DePauw's African American Heritage: the Pioneers, DePauw University
DC 2519, 2520

Size: 2 oversize flat boxes, 3.4 linear feet

Restrictions: None

Accession: D001.034

Provenance: Donor

Processed by: Jenney Taylor, December 2000

The Association of Afro-American Students (AAAS) was established in 1968 by students, Sharon Garner, Elsa Brown, Suzanne Davis, Hurley Goodall, Jim Jackson, and Jim Johnson. Johnson was selected president. AAAS was more than a social club. In an article in the DePauw, its first president, Jim Johnson stated, "The Association of Afro-American Students is an identification alliance. It is not a black co-ed fraternity, nor a co-ed fraternity, nor, in the the strictest sense, a black power group." It looked to the International Center as its model. In 1969, black students presented the university with a manifesto which listed as "absolutely necessary," a black student union house, a black admissions officer, a required African or African-American course and black convocation speakers. Positive change on campus has been one of the chief goals of AAAS. Besides AAAS there have been many African American individuals who have been very influential on the DePauw University campus throughout the years.

An exhibit prepared by the Archives and Special Collections of DePauw University and Indiana United Methodism. The exhibit is titled, "DePauw’s African American Heritage: the Pioneers." All material is mounted on blue foam core board and is suitable to be displayed in an exhibit case or on exhibit panels. The exhibit covers AAAS and many individuals who have been influential in DePauw’s African American heritage including Stanley Warren, Tucker Wilson 1888, James Turner 1893, Percy Julian ‘20, George Gore ‘ 23, Mattie Julian Brown ‘26, Valerie Murphy ‘26, Thomas Barnett ‘49, Russell Freeland ‘51, Vernon Jordan ‘57, Melba Zachery ‘59, Judith Henry ‘59, Bing Davis ‘59 and Alan Hill ‘81.

Association of Afro-American Students (AAAS)

1969 Mirage - AAAS

1969 Mirage - Students Against Racism (SAR)

1970 Mirage - "AAAS prospers, expands; Kappa Pi has colorful year"

1979 Mirage - AAAS

The DePauw (02/16/68): "Afro-American students strive to empathize with black pursuit"

The DePauw (04/18/69): "Afro-Americans transform Locust into student union"

The DePauw (04/14/81): "AAAS, Duzer Du produce Success: ‘Raisin’ cast enthusiastic , joyous"

The DePauw (09/11/81): "AAAS expands black culture, adds house"

The DePauw (03/01/85): "Activism remains force behind AAAS"

The DePauw (10/30/89): "AAAS stresses racial harmony"

The DePauw (09/12/95): "Groups pool funds to bring campus show: Union Board, AAAS, Campus Programming join up"

DePauw Alumnus (Summer 1991, Vol. 55, No. 3): "DePauw Fraternities: More than a Story in Black and White"

DePauw Alumnus (Summer 1991, Vol. 55, No. 3): "Black recruiting, support efforts are welcome, overdue"

Black Alumni Newsletter (Winter 1988-89, Vol. 1, No. 3): "New House for AAAS Brings Expanded Use"

Brochure: AAAS (1992-93 officers, What AAAS Means To Me..., Past Activities, Upcoming Events)

Program: AAAS presents BLACK CULTURAL WEEKEND, March 16-18, 1984

Letter (10/10/72): AAAS Fireside Discussion Series

Wilson, Tucker E. - DPU 1888

Turner, James U. - DPU 1893

Julian, Percy L. - DPU 1920

Gore, George - DPU 1923

Brown, Mattie Pearl Julian - DPU 1926

Murphy, Valeria E. - DPU 1926

Barnett, Thomas - DPU 1949

Freeland, Russell L. - DPU 1951

Jordan, Vernon E., Jr. - DPU 1957

Doty, Melba Vivian Zachery - DPU 1959

Henry, Judith E. - DPU 1959

Davis, Willis "Bing" - DPU 1959

Hill, Alan P. - DPU 1981

Warren, Stanley (Faculty 1973-1992)

See also:
Percy Lavon Julian Papers, DC 2624-2626  and  Black Behind the Black and Gold, Dr. Stanley Warren, 1990