Guide to the Black Alumni Stories and Oral Histories
SC1473
Daniel Hartwig & Emma Frothingham
Department of Special Collections and University Archives
December 2019
Green Library
557 Escondido Mall
Stanford 94305-6064
specialcollections@stanford.edu
Series 1 - Black Alumni Stories 2019; Series 2 - Taking the Mic
Language of Material:
English
Contributing Institution:
Department of Special Collections and University Archives
Title: Black Alumni Stories and Oral Histories
Creator:
Stanford National Black Alumni Association
Identifier/Call Number: SC1473
Physical Description:
6326.94 megabyte(s)
Date: 2019
Physical Location: Special Collections
and University Archives materials are stored offsite and must be paged 48 hours in advance.
For more information on paging collections, see the department's website:
http://library.stanford.edu/spc.
Language of Material: English
Conditions Governing Use
All requests to reproduce, publish, quote from, or otherwise use collection materials must
be submitted in writing to the Head of Special Collections and University Archives, Stanford
University Libraries, Stanford, California 94304-6064. Consent is given on behalf of Special
Collections as the owner of the physical items and is not intended to include or imply
permission from the copyright owner. Such permission must be obtained from the copyright
owner, heir(s) or assigns. Restrictions also apply to digital representations of the
original materials. Use of digital files is restricted to research and educational
purposes.
Preferred Citation
Interview with [Interviewee name] conducted by [Interviewer name], [year]. Black Alumni
Stories and Oral Histories (SC1473). Department of Special Collections and University
Archives, Stanford Libraries, Stanford, Calif.
Scope and Contents
Records pertaining to the Stanford National Black Alumni Association, including video from
events and oral history interviews with alumni. Collection includes two series. Series 1
contains interviews from the 2019 National Black Alumni Summit. Series 2 contains a panel
discussion and individual interviews conducted in 2019 with participants in the Taking the
Mic event in 1969.
Conditions Governing Access
Materials are open for research use. Audio-visual materials are not available in original
format, and must be reformatted to a digital use copy.
Subjects and Indexing Terms
Stanford University -- Alumni -- Reminiscences.
College students, Black.
Oral histories.
Stanford National Black Alumni Association
Black Alumni Stories 2019
2019 Apr 5-6
Creator: Stanford Historical Society. Oral History
Program
Scope and Contents
Interviews conducted with attendees of the 2019 Stanford Black Alumni Summit in Los
Angeles, California, put on by the Stanford National Black Alumni Association in April
2019.
Biographical / Historical
Recorded as part of the 2019 Black Alumni Summit held in Los Angeles, California, these
interviews explored the lives of Black students at Stanford from the 1960s through the
2000s. Interviewees were asked to reflect on how they came to Stanford, the experience
of Black students during their time here, and challenges they faced. In conclusion,
interviewees were asked to give advice to current and future Black students at
Stanford
Bell, April; Clements, Elizabeth; Bennett, Ayanna; and Ancar,
Katina
zc444gv6833
2019-04-06
Bell, Clements, Bennett, Ancar - Recordings
Bell, Clements, Bennett, Ancar - Transcript
Creator: Bell,
April
Creator: Bennett, Ayanna
Creator: Ancar, Katina
Creator: Clements, Elizabeth Riles
Creator: Hartwig, Daniel
Abstract: April Bell (AB Human Biology,
1995), Elizabeth Riles Clements (AB Human Biology, 1995), Ayanna Bennett (AB Human
Biology, 1995), and Katina Ancar (AB History, 1995) share their experiences at
Stanford as black students, including hardships and proudest moments. They describe
the environments in which they grew up and how those places shaped their perception of
Stanford's black community, which often surprised them with its class and ethnic
diversity. They acknowledge the strong dichotomy between those who were rich and those
who were poor, and speak about what it was like to feel stuck in the middle. They also
speak about the exclusion they felt for not joining a black sorority. The women
conclude by advising current and future students to be themselves, open up their
social circles, and take advantage of all the opportunities Stanford
provides.
