In this week’s blog entry, I want to share the words of one of my wonderful graduate students. His name is Jameel Scott and he is in the masters program in higher education here at the University of Pennsylvania’s Graduate School of Education. Jameel is a graduate of Morehouse College. He plans on pursuing a Ph.D. and becoming a faculty member. He is currently enrolled in my History of American Higher Education course, which has an emphasis on underrepresented populations and institutions. For one of his assignments, Jameel is focusing on the Fisk Jubilee Singers. Unlike many students who are satisfied learning through a book, Jameel yearned to experience his research topic first hand. Below he describes his visit to Fisk University in Nashville, Tennessee. His experience is quite moving.
A Special Blessing
Two weeks ago I decided to purchase plane tickets to visit Nashville Tennessee’s historic Fisk University. This University was having its Annual Jubilee Day, which pays homage to the original Jubilee Singers who went on tour to raise money and save the school from financial starvation. This event, which elicits persons from around the world, including alumni and friends, was held on Monday October 6, 2008. .
For the past two months I have engulfed myself in the study of this historic school. Today, I stood in front of Jubilee Hall with its colossal form looking down on me with mountains of history. I heard the sounds of students speaking to each other and the breeze of the calm winds scratch my head. The trees swayed as the small squirrels raced across the street. Teachers were clasping hands with students while young ladies walked in a flowing motion across campus. I was standing in the midst of history, where John Hope Franklin and W.E.B. Du Bois were students. I felt the spirit of compassion and promise woven together with strength. I walked into Jubilee Hall and viewed the paintings of the Jubilee Singers.
The 2008 Annual Jubilee Day Convocation was held at the Fisk Memorial Chapel located across from the historic Jubilee Hall. As I entered the Fisk Chapel, I was met at the door by finely dressed students. I was seated next to a man named Harry who was an alumnus of the school’s class of 1955. We briefly talked about his experience at Fisk and the changes that he witnessed over time. He was very proud of his school, and stated that his heart will always pump blue and gold (the school colors).
All in attendance stood as the president and the other platform attendees processed to the podium. The processional included: Dr. Anthony E. Williams, Professor of Music and University Organist; Reverend Gwendolyn Brown-Felder, Dean of the Chapel; Miss Karla Turner, Miss Fisk 2008-2009; Ms. Denise Billye Sanders, Chair- General Alumni Association; The Honorable Hazel R. O’Leary, the President; Mr. Vincent Stokes, President Student Government Association; Mr. Patrick Johnson, Alumnus; Reverend. Marcus D. Cosby, Keynote Speaker and Alumnus; and Mr. Paul T. Kwami, Music Director.
