Browse the Collection

All De Live Long Day, a program of African American folklore, music, and dance, was the second of two productions by Zora Neale Hurston to be performed on the Rollins campus during the 1930s.

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

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.

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.

Hamilton Holt expresses concern that the announcement of Mary McLeod Bethune's honorary degree would cause protesting and interference from the KKK. His fears proved to be unfounded, but facing violence was a real possibility.

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.