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For my Digital Media Project, I chose to research the stories behind African American students who attended East Texas State University during the times of desegregation/ integration
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AFRICAN AMERICAN PERSPECTIVE : I HAVE A DREAM!!
EXPERIENCE IN EDUCATION
Tevin Washington
Dr. Carter
Digital Storytelling
3/4/2014
HISTORY IN THE MAKING
Over the years, African Americans, have dealt with many trials and tribulations
in order to rise from the days of slavery . Many battles were fought to bring
rights such as voting, citizenship and education. You could honestly say each
battle was a stepping stone in order to reach for greater heights, or pieces of a
puzzle which may seen jumbled at first glance, but as you began to link the
pieces up. You see a great and bright future.
My projects reveals the truth and stories of a few of African American students
who have attended Texas A&M University Commerce, back when it was known as
East Texas State University, and the different struggles they each have to go
through in order to receive an education. Each story is just a piece of the puzzle,
you must link the pieces to get the bigger picture.
TIPPING THE SCALES
Fredrick Douglass High School, renamed from
Colored High and Training School, is one of the
oldest integrated public high schools in the U.S.
Prior to desegregation Douglass and
Baltimore's Paul Laurence Dunbar High School were
the only two high schools in Baltimore that admitted
African American students. Douglass served African
American students from west Baltimore, while
Dunbar served students from east Baltimore. Among
Douglass' most notable alumni is Supreme Court
Justice Thurgood Marshall, a graduate of the class
of 1926, in 1954 Marshall successfully
challenged school segregation as a lawyer in the
case of Brown v. Board of Education, in which the
Supreme Court ruled that separate but
equal in public education was unconstitutional
because it could never truly be equal..
“The colored people of this country have, I think, made a great mistake, of late, in saying so much of race and color as a basis of their claims to justice, and as the chief motive of their efforts and action. I have always attached more importance to manhood than to mere identity with any variety of the human family..." "We should never forget that the ablest and most eloquent voices ever raised in behalf of the black man’s cause were the voices of white men. Not for race, not for color, but for men and for manhood they labored, fought, and died. Away, then, with the nonsense that a man must be black to be true to the rights of black men”. – Fredrick Douglass
EVOLUTION OF A UNIVERSITY:
John G. Gee severed as president of East Texas State
from 1947 to 1966. He was admired to be a man with
strong morals and ideals. However it was also know he
was very stubborn when it came towards ideas he would
not accept. Such as allowing African Americans to attend
the ETSU.
During 1954, same year as the Brown vs. Board of
Education case, many schools and universities were
either discussing or were in the progress of
desegregation their facilities. However, Gee had turned
down multiple applications from African Americans
seeking to enter ET, auguring that segregation would
cause greater harm than good. However, despite how
strongly he felt of the situation, Gee recognized he
couldn’t delay the inevitable, and began planning for
desegregation. not indefinitely delay the inevitable. In
1962, he appointed a secret ad hoc committee to develop
a plan under which ET could be desegregated peacefully.
“Our Board of Regents and the “Constitution of Texas” had stipulated that the races “must be segregated”. James. G. Gee -
FIRST BLACK STUDENT AT E.T.
In 1964, East Texas State opened
their doors to Miss Velma Waters, a
local resident of Commerce, and the
first African American student to
attend ETSU. Although she was
shunned by white students and even
victimized by her biased teachers,
she could recall other students
encouraging and supporting her to
continue her education.
Despite the many harsh and discriminatory acts of a majority of her fellow classmates and teachers, Waters continued her Education with diligence and determination. Her perseverance was reward with a Bachelor's Degree in 1968.
Additional Info: A black student by the name of Charles Garwin, attended ETSU along with Miss Waters, not much is mentioned about his time at the campus expect for determination to learn and complete his assignments. Garwin’s hard work was greatly rewarded for he was the first African American to graduate ETSU in 1966, two years before Waters. Both Waters and Garwin are considered to be the obstacles to break down the segregated barriers.
TRADING COTTON FOR COLLEGE
The story of Mr. Moore was another inspiring
tale of an African American man, who rose from
the cotton fields and attended East Texas State
at the age of sixteen, merely due to beginning
school at age of five and being moved up a year
in the middle of high school; Mr. Moore did
struggle with the desire to go to some of his
classes, like English 101X, However, he did enjoy
attending classes like Shop and Drafting, thanks
to the guidance of his instructor Mr. Kibler. Out
of all of his memories of E.T., Jerold’s fondest
memories were mainly revolved around the
people he loved to hang around and sports, more
particularly the football rivalry between East
Texas and North Texas.
