Browse the Collection

The 1967 team poses for a picture for the yearbook. Sophomore Bernard “Bernie” Myers was a member of Rollins’ first integrated class in 1966.

The 1973 tennis team poses for a picture for the yearbook.

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.

From Sun to Sun, a program of African American folklore, music, and dance, was the first of two productions by Zora Neale Hurston to be performed on the Rollins campus during the 1930s.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Resident heads Randy Lyon, Andrea Boissy Lyon, and Reginald Brock, who were in charge of the residence halls. Reginald Brock was the only African American student to serve as a resident head that year. Circa 1972-1973

The Rollins College basketball team poses for a team picture in the gym. Captain Lawrence Martinez appears in the first row on the far left.

A young man sporting a Rollins College t-shirt walks across Mills Lawn carrying his backpack circa 1980s.