Billings, Gregory wt135jc3037
2019-04-06
Greg Billings - Recordings
Greg Billings - Transcript
Creator: Billings, Gregory
Creator: Hartwig, Daniel
Abstract: In this oral history, Gregory
Billings (AB Economics, 1988) talks about his experiences at Stanford, naming some of
the organizations in which he participated and recalling how Michael J. Boskin's
introductory economics course inspired him to switch his major from engineering to
economics. He describes some of the hardships he faced and the financial support he
received from the university. He concludes by advising current students to hold on to
their motivation and passion and to make use of Stanford's career
resources.
Cabbell, Kyle and Diane Benedict rf565ss1105
2019-04-06
Kyle and Diane Cabbell - Recordings
Kyle and Diane Cabbell - Transcript
Creator: Cabbell, Kyle
Creator: Cabbell, Diane
Creator: Hartwig, Daniel
Abstract: Diane Benedict Cabbell (AB
International Relations, 1987) and Kyle Cabbell (AB Physics, 1986) share their
experiences at Stanford, including how they came to attend the university and the
process of becoming acclimated once here. Speaking of their favorite Stanford moments,
Diane recalls her experience studying abroad in Florence while Kyle speaks about the
joys and challenges of studying physics at Stanford. Kyle and Diane advise current
students to accept difference, branch out, and include some diversity in their inner
circles.
Coats, Tonya bw191hc0311
2019-04-05
Tonya Coats - Recordings
Tonya Coats - Transcript
Creator: Coats, Tonya
Creator: Hartwig, Daniel
Abstract: Tonya Jackson
Coats (AB Anthropology, 1989) speaks about her life as a black student on Stanford's
campus. She discusses a variety of topics including the importance of her BROC (Black
Recruitment and Orientation Committee) mentor, the stereotypical assumptions other
students sometimes made about her, and the role she felt she was forced to play as one
of Stanford's "diverse" students. She talks about finding her path to the study of
medical anthropology and her disappointment in having to give up the spot she had
earned on the club tennis team in order to complete the challenging pre-med
curriculum.
Davis, Angel mr108kd7805
2019-04-06
Angel Davis - Recordings
Angel Davis - Transcript
Creator: Davis, Angel
Creator: Hartwig, Daniel
Abstract: Angel Davis graduated from
Stanford in 2006 after double majoring in economics and communications. In this oral
history, she discusses "the signs" that led her to choose Stanford over Duke and
speaks about how being a part of Stanford's black community helped her to thrive
during her four years in college. She describes her involvement in BROC (Black
Recruitment and Orientation Committee), WYSE (Women and Youth Supporting Each Other),
and her sorority, Delta Sigma Theta, and she advises current students to take
advantage of all the resources, including professors and alumni, that Stanford has to
offer.
Dennings, Erica xm052zt0331
2019-04-05
Erica Dennings - Recordings
Erica Dennings - Transcript
Creator: Dennings, Erica
Creator: Hartwig, Daniel
Abstract: In this oral history, Erica
Markham Dennings (AB French Studies, 1985) reminisces about hanging out with friends
in Otero and Ujamaa and her love for Stanford's black community, which has grown
stronger with the passing years. Dennings recalls her mentors, academic challenges,
the transformative experience of studying abroad in Paris, and her involvement in the
Black House and La Maison Française (The French House). She describes her life after
Stanford, including her involvement in Stanford alumni groups, and offers advice for
current Stanford students and the Black Alumni Association.
Henry, Julie pk720qw2883
2019-04-06
Julie Henry - Recordings
Julie Henry - Transcript
Creator: Henry, Julie
Creator: Hartwig, Daniel
Abstract: Julie Henry earned her bachelor's
degree in sociology from Stanford in 1980 and a master's in education in 1981. In this
oral history, Henry discusses her participation in musical and theater groups on
campus and describes her first blatant experience with racism. She discusses some of
the challenges she experienced as a student as well as the help she received from
mentors like Sandy Dornbusch. She emphasizes how important every interaction is and
advises current Stanford students to be flexible and open to new
experiences.
