. Dr. Cook has an outstanding record as a political scientist, scholar, educator and civil rights activist. He continues to participate in the world of scholarship through publications and lectureships. The Samuel DuBois Cook Society was founded in the spring of 1997 to honor the years of service that Dr. Cook has offered to Duke University. John Hope Franklin (b. 1915 - d. 2009) Dr. John Hope Franklin was born in Rentiesville, Oklahoma in 1915, only fifty years after slavery had been abolished. His father practiced law and his mother taught elementary school, and from an early age the young Franklin learned the power of words and ideas. From his parents he also learned how to survive and thrive in a time when the color line was indelibly drawn. John Hope Franklin was the James B. Duke Professor Emeritus of History, and for seven years was Professor of Legal History in the Law School at Duke University. He received his A. M. and Ph. D. in History from Harvard University. Professor Franklin served on many national commissions and delegations, including the Advisory Commission on Public Diplomacy. Mary Lou Williams (b. 1910 - d. 1981) Renowned pianist, composer, teacher and humanitarian Mary Lou Williams performed with numerous jazz legends and was among the first jazz artists to perform at Carnegie Hall and St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York City. Williams taught at Duke University as an Artist-in- Residence from 1977 until her death. She is remembered by artists such as Duke Ellington, Thelonious Monk and Bud Powell as one whose musical and spiritual contributions were singular and profound. www.studentaffairs.duke.edu/mlw | Fall 2016 – Spring 2017 | black book 5 mary lou williams center for black culture Black presence in the Duke University undergraduate 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). Previous Directors include Ed Hill and Leon Dunkley. 6 black book | Fall 2016 – Spring 2017 | www.studentaffairs.duke.edu/mlw Chandra Guinn | Director Ms. Guinn is a native Mississippian who lived in Iowa & Maryland before making her home in the Triangle. She came to Duke in October 2005. Ms. Guinn has completed degrees in Sociology at Bucknell University and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Her scholarly interests include Africana Studies historiography & pedagogy, Black women’s & men’s studies, intellectual entrepreneurship, philanthropy, and sociology of sport to name but a few.