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.

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.

Thirteen members of the Black Student Union gather for their yearbook photo. They are seated on the steps of Bush Science Center. (First row, left to right): Douglas Pollard, Denise Brookins, Blondie Jones, Priscilla Lyons, Roxwell Robinson. (Second row, left to right): Vic Crumity, Errol Cunningham, Willie Flowers, Dick Twine, Roslyn Lawson, Luther Graham, Kimberly Broxton, Sharon Israel.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.