Holmes, Kirk tz140vp3581
2019-04-05
Kirk Holmes - Recordings
Kirk Holmes - Transcript
Creator: Holmes, Kirk
Creator: Hartwig, Daniel
Abstract: Kirk Holmes graduated from
Stanford with an MBA in 1987. In this oral history, he discusses participating in a
voluntary school desegregation experiment in Rochester, New York, in the 1960s and the
circumstances that led him to enroll in Stanford's Graduate School of Business. He
describes the culture of the GSB during the 1980s, commenting on the extremely small
number of students of color, the GSB's seclusion from the rest of the university, and
the pervasive sense of elitism at the school. He advises current professional students
to work to integrate themselves into the larger Stanford community and offers thoughts
on how the GSB and the corporate world might increase diversity and
inclusion.
Irving-Elkins, Amber-Marie wv344wb8515
2019-04-06
Amber-Marie Irving-Elkins - Recordings
Amber-Marie Irving-Elkins - Transcript
Creator: Irving-Elkins, AmberMarie
Creator: Hartwig, Daniel
Abstract: In this oral history, AmberMarie
Irving-Elkins describes her time as an undergraduate student at Stanford, including
her participation in the Kuumba African Dance Ensemble and frequent trips to Ujamaa
House. She recalls the challenging chemistry course that caused her to switch her
major from the pre-med track to psychology and her enthusiasm for Professor Phil
Zimbardo's psychology courses. Irving-Elkins credits Stanford for providing her first
truly multicultural experience, advises current students to "truly immerse yourself
and enjoy it because you blink and it's over," and comments on the importance of
protecting the mental health of students and offering alums opportunities to
connect.
Jacquet, James sf238bf8705
2019-04-05
James Jacquet - Recordings
James Jacquet - Transcript
Creator: Jacquet, James
Creator: Hartwig, Daniel
Abstract: James Jacquet graduated from
Stanford with a BA in psychology in 1985. In this oral history, he speaks about his
experiences at Stanford, including joining the Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity, the
academic struggles he faced in the pre-med track, and how he felt like he "finally
found my tribe of people" when he immersed himself in Stanford's African American
community. Reflecting on the current historical moment, he emphasizes the importance
of maintaining connections to community and supporting one another.
Jones, Andrea wb928wz6901
2019-04-05
Andrea Jones - Recordings
Andrea Jones - Transcript
Creator: Jones, Andrea
Creator: Hartwig, Daniel
Abstract: In this oral history, Andrea
Jones (AB Human Biology, 1987) describes her experiences as a Stanford undergraduate,
including the "comfortable sense of community" at Ujamaa and her participation in
black organizations such as Black Pre-med, the National Society of Black Engineers
(NSBE), and her sorority, Delta Sigma Theta. Jones also mentions her involvement with
Rejoice in Jesus, the Leland Stanford Junior University Marching Band, and The
Stanford Daily and recalls her experience as a recruiting hostess for the football
team, during which she formed friendships with several athletes, including Cory
Booker. Jones ruminates about her experience with mentors and urges current students
to "drink from the firehose" of opportunities at Stanford.
Mason-Montague, Jennifer nx882bm2572
2019-04-06
Jennifer Mason-Montague - Recordings
Jennifer Mason-Montague - Transcript
Creator: Mason-Montague, Jennifer
Creator: Hartwig, Daniel
Abstract: Jennifer Mason-Montague graduated
from Stanford in 1991 with a BA in quantitative economics and feminist studies. In
this oral history, she describes her undergraduate experience at Stanford, including
her participation in the Black Student Union, Bridge Peer Counseling Center, and Delta
Sigma Theta sorority. Mason-Montague recalls her reaction to the Otero Incident during
her freshman year, in which students protesting disciplinary sanctions against a
student for homophobic slurs paraded in Ku Klux Klan-like regalia. She opens up about
her depression as an undergraduate, advises Stanford to be proactive in confronting
possible mental health issues, and urges students to seek help when they need it and
find things "that were part of their upbringing that continually make them happy and
give them joy."
