On Saturday, December 4, 2010 over 80 alumni and friends came for a book signing by Dr. Charles Robinson and Dr. Lonnie Williams of their new book “Remembrances In Black: Personal perspectives on the African-American Experience at the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville”.
With the admittance in 1948 of Silas Hunt to the University of Arkansas School of Law, the university became the first southern public institution of higher education to officially desegregate without being required to do so by court order. The process was difficult, but an important first step had been taken. Other students would follow in Silas Hunt’s footsteps, and they along with the university would have to grapple with the situation. Remembrances In Black is an oral history that gathers the personal stories of African Americans who worked as faculty and staff and of students who studied at the state’s flagship institution. With the admittance in 1948 of Silas Hunt to the University Of Arkansas Law School, the University became the first Southern public institution of higher education to officially desegregate without being required to do so by court order. The purpose was difficult but an important first step had been taken. Other students will follow in Silas Hunt footsteps, they along with the university would have to upgrade with the situation. Remembrances In Black is an oral history that gathers the personal stories of African- Americas who worked as faculty, staff and students who studied at the state’s flagship institution.
These stories illustrate the anguish, struggle, and triumph of individuals whom had their lives indelibly marked by their experiences at the school. Organized chronologically over sixty years, this book illustrates how people of color navigated both the evolving campus environment and that of the city of Fayetteville in their attempts to fulfill personal aspirations. Their stories demonstrate the process of desegregation prove painfully slow to those who chose to challenge the forces of exclusion. Also the Remembrances question, the extent to which desegregation has been fully realized.
About the Authors:
Charles F. Robinson II is Provost for Diversity at the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville and the author of Dangerous Liaisons: Sex and Love in The Segregated South at University of Arkansas Press and Forsaking Others.
Dr. Lonnie Williams is an Associate of Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs at Arkansas State University, Jonesboro. Dr. Williams served for thirteen years as the Assistant Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs at the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville. Dr. Williams is a graduate of the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville.
Get their New Book:
“Remembrances In Black” will be available at the 2011 BAS Reunion Author’s Pavilion and the authors will also be present to sign it for you.
You can also purchase the book at Pyramid Art, Books and Custom Framing. A portion of the books sales purchased from Pyramid Art, Books and Custom Framing by December 31, 2010, will be contributed to the Black Alumni Society to help support the Wyatt Weems Scholarship Fund.
To purchase or order a book from the store contact Garbo Hearne at 501-372-5824 or email: hearnefinart87@aol.com.