“Dr. James G. Gee, was the president of ETSTC while I was enrolled, and he was clearly was the man in charge of the campus and a man of strong views. I particularly remember his attitude towards integration of the college which he announced by saying there would never be any Blacks at ETSTC. However, to his create when the time came for inevitable change, he oversaw a smooth end of segregation on the campus.” -Jerold Moore
BREAKING FREE
The story of Mary Cimarolli and her struggle of
stepping out of the shadows of the past, into a
brighter future. Yearning to break free from the
stereotypical employment of a woman and African
American alike, Mary desires to explore out of the
possibilities of Hopkins and Wood counties, but shuns
the idea of following the path of an educator, weather
she shuns this path, because she believes she wouldn’t
make it, or held back by her images of World War II is
uncertain. However, in 1969, Mary enrolls in East
Texas State University, and thanks to a multiple
inspiration instructors, especially Dr. Paul Barrus, and
her burning passion for learning, Mary finally decides
to partake in the profession of a classroom teacher. A
path to this day she still has a burning passion.
This image is of two African Americans who are employed as Cafeteria workers, in the 1930’s, the are uneducated underpaid, and underappreciated. It was believed this would be the fate of African Americans, to scrap for underhanded jobs such as cafeteria workers, cotton workers, etc. This image is what I believe Miss Cimarolli, desired to break away from.
ORAL HISTORY: DERRYLE PEACE
This interview was based off the life of Derryle
Peace, a man born in Dallas TX on May 3, 1962.
He was raised by his grandparents near
Northpark, and his upbringing consisted of
Church services and neighborhood involvements.
During school segregation he attended Booker T.
Washington School, which was located in another
area. However, during school desegregation,
teachers prepared him and other students with
advanced lessons to be able to compete with the
new transition. . In 1970, he left Dallas for East
Texas State University (ETSU) in Commerce. In
the meantime, the Vietnam War was on but he
did not consider it as the option; college
education was his choice. He was more
concerned with civil rights and Black awareness.
As an ETSU African American student, he
engaged in student activities as well as attending
the local Mt. Moriah Temple Baptist church.
As stated: Mr. Peace attended Booker T. Washing school, during the time of segregation. He recalled how his school was stuck with second hand books, or how his school was equipped to old facilities, Despite his ambition to learn, this environment felt more like a prison than a school.
ORAL HISTORY: GLENDA MCKNISSIC BAYLOR
The life of Glenda McKnissic Baylor, better known as the ETSU’s
first African American Homecoming Queen. Ms. Baylor was born
and raised in Minneola, Texas, a town divided by black and white.
She attended school at McFarland High School, an all-AA school in
town, However, she was selected as one of five students to attend
Minneola High School, an all-white school, in order to test early
segregation, before forced segregation. Ms. Baylor found
attending the all-white school more of a positive than a negative,
because of the better facilities and new textbooks for the students.
When Minneola High became fully integrated, she admits there
were times of tension but she was able to maintain her calm and
positive attitude. She graduated high school in 1968, and attended
East Texas State University in the fall. Much like in her own
community, Ms. Baylor got involved around the campus, and
assisted in starting the first AA Sorority; and was nominated as the
Homecoming Queen in 1968, but she really made her mark when
she became the first Homecoming Queen for ETSU, and while
some people booed during her crowning, many also clapped,
showing their believe and support in her. She graduated ETSU
in1971 with a degree in Business and Education.
While attending school, Ms. Baylor quickly realized that there were no social outlets for African Americans (AA) to gather and socialize. However, thanks to her determination and leadership, she created multiple different social outlets for African Americans to gather together, and express themselves, starting with the “InCrowd Club”, for AA Girls. This was just one of many different social groups she created in her youth.
BRIEF HISTORY: LOUIS FREEMAN
This gentleman I find very interesting. Louis
Freeman is a commercial Airline pilot and became
Southwest Airlines first black pilot, and in1992 he
became the first black chief pilot of the major US
Airline.
Freeman, his brother and eight others were the
first African American students to integrate the
school; Freeman attended the Woodrow Wilson
High School, and graduated in 1967. Afterwards he
attended ETSU, he was the first African American
ROTC cadet corps commander, both in Woodrow
and ETSU. Freeman first attempted the Air Force
Officers' Qualifying Test (AFOQT) in his freshman
year at East Texas. Though he failed the pilot
aptitude section of the test, he passed the AFOQT
in his subsequent attempt, the following year. In
1974, he graduated with a bachelor's degree in
sociology and psychology. One of Freeman’s most remarkable flights was in 2005 when he and a volunteer Team from Southwest Airlines transported Rosa Parks’ remains, family and friends to three cities.
ORAL HISTORY: JOHN CARLOS
This interview was the experiences that Dr. John
Carlos, had during his time at East Texas State
University. Dr. John Carlos, an amazing athlete grew
up in Harlem as an excellent student as well as a
gifted athlete. After graduating high school, he
attended ETSU, on a full track and field scholarship.
Although he never been to Texas before, Dr. Carlos
accepted and came to attend ESTU. After he landed
in the Dallas Airport, he could see he was
surrounded by segregation, and the only thing
people could tell him when he asked why it was like
this “That’s just the way things are down here”.
Carlo’s relationship with his coaches was very
contentious, but his team was able to win the NAIA
National Championship while he attended. However ,
Carlos only remained at ETSU for his first year, then
transferred to San Jose State University ; but before
he left ETSU he did learn of a potential boycott of
the 1968 Summer games by African American
Athletes, though it never took place.
