Browse the Collection

Two programs that were provided for attendees at the Annual Race Relations Sunday held at Rollins College. The event focused on music, academic remarks, films, and sermons that related to racial or religious issues.

Carol Berkley, a member of the Race Relations Committee, describes the work of the group from January to March 1946, including holding Race Relations Sunday, volunteering at the Hungerford School, and working with local African American high schools. The description gives insight into the focus of the group from its start and how they are attempting to improve race relations locally.

Twenty Black Student Union members pose for their student organization’s yearbook photograph. This is the first Black Student Union photograph included in the Tomokan yearbook. Back row: Krisita Jackson, Theda James, Deborah Coleman, Brenda Martin, Reggie Brock, Blanche Jackson, Lonnie Butler, Otis Cameron, Rodney Dowling. Middle row: Lorraine Powell, Marcus Wilson, Grace Borom, Juanita Gibson, Jennifer Matthews, Roxwell Robinson, Arlinda Staley. Front row: Guilda Brandon, Theotis Bronson, Constance Blackman, Errol Cunningham.

The flyer invites the Rollins community to attend an open discussion meeting in 1972 with the Black Student Union. This meeting was to address concerns about the purpose of the first scheduled Black Awareness Week, since there had been a mixed response to news of plans for this event.

This article, written by Mary McLeod Bethune, discusses her friendship with President Hamilton Holt. It outlines the path of acceptance of African Americans at Rollins College, and her hope for further acceptance and integration in the future. Circa 1955-1956

Winter Park Topics covers the upcoming Brotherhood Sunday and the presentation of the DePugh-Hall Awards for the advancement of race relations--one award for a white resident and one for an African American resident. The article specifically invites both white and African American community members to the Rollins campus for the program.

An overview of completed and planned tasks for the Race Relations Committee in November 1945. The activities show the interaction between the group and local African American community to volunteer, donate, and share ideas.

Lawrence Martinez takes a jump shot over his defender. This was Martinez’s sophomore year at Rollins and his second year on the basketball team.

The administration responds to student demands for more Black studies by creating a winter term course on "Black Literature, History and Sociology." The Dean of Rollins College consulted the Dean of Bethune-Cookman College on the structure and content of the course, demonstrating continued cooperation between the two institutions.

President Hamilton Holt writes to alumnus Dick Kelly about public support for awarding an honorary degree to civil rights leader and educator Mary McLeod Bethune.

Theodore Darrah, the Dean of Knowles Memorial Chapel, invites Frank Otey, Principal of the Hungerford School, and his students to the Race Relations Sunday service. Dean Darrah notes that Rollins College will be providing the choir for the service, which is a change from their usual reliance on the Hungerford choir. The change demonstrates a more equal exchange between the Hungerford School and Rollins College.

Hamilton Holt awarding Mary McLeod Bethune, President Emerita of Bethune-Cookman College, with an honorary degree of Doctor of Humanities.This is the first honorary degree given to an African American by an institution of higher education in the South.

In a memo to Prof. Royal France, President Holt and Treasurer E. T. Brown recommend that no African Americans should be permitted to use the Harper-Shepherd Field while it is not being used by Rollins College. The message shows that the college is trying to determine its position on involvement with local African Americans and their ability to be on Rollins- owned grounds.

A mission statement provided by the Rollins College Interfaith and Race Relations Committee regarding improving relations between various racial and religious groups. The statement uses idealistic and vague language along with war imagery to convey their dedication to the ideals of peace and prosperity of all groups.

Winter Park Topics reports that the need for an African American policeman in West Winter Park was brought up at a meeting of the Woman's Club. Before the presentation about a new nursing home in west Winter Park, Bertram Scott tells the audience that the policeman would improve the safety of west Winter Park and notes that both Sanford and Orlando are ahead of Winter Park in introducing African American police officers.

A young man walking outside of the Student Center, passing a poster promoting Black Awareness Week. This photo was taken in 1973, the first year that Black Awareness Week was celebrated at Rollins.

A Rollins Sandspur article describing the first Race Relations Sunday, which brought together white and African American residents to celebrate Race Relations Day with music, film, and speeches. Rollins' hosting of this event on campus with support from Winter Park and the Hungerford School shows local and collegiate interest in supporting African Americans.

In 1970, Reginald "Reggie" Brock was the first African American tennis player at Rollins College. He earned two varsity letters and multiple awards during his time with the team.