RECOGNIZING AN ICONIC BROTHER

I didn't know Mike Darden '74 before AFR50; I just knew of him from a photo that appeared in the Black Williams magazine, which was published in 1973, and used extensively by Bennie Boswell '70 to recruit Black members of my class. 

In 1973, I was 17-years old; and looking forward to selecting a right college for me.  When Bennie Boswell sent me Black Williams, I thought the black and white photo in the magazine, showing a young Mike Darden relaxing in Greylock (a dorm), was an iconic representation of what I imagined a Black Ephman to be: cool, smart and sophisticated - (and, able to wear a serious 'fro, which I could not, unless I paid a barber serious bucks for a 'Blowout.'  Those of a certain age will know what I am talking about.)

Outside of my conversations with Bennie Boswell, my exposure to real Black Ephmen did not occur until I arrived on campus - site unseen - in September of 1974.  Mike Darden was in medical school; and I was eagerly exploring my new life, in a new school. 

I remember meeting an array of young Black men my first week on campus.  Several were notably smart, confident, positive, and purpose-driven -- my image of Black Ephmen.  It didn't take long to realize that several of those impressive brothers were also thoughtful, generous and compassionate, including two (JAs) Junior Advisors my freshman year: Kippy Chew and Darryl McMillan, both members of the class of 1976.

I was into the Black Nationalist Movement at the time; and coming from Chicago, I knew strong, tough brothers, but not many who possessed the dual strands of attributes I found so plentiful among the Brothers at Williams.   And, it wasn't only the Brothers.  I was equally impressed with the Black women on campus.  They were smart and together - and more than a few were absolutely gorgeous; but discretion keeps me from naming names. 

In a phrase, I feel in love with the Blackness, the Togetherness, the Smartness and the Purposefulness of the Black Community at Williams.

AFR50 afforded me an opportunity to not only re-engage with members of a Community that had given me such a positive and enduring grounding in Afro-culture, but to also see "Community" manifested in the present - though the love, respect, encouragement and support that flowed between various participants in the celebration: the organizers, current and former administrators, alumni, family of alumni, and even some of the students. 

I could take up a lot of time describing beautiful moments that occurred over the four-day-celebration, but for now, I would like to highlight my exposure to Mike Darden, who became a prominent figure in my mind as a result of several thoughtful gestures I observed him engage in over the four days.  

Mike Darden was the driving force behind the plaque that honored the students whose courageous actions in 1969 resulted in the founding of what has become Africana Studies at Williams. 

Mike Darden also teamed up with his classmate, Suji Sutler '74, prior to the celebration, and videotaped a fascinating interview with Joseph Harris, the first chair of Afro-American Studies at Williams.  Mike and Suji shared their amazing video at Elm Tree House, where many of the alumni stayed. 

While honoring Mike, I have to give a shout out to Suji who did an outstanding job interviewing the professor and his wife.

Mike also gained my respect for the way he took care of his friend, Bobette Reed Kahn '73, the first Black woman to graduate from Williams.  On the last morning of AFR50, as everyone was preparing to leave Elm Tree House, Mike discovered that a tire on Bobette's car had gone flat overnight.  Rather than waiting for AAA to come, Mike replaced the tire himself. 

Morning is not my favorite time of day, but as I observed Mike fixing Bobette's