Lincoln University of Pennsylvania's Global Heritage and Legacy: a Humanities Initiative

FAIN: AB-50120-12

Lincoln University, Pennsylvania (Lincoln University, PA 19352-9141)
Marilyn Button (Project Director: July 2011 to September 2015)
Chiekde Ihejirika (Co Project Director: December 2011 to September 2015)

A two-year program of study, framed by two conferences, in which ten faculty would conduct research and develop teaching modules on Lincoln University's diasporic heritage.

"Lincoln University of Pennsylvania's Global Heritage and Legacy" consists of a two-year program of study, framed by two conferences, in which ten faculty members conduct research and develop teaching modules on Lincoln University's diasporic heritage. This project seeks to revive the humanities at what has become an increasingly science-dominated institution. It does so by shaping a program that harnesses Lincoln University's distinctive history as the first institution of higher learning for African Americans (1854), ample legacy of prominent graduates, and ongoing connections with Africa and the Caribbean. Lincoln University taught Liberian boys beginning in 1873 and, nearly a century later, students from the Caribbean and emerging African nations. It graduated the first president of independent Nigeria and the first prime minister of Ghana. Lincoln University's distinctive humanities alumni include Langston Hughes of the Harlem Renaissance; the late writer and musician Gil Scott Heron; Larry Neal, founder of the Black Arts Movement; and film historian Donald Bogle. The program opens with a four-day summer institute with topics including "Lincoln University poets and their impact on the world; the University's impact on African history and Africa's impact on the University; the University and the Civil Rights Movement; and Frederick Douglass as a catalyzing figure for humanities studies." Sessions also introduce faculty to the university's online archives and collection of African art. During the following academic year, ten core faculty, selected through competition, conduct research and develop course modules that build on the institute topics and university resources. They present this work at a two-day humanities conference in the fall of 2013. Though the summer institute and fall conference are be open to all faculty and the general public, priority for the core faculty would be given to those who teach first-year students in order to maximize the program's impact.

Associated Products

The Lincoln University's Global Heritage and Legacy: A Teaching Resource (Book)
Title: The Lincoln University's Global Heritage and Legacy: A Teaching Resource
Author: D. Zizwe Poe
Author: Chieke E. Ihejirika, Joanne Veal Gabbin, Susan Gunn Pevar, Thomas M Shaw, C. James Trotman,
Author: Donald Bradt III, Mel Leaman, Philip J. Merrill, Edryn J. Coleman, Mahpuia Deas, Frederick T. Faison
Author: Dana Flint, Stephen McCullough, Tracey Sangster, Yallah Kawala, Omenihu Amachi, Mahpuia Deas,
Editor: Marilyn D. Button with Susan Pevar
Abstract: This collection of keynote addresses, original researched articles, and course syllabi is the product of two years of NEH funded research by Lincoln University faculty under the guidance of subject area experts on a variety of subjects related to the global heritage and legacy of Lincoln University, PA. While the original intention was for use primarily in the classroom, the depth and range of the articles invites reading of audiences on all levels of scholarly interest. Each article uncovers new information related to the impact made by Lincoln alumni students, faculty and administration from its inception in 1854, through to the present day, to national and global historic developments including and especially Civil Rights. Each article supports the ongoing pursuit of the university's mission: "Education for Freedom."
Year: 2015
Access Model: Available from the Department of Languages and LIterature, Lincoln University, by request.
Publisher: The Heritage Initiative of Lincoln University of Pennsylvania
Type: Edited Volume
Copy sent to NEH?: Yes

Celebrating Lincoln Heritage: A DVD with Teaching/Viewing Guide (Course or Curricular Material)
Title: Celebrating Lincoln Heritage: A DVD with Teaching/Viewing Guide
Author: Dr. Philip J. Merrill & Mrs. Betty Merrill; Veronica Carr; Dr. Marilyn D. Button
Abstract: This DVD offers six modules, each covering a different aspect of the global heritage and legacy of Lincoln University of Pennsylvania. It includes interviews with well known Lincoln University alumni, including Carol Black, Hersey Gray and explores current student perspectives on their Lincoln University education. This DVD is of general interest, and designed specifically for classroom use to enhance student awareness of the unique roles that Lincoln alumni have played in important national and international developments, including and especially Civil Rights.
Year: 2015
Audience: General Public

