Students Lead the Way to a Better Black History

To the Editors:

During Black History Month, as I think back on my student life at Oberlin, one event in particular stands out in terms of its national media exposure and personal impact. Several of my classmates reenacted the Underground Railroad for their Winter Term project in 1980. I remember hearing David Hoard ’81 and Lester Barclay ’81 talk about the project and then bring it to reality through getting grants and figuring out logistical details. I remember talking to my best friend, Marzella Player-Credit ’82, about how the group traveled at night sleeping outside, in barns or churches. I was saddened to hear about the racial slurs and mean-spirited people they encountered along the way. However, what struck me most was the growth that I saw in each participant. They returned stronger than before, probably because they had figured out how to survive a 33-day, 420-mile journey in the middle of winter through Kentucky and Ohio. They seemed to learn to appreciate even more those people who were helpful by providing shelter and food while ignoring or minimizing those who sought to be negative. Also, it was obvious that they had to reach deep inside themselves to persevere at times and the result was a heightened sense of confidence in themselves and what they individually and collectively could accomplish.
It is a very positive point for me that Oberlin has played a significant role in Black history. The fact that Oberlin was the first private, co-educational liberal arts school in the U.S. to admit people of African ancestry in 1835 stood out for me when I first saw it in my history book in the ninth grade. It was a key reason that I made my first visit to Oberlin. I am sure that those first students of color had experiences in common with those on the Underground Railroad as they learned to navigate uncharted educational territories successfully. Also, I am sure that they emerged stronger than before as they learned how to survive and ultimately thrive.
Current students of African ancestry are carving their paths at Oberlin right now and creating Black History that will better themselves and the Oberlin community. As an alum, this increases my pride for Oberlin and I look forward to hearing about those experiences.

–Dawn Alexander OC ‘82
Alumni Association Executive Board Member
Oberlin Alumni Association of African Ancestry Member