Dr. Carlos is likely most remembered for the statement he and teammate Tommie Smith made during their medal ceremony by raising black-gloved fists during the playing of the Star- Spangled Banner. Dr. Carlos was at ETSU for a short time, but it was during that time that some African American students and community leaders had begun to organize to affect change, and this climate of change gained steam in the years that followed.
ORAL HISTORY: JAMES BELFORD
PAGE
This Gentleman to the left is James Belford Page, he was
born April 1, 1960 in Dallas Texas. Growing up, Mr. Page
have a lot of interactions with white people, he was the
type of man who believed he could get along with anyone.
All of the schools he attended as a child were segregated,
until, his senior year in 1968 where his school he was
attending began integration. During high school, Page
spend time at Southern Methodist University as a part of
the Upward Bound program he was apart in high school.
However, Page wanted to go somewhere other than Dallas
when it was time for him to attend. He decided to go to
East Texas State University on a Math Scholarship.
However, while page loved Math he loved Football even
more, and he tried and made the football team at his time
at E.T.
Page eventually changed majors, and switched to
an athletic scholarship. He was eventually drafted by
the Green Bay Packers, and played football in the NFL for
a time.
Page says that there was racism on campus at East Texas State University, but he describes it as “subtle.” He tells a story of how the black athletes often had to run from the field to a tunnel while some white people in the back of a truck threw rocks at them. While he does speak of racism, and tension on campus, Page has fond memories of East Texas State as well, recounting some favorite professors and classes taken.
WORKS CITEDReynolds, Donald E., and James H. Conrad. "Chapter 4: Evolution of A University."Professor Mayo's College: A
History of East Texas State University. Commerce, TX: East Texas State UP, 1993. N. pag. North East Texas Digital
Collection. Web.
Reynolds, Donald E., and James H. Conrad. "Chapter 4: Evolution of A University."Professor Mayo's College: A
History of East Texas State University. Commerce, TX: East Texas State UP, 1993. N. pag. North East Texas Digital
Collection. Web.
Jerold D. Moore "Trading Cotton for College." Memories of Old E.T. N.p.: Silver Leos Writers Guild, n.d. 293-95.
Print.
Mary Cimarolli “How I Got Out of the Cotton Fields and Lived Happily Ever After.” Memories of Old E.t. N.p.:
Silver Leos Writers Guild n.d. 6-9. Print.
Derryle Peace. 2009. Commerce, TX. Reel Texas History Collection. N.p.: n.p., n.d. N. pag. North East Texas
Digital Collection. Web.
Glenda McKnissic Baylor. 2012. Commerce, TX. Reel Texas Digital Collection. N.p.: n.p., n.d. N. pag. North East
Texas Digital Collection. Web.
Louis Freeman. N.d. Commerce, TX. Who Is Log Info. N.p.: n.p., n.d. N. pag. Web. <whoisloginfo.com>.
John Carlos. N.d. Commerce, TX. Reel Texas Digital Collection. N.p.: n.p., n.d. N. pag.North East Digital
Collection. Web.
James Belford Page. 2011. Commerce, TX. Reel Texas Digital Collection. N.p.: n.p., n.d. N. pag. North East Texas
Digital Collection. Web.
Fredrick Douglass High School. 2008. Baltimore, MD. N.p.: n.p., n.d. N. pag. Wikipedia. Web.
WORKS CITED (IMAGES)
James G. Gee. 1954. Commerce, TX. Historic E.T. Collection. N.p.: n.p., n.d. N. pag. NorthEast Texas Digital
Collections. Web.
Velma Waters. 1964. Commerce, TX. Professor Mayo's College: A History of East Texas State University. N.p.: n.p.,
n.d. N. pag. North East Texas Digital Collection. Web.
Cotton Fields. 2000. Cotton Fields in China. N.p.: n.p., n.d. N. pag. American Immigrants. Web.
<http://frydenlundvg1.wikidot.com/cotton-fields-in-china>.
African American Cafeteria Workers. 1932. Commerce, TX. African American History Collection. N.p.: n.p., n.d. N.
pag. North East Texas Digital Collection. Web.
Derryle Peace. 2009. Commerce, TX. Reel Texas History Collection. N.p.: n.p., n.d. N. pag. North East Texas Digital
Collection. Web.
Glenda McKnissic Baylor. 2012. Commerce, TX. Reel Texas Digital Collection. N.p.: n.p., n.d. N. pag. North East
Texas Digital Collection. Web.
Louis Freeman. N.d. Commerce, TX. Who Is Log Info. N.p.: n.p., n.d. N. pag. Web. <whoisloginfo.com>.
John Carlos. N.d. Commerce, TX. Reel Texas Digital Collection. N.p.: n.p., n.d. N. pag.North East Digital
Collection. Web.
James Belford Page. 2011. Commerce, TX. Reel Texas Digital Collection. N.p.: n.p., n.d. N. pag. North East Texas
Digital Collection. Web.
Fredrick Douglass High School. 2008. Baltimore, MD. N.p.: n.p., n.d. N. pag. Wikipedia. Web.