Browse the Collection

This program describes events held during the first Black Awareness Week and includes a description of its purpose, a list of BSU members, speaker photographs, and the events schedule.

These promotional materials show the event schedule for the 1975 Black Awareness Week. They also credit the College staff and Black Student Union members who contributed to organizing it.

These news articles inform students about the Black Awareness Week events schedule, the display of bronze busts of famous Black Americans in Mills Memorial Library to begin Black Awareness Week, and the results of the Black Student Union executive committee elections. The articles show BSU campus activities and involvement.

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.

Members of Delta Chi held a "funeral" for their fraternity, which became The Guild that year. An African American member, Bernard Myers, can be seen holding his fist in the air and wearing a black glove, signifying the Black Power movement. Circa 1969-1970

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.

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.

This memo from Alzo J. Reddick (the faculty sponsor of the Black Student Union and Assistant Dean of Student Affairs) thanks President Jack Critchfield for his support and refers to letters from community members in support of Black Awareness Week. Dean Reddick also suggests that Black Awareness Week was a mixed success, but expresses an overall positive opinion about the event.

In Fall 1972, Black Student Union President Krisita Jackson invites all faculty members to contact the BSU office or Dean Alzo J. Reddick with any concerns about the nature of the planned Black Awareness Week. This is in response to the allocation of $2500 for the event.

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 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.

Anita Thomas pictured with the Rollins Players, circa 1971. She was the only African American student featured in the performing group that year. Circa 1970-1971

Black Student Union President Roxwell Robinson requested suggestions from Rollins College department heads about the next Black Awareness Week program, based on the theme of Black Arts. He received suggestions from a professor and her Black literature class. The correspondence demonstrates the BSU’s cooperative relationship with Rollins faculty.