"Treasure to Treasure: Old West Baltimore and the LIncoln University, PA Alumni Connection (Conference Paper/Presentation)
Title: "Treasure to Treasure: Old West Baltimore and the LIncoln University, PA Alumni Connection
Author: Bianca Woodard, Nafeece Beeks, Talia Best, Veronica Carr, Bahijah Hasan
Abstract: This panel explores the historic relationship that exists between two locations, officially designated in 2004 and 2015 respectively as National Treasures: Old West Baltimore (OWB), MD and Lincoln University, PA. Both locations shaped the lives of important African American professionals and activists whose civic engagement changed the landscape of American civil rights. The former, Baltimore's premier historic African American community, gave these men and women their birthplace. The second, America's oldest and first degree granting HBCU, enriched them with a college education. Four Lincoln University student-scholars will document the significance of place in the lives of 15 Blatimore bred, Lincoln-educated University alumni by sharing the results of independent research into the lives and contributions of these outstanding individuals, who include Thurgood Marshall, Clarence Mitchell, Furman Templeton, William E. Griggs, and others. Powerpoint presentations and a brief video will accompany the fascinating historical narratives of their lives.
Date: 10/7/2016
Primary URL: http://ASALH Conference 2016
Conference Name: ASA:J. Association for the Study of African American Life and HIstory

"Treasure to Treasure: Old West Baltimore and the LIncoln University, PA Alumni Connection (Exhibition)
Title: "Treasure to Treasure: Old West Baltimore and the LIncoln University, PA Alumni Connection
Curator: Dr. Philip J. Merrill & Mrs. Betty Merrill
Abstract: This exhibit documents the historic relationship that exists between two locations, officially designated in 2004 and 2015 respectively as National Treasures: Old West Baltimore (OWB) MD and LIncoln University, PA. Both locations shaped the lives of important African American professionals and activists whose civic engagement changed the landscape of American civil rights. The former, Baltimore's premier historic African American community, gave these men and women their birthplace. The second, America's oldest and first degree granting HBCU, enriched them with a college education. Specimens of material culture document the lives and activities of these Baltimore-bred, LIncoln-educated University alumni who include Thurgood Marshall, Clarence Mitchell, Furman TEmpleton, William E. Griggs and others.
Year: 2016

"Treasure to Treasure: Old West Baltimore and the LIncoln University, PA Alumni Connection (Conference Paper/Presentation)
Title: "Treasure to Treasure: Old West Baltimore and the LIncoln University, PA Alumni Connection
Author: Bianca Woodard, Nafeece Beeks, Talia Best, Veronica Carr, Bahijah Hasan
Abstract: This panel explores the historic relationship that exists between two locations, officially designated in 2004 and 2015 respectively as National Treasures: Old West Baltimore (OWB), MD and Lincoln University, PA. Both locations shaped the lives of important African American professionals and activists whose civic engagement changed the landscape of American civil rights. The former, Baltimore's premier historic African American community, gave these men and women their birthplace. The second, America's oldest and first degree granting HBCU, enriched them with a college education. Four Lincoln University student-scholars will document the significance of place in the lives of 15 Blatimore bred, Lincoln-educated University alumni by sharing the results of independent research into the lives and contributions of these outstanding individuals, who include Thurgood Marshall, Clarence Mitchell, Furman Templeton, William E. Griggs, and others. Powerpoint presentations and a brief video will accompany the fascinating historical narratives of their lives.
Date: 10/7/2016
Primary URL: http://ASALH Conference 2016
Conference Name: ASA:J. Association for the Study of African American Life and HIstory

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