Perryman, Azella wm143qq3878
2019-04-05
Azella Perryman - Recordings
Azella Perryman - Transcript
Creator: Perryman, Azella
Creator: Hartwig, Daniel
Abstract: Azella Perryman graduated from
Stanford in 2005 with a BA in economics. In this oral history, she discusses her
decision to attend Stanford after being recruited for the women's basketball team,
some of the challenges she faced as a student athlete, and how important it was to
have the support of her mentors, Debra Gore-Mann and Peter J. Klenow. Perryman also
offers advice to Stanford's athletic department, urging them to work harder to provide
practice times that accord with academic schedules for demanding majors and additional
resources for career planning and internships for women athletes.
Porter, Dawn
2019-04-06
Dawn Porter - Recordings
Dawn Porter - Transcript
Creator: Porter, Dawn
Creator: Hartwig, Daniel
Abstract: Dawn M. Porter, MD (AB Human
Biology, 1987) speaks about her involvement with Stanford's black community and the
support it offered her during her undergraduate years. She speaks about the importance
of the Black Recruitment and Orientation Committee (BROC) and mentions her involvement
in the Black Student Union, Stanford Gospel Choir, Stanford Pre-med Association, and
Alpha Kappa Alpha. Porter praises the strength of the black community, providing an
example of their protest of a lecture by William Shockley. She urges Stanford to
consider diversity within the black community when making admissions decisions and
offers advice on promoting mental well-being among college students, including
attention to the impact of social media and the availability of black counselors.
Today, Porter works as a child psychiatrist with her own private practice.
Richardson, Terri yd286nq0221
2019-04-06
Terri Richardson - Recordings
Terri Richardson - Transcript
Creator: Richardson, Terri
Creator: Hartwig, Daniel
Abstract: Terri Richardson graduated from
Stanford in 1980 with a BA in biology. In this oral history, she describes her
experiences as an undergraduate, including the freedom to not be ashamed of her
intelligence, the challenge of asking for help when she needed it, and the support she
received from faculty member Jim Gibbs. She mentions her pride in graduating early and
speaks about her scholarship from the Gates Rubber Company foundation and her summer
jobs there. She advises current students to recognize and "stand in" their power, and
expresses enthusiasm for the Black Alumni Summits. After graduating from Stanford,
Richardson attended Yale Medical School and entered the field of internal
medicine.
Sherrod, Danielle mg987wc0979
2019-04-06
Danielle Sherrod - Recordings
Danielle Sherrod - Transcript
Creator: Sherrod, Danielle
Creator: Hartwig, Daniel
Abstract: Danielle Sherrod (JD 2002) shares
what is was like to be one of the few female African American law students at
Stanford. She discusses her decision to attend Stanford Law School and speaks about
what differentiates it from East Coast schools. She describes becoming a part of the
Black community on campus and advises current students to take advantage of Stanford's
many resources, including attending professor's office hours and studying abroad.
Sherrod discusses her life after Stanford, which included working as a corporate
finance lawyer at Richard Riordan's law firm and briefly entering the entertainment
industry to work with Marcia Clark on the show, Live Justice. Today, Sherrod works for
Aerospace Corporation.
Sparks, Keith tt779pw0165
2019-04-05
Keith Sparks - Recordings
Keith Sparks - Transcript
Creator: Sparks, Keith
Creator: Hartwig, Daniel
Abstract: In this oral history, Keith
Sparks (AB Human Biology, 1984) speaks about the supportive community and
opportunities he found at Stanford both as a student and staff member in the
Department of Athletics. He mentions his involvement in establishing the Lambda Nu
chapter of the Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity, as well as his participation in a variety
of other student groups such as the Stanford Gospel Choir and The Fellas. He shares
his belief that college athletes should be paid and talks about his efforts to
establish the Historical Basketball League, a startup league that provides college
athletes with an alternative pathway to the NBA.
