Browse the Collection

Fourteen Black Student Union members pose for their student organization’s yearbook photograph. (First row, left to right): Blondie Jones, Priscilla Lyons, Debbie Mitchell, Kim Broxton, Denise Brookins, Rosalyn Lawson. (Second row, left to right): Aaron Spencer, Roxwell Robinson, Tim Graddy, Dirk Twine, Willie Hicks, Victor Crumity, Doug Pollard, Luther Graham.

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.

President Hamilton Holt; Mary McLeod Bethune, President Emerita of Bethune-Cookman College; and Professor of Books Edwin Osgood Grover at the 1949 Animated Magazine.

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.

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.

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 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.

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