Exhibit 'realizes the dream'

An award-winning black history exhibit is on display in the Indiana Memorial Union's East Lounge until June 25. The display entitled, "The Black Experience at Indiana University: Realizing the Dream 1816-2002," was originally produced for the opening of the Neal-Marshall Black Culture Center. The exhibit will receive a silver medal from the Council for Advancement and Support of Education at an annual international conference in July.\nThe display was produced by the Office of the Vice President for Student Development and Diversity and the Office of Publications. Researchers Betty Bridgwaters and Joseph Russell, former IU dean of Afro-American Affairs, assisted in compiling the historic elements.\n"This is a very comprehensive look at all kinds of accomplishments that blacks have achieved at IU," said Charlie Nelms, IU vice president for student development and diversity, in a recent press release.\n"The photos, text and documents are moving and tell a powerful story that continues to be exciting to this day," Nelms said.\nThe exhibit's timeline includes the trials and tribulations in African American history at IU, including 1895 when IU's first black graduate, Marcellus Neal, received a degree in mathematics. It wasn't until 1919 when Frances Elizabeth Marshall earned a degree in English as IU's first black female graduate.\nThe timeline also includes the University's first protests in 1925, the integration of athletic teams and facilities in the 1940s, the formation of the Black Student Union and other important black history moments in direct relation with the University.\n"We're hoping people are getting a sense of the history of African Americans at IU," said Erika Knudson, manager of client relations and writer in the IU Office of Publications. "We hope they're seeing the amazing contributions of African Americans and the struggles they've overcome and the triumphs they've made," she said.\nKnudson was in charge of the exhibit brochure, that summarizes each of the kiosks in the display. \nEach of the six kiosks are devoted to an area within African American history: academics, activism, athletics, change agents, creative and performing arts and student life and organizations.\nAlso included in the compilation of the display's elements was Brad Cook, head of photography research. Cook said approximately two million photos are archived and a number of researchers came together to choose the most important of photos and historical literature that is included in the exhibit.\n"We looked through and picked out what most people see as highlights," he said. "The exhibit is so people become more aware of the African American experience at IU -- notably the alumni, faculty and administration," Cook said.\nNelms feels all who have interest and ties to IU should see the award-winning display that plans on traveling to other Indiana cities during the 2002-03 school year.\n"Everyone who has an interest in Indiana University and its place in the city and state should see this exhibit," Nelms said.