Stain, Janice tp089mh1287
2019-04-06
Janice Stain - Recordings
Janice Stain - Transcript
Creator: Stain, Janice
Creator: Hartwig, Daniel
Abstract: Janice Stain (AB Human Biology,
1981) recalls her role in the founding of the Stanford Gospel Choir. She comments on
the choir's growth, its impact in bringing people to Christ, and the community it
provided her and thousands of students who came after her. Stain also offers advice to
current black students and reflects on the commonplace challenges she experienced as a
student. After graduating from Stanford, Stain pursued a career in medicine. Today she
works as an OB/GYN.
Stevenson, Donald dj641tc7728
2019-04-06
Donald Stevenson - Recordings
Donald Stevenson - Transcript
Creator: Stevenson, Donald
Creator: Hartwig, Daniel
Abstract: Donald
Stevenson (AB Human Biology, 1977) speaks about his experiences as a student athlete
at Stanford, recalling the strong bonds formed with his football teammates and the
serious focus on academics. He also mentions his participation in student
organizations such as the Black Student Union and Black Pre-med, as well as his time
spent as a Big Brother. Stevenson shares his reaction to receiving the Academic
All-American award and his experience as a player representative interviewing Bill
Walsh for the job of head football coach. After Stanford, Stevenson attended medical
school at University of Southern California and became an orthopedic surgeon. Today,
he owns a practice in Inglewood, California, working with professional and college
teams.
Thomas, Tiffany & Wilson, Jenice nx095gp0012
2019-04-06
Thomas & Wilson - Recordings
Thomas & Wilson - Transcript
Creator: Thomas, Tiffany
Creator: Wilson, Jenice
Creator: Hartwig, Daniel
Abstract: Tiffany Thomas (AB Political
Science, 2002) and Jenice Wilson (AB Cultural and Social Anthropology, 2002) share
what is was like studying at Stanford as black women, as well as their experiences as
black alumni today. They recall meeting one another and their deep involvement in the
black community, participating in groups like the Black Student Union and Black
Recruitment and Orientation Committee (BROC). They speak movingly of the friendships
they made at Stanford, reflect on experiences of microaggressions, and advise current
black students to remember they belong at Stanford and to get involved outside the
black community as well as in it. After Stanford, Thomas went on to study at Berkeley
Law and now works at Visa, and Wilson studied fashion at Parsons, later working in
fashion design.
Walsh, Michelle bp365vf9534
2019-04-06
Michelle Walsh - Recordings
Michelle Walsh - Transcript
Creator: Walsh, Michelle
Creator: Hartwig, Daniel
Abstract: In this oral
history, Michelle Walsh (AB Human Biology, 1993) shares her experiences as a Stanford
student. She mentions her involvement in student organizations, including co- founding
the Caribbean Students Association. Walsh also participated in the Black Student Union
and worked at the Black Community Services Center. She reflects on some of the
challenges she experienced as a student and explains how working on the Martin Luther
King Jr. Papers Project with Clayborne Carson led her to take a job at the American
Civil Liberties Union. Later, Walsh earned her JD and MBA, and now works in
Bloomberg's legal research division.
Washington, Keni tz637tr3464
2019-04-06
Keni Washington - Recordings
Keni Washington - Transcript
Creator: Washington, Keni
Creator: Hartwig, Daniel
Abstract: In this oral history, Keni
Washington (AB Philosophy, 1968 philosophy) recalls his family history, growing up in
a thriving black community in Gary, Indiana, and his experiences as both a black
student and student activist at Stanford, including the Taking of the Mic protest in
1968. Arriving at Stanford in the mid-1960s, Washington recalls the lack of a black
community on campus given the very small number of black students. He speaks about the
discrimination and hostility he encountered on campus, feeling like he didn't belong,
and his disappointment in learning of the racist views of Professor William Shockley.
Washington mentions his suspension from Stanford for his involvement in taking over
the President's Office in protest of the Vietnam War. Upon his return, Washington
became involved in the leadership of the Black Student Union (BSU). He explains his
personal connection to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., speaks movingly about the impact
his death had on him, and describes the protest by BSU members in Memorial Auditorium
following Dr. King's assassination.
