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The Beginning of Belonging
Exploring the Black history of Albion College
The themes in this exhibit were chosen purposefully because they were the most common ideas brought up in the oral history interviews. These themes can be best used to describe and represent the experiences that Black students have had on the Albion College campus.
(This exhibit will be updated with new information as it is found. If you would like to contribute or add any missed information, please contact archives@albion.edu)
Early History
Here is a map of places on campus that were significant to our oral history interviewees.
The "Why" Stories
The ‘Albion Advantage’ is a term that people see in the airports when travelling, read on their information pamphlets, hear on their tours and then experience once they become a student. The Albion Advantage can be what encourages students to choose Albion.
Room Away From Home
While choosing a College students most look forward to that feeling they get when they arrive. The views and vibes are what make the experience capable of turning the campus into another form of home.
Obstacles, Challenges & Overcoming
No one has made any journey or completed any race without obstacles or jumping over hurdles. These roadblocks may come subtly or smack you right in the face. Character is shown in the way that they are handled, and these students overcame the challenges presented.
Racial tensions are always likely to be found in an environment that is heterogeneous. Albion College was no exception. A college unofficially known as not being welcoming to diverse populations, entered the battles when they began to see a spike in students of color
Black Student Proposal, April 22, 1968
The Response, May 20, 1970
Townie Translations
There has never been the best relationship between the college and the community. Although there are people who work hard everyday to make the relationship better, this topic was not always at the top of the agenda. Students from Albion made decisions to attend and be a part of the campus yet they were not always accepted. They were stereotyped, given glares they didn't deserve and most of all labelled.
Rhiki Swinton '16 shares her own story of how she felt coming in from the community of Albion to being a student at Albion College. Listen to her story here: https://youtu.be/ZVj0htzncbQ .
[Warning: Video contains explicit language]
"I left Albion..."
Albion College prepares students for the real world. This means prepared for the workforce, for more school, and for being overall good people.
Fondest Memories
Despite the trials and tribulations, it’s the walks through the Quad to and from classes, saying hello to their favorite professors, making memories with their teams at the Dow or Kresge-- these are the memories that students take with them when they leave Albion College.
Support System
It is very hard to be a student without having someone in your corner, whether it be a friend, your family, a faculty or staff member, or even people from the community. Having the support of those who genuinely want to see you succeed makes every college experience better.
Bridging the Gap
The support was not limited to campus. Black students were able to find their homes amongst families in a community that was new to them. These connections made them feel accepted and like they belonged in Albion.
Oral History Participants
Thank you to those who gave their time to be interviewed about their experiences as Black students who have attended Albion College. Your contributions are gratefully appreciated!
Not pictured (but still appreciated): Zaccarri Hamby, Jana Mohammed, Jocelin Bailey, Khalilah Watson, Regina Martin, Shawna Gamble, and Christian Osorio
Special thanks to Lauren Bergeron '22 for helping me with the production of this exhibit and organizing and assisting me with the oral history interviews.