The 1969 Takeover of Hopkins Hall

Why Black Students Did It;

 and What They Achieved?

AFR50 was not just a celebration of Africana Studies.  Each event, formally or informally, honored the students who took the courageous steps that led to the formation of Africana Studies at Williams.  Their boldness forever changed their own Williams experiences, and the experiences of all those that followed.  Mike Darden '74 (shown left) made sure the Activists and Occupiers were remembered during AFR50; and that they will be remembered long after the anniversary celebration.  The plaque held by Mike Darden was presented to the chair of Africana Studies; and the names are listed below.

 

Notes about the Plaque from Mike Darden: Don Jackson was the first to REALLY organize black students and created what was the Williams Afro American Society (WAAS) He became the first chairman. Sherman Jones became the 2nd chairman followed by Preston Washington. Names that do not have a graduation year beside the name were non graduates

FIFTY YEARS OF AFRICANA STUDIES AT WILLIAMS COLLEGE

1969-2019

The following were the strong and brave men that led the way for Africana Studies at Williams College

"strong men keep comin' on"   Sterling Brown 1922