Wilkins-Fry-Johnson, Yvonne gv765sk5483
2019-04-06
Wilkins-Fry-Johnson - Recordings
Wilkins-Fry-Johnson - Transcript
Creator: Fry-Johnson, Yvonne Wilkins
Creator: Hartwig, Daniel
Abstract: In this oral history, Yvonne
Wilkins Fry-Johnson (AB Biological Sciences, 1978) describes her family background,
the path that led her to Stanford, some academic highlights, and her career journey in
medicine. She speaks about her involvement in student groups, including the Black
Pre-med organization for which she helped to organize a conference with Dr. LaSalle
Doheny Leffall, Jr. as keynote speaker. She also recalls the rewards of working with
Dr. Howard Sussman as an honors student.
Williams, Allyson mz609ds6019
2019-04-05
Allyson Williams - Recordings
Allyson Williams - Transcript
Creator: Williams, Allyson
Creator: Hartwig, Daniel
Abstract: In this oral history, Allyson
Williams (AB Political Science, 1993) shares her experiences as an undergraduate at
Stanford University. She describes what her first days on campus were like and
mentions her role as the Black Student Union president and co-founder of the dance
group, Jam Pac'd. Williams also talks about her involvement in student government,
which at the time, was calling on Stanford's administration to protect students
against hate speech. She recalls the challenges she faced when switching majors, but
also the help she received from her many advisors, including Condoleezza Rice, to
overcome obstacles. After Stanford, Williams became a consultant in research and
international affairs, and now works at the Coca-Cola Company. She also enjoys her
time teaching Sunday school and being a deacon for her church.
Williams-Jones, Jacki vm297ys2956
2019-04-05
Jacki Williams-Jones - Recordings
Jacki Williams-Jones - Transcript
Creator: Williams-Jones, Jacki
Creator: Hartwig, Daniel
Abstract: Jacki Williams-Jones earned her
BA in French from Stanford in 1976 and her master's in 1977, and she went on to teach
French. In this oral history, she speaks about her experience as one of eight girls
who joined the Stanford Band the first year they allowed women. She describes her time
as a Dolly and her love for her fellow squad members and the band community. She also
mentions her performance in the Ram's Head production of Guys and Dolls. She concludes
by offering advice to current black students and sharing thoughts on how Stanford
might work to attract and retain black students, including sharing guidelines with
parents who want their children to go to college.
Witcher, Kalenah fs089dm7028
2019-04-06
Kalenah Witcher - Recordings
Kalenah Witcher - Transcript
Creator: Witcher, Kalenah
Creator: Hartwig, Daniel
Abstract: Kalenah Witcher graduated from
Stanford in 1991 with a BA in psychology and Honor's in education. In this oral
history, she talks about her experiences as a Black Muslim woman studying at Stanford,
including her decision not to cover herself while at college. She recalls being
welcomed by Robert Gregg, the dean of Memorial Chapel, on her first day and the
feeling of belonging it gave her; and how she eventually connected with other Muslims
at Stanford.
Taking the Mic: 50 Years Later
2019-04-08
Creator: Stanford Historical Society. Oral History
Program
Scope and Contents
Panel discussion and interviews conducted fifty years after the Taking the Mic event on
the Stanford campus with participants.
Biographical / Historical
At a convocation held April 8, 1968, a few days after the assassination of Martin
Luther King Jr., members of Stanford's Black Student Union took the stage and the
microphone to issue a set of demands. The students demanded that the university take
more action to support minority students, change policies related to the admission of
students of color, end tolerance of discriminatory behavior on campus, and increase
recruitment of faculty of color. Fifty years later, four students involved in "Taking
the Mic" and its aftermath came to campus to discuss their memories of the event and
reflect on what it has meant for the Stanford Black community.
Bacon, Mary Montle
2019-04-08
Bacon, Mary Montle - Recordings (TTM)
Bacon, Mary Montle - Transcript (TTM)
Creator: Bacon, Mary Montle
Creator: Frothingham, Emma
Abstract: Mary Montle Bacon (MA Education,
1971; PhD Psychology, 1978), who attended graduate school at Stanford in the 1970s,
reflects on the factors the led her to join the Black Student Union and her work as a
student representative on the committee formed to deal with the demands black students
made during the Taking of the Mic protest, held in 1968 in the wake of Martin Luther
King Jr.'s assassination. Bacon sheds light on the meaning of specific demands and
offers an assessment of their impact. She concludes the interview by reflecting on the
mixed value of her Stanford degree to her career in education and offering advice to
current black students.
Hayman, Warren C.
2019-04-08
Hayman, Warren C. - Recordings (TTM)
Hayman, Warren C. - Transcript (TTM)
Creator: Hayman, Warren. C
Creator: Frothingham, Emma
Abstract: Warren C. Hayman (MA Education,
1967) came to Stanford with his young family to participate in the Experienced
Teachers in Education Program at the Graduate School of Education in the late 1960s.
Hayman recalls how his work as a faculty resident in Soto and Roble and his
involvement with the Athletics Department led to connections with black undergraduates
and his work with the Black Student Union. As the principal of Belle Haven Elementary
School, he explains, he was able to advocate for the needs of the black community in
East Palo Alto during the final negotiations of the Taking the Mic demands. Hayman
concludes by speaking about Nairobi College and reflecting on the importance of the
"descendants of Taking the Mic," or what happened in the aftermath of the protest,
including the creation of entities to support black students.
Satterwhite, Frank J. Omowale
2019-04-08
Satterwhite, Frank J. Omowale - Recordings (TTM)
Satterwhite, Frank J. Omowale - Transcript (TTM)
Creator: Satterwhite, Frank J. Omowale
Creator: Hartwig, Daniel
Abstract: Omowale Satterwhite (PhD
Education, 1977), then a student at Stanford's Graduate School of Education, describes
the events surrounding Taking the Mic in 1968, including the process of drafting the
demands that were presented to the administration, his role in reading the demands on
the day of the action, and the work of the committee that negotiated with the
administration to implement them. Reflecting on his path to activism, Satterwhite
recalls how the "political crucible" of the Bay Area in the late 1960s caused him to
become politically conscious and committed to serving the black community, describes
the involvement of Black Student Union members in East Palo Alto, and reflects on how
the BSU enabled him to take his first step into activism.
Washington, Keni
2019-04-08
Keni Washington - Recordings (TTM)
Keni Washington - Transcript (TTM)
Creator: Babcock, Barbara Allen
Creator: Hartwig, Daniel
Abstract: Keni Washington, Class of 1968,
shares his memories of the tumultuous 1960s at Stanford. He discusses his journey from
military school graduate and ROTC cadet to anti-Vietnam War activist and provides
important context about Taking the Mic, including the Black Student Union's desire to
avoid violence and previous negotiations between black students and the
administration. Washington also reflects on human and animal rights issues and speaks
about the complicated nature of his relationship with Stanford. He concludes by
emphasizing that in "Taking the Mic" black students were engaged, not in an
extracurricular activity, but in a "desperate act of survival."
Taking the Mic Panel Discussion
2019-04-08
Taking the Mic Panel - Recordings
Taking the Mic Panel - Transcript
Creator: Bacon, Mary Montle
Creator: Hayman, Warren. C
Creator: Satterwhite, Frank J. Omowale
Creator: Washington, Keni
Creator: Conerly,
Rosalind
Abstract: Mary Bacon, Warren Hayman,
Omowale Satterwhite, and Keni Washington share memories of the Taking the Mic protest
by black students at a convocation in the wake of Martin Luther King Jr.'s
assassination in 1968. The four alums shed light on interactions between the
administration and the Black Student Union prior to King's assassination, reflect on
the impact the assassination had in galvanizing the black community at Stanford, and
describe the process of drafting the demands and the role that the broader context of
protest in the Bay Area and nationally played in the administration's response. They
also speak about the meaning of Taking the Mic to the black community at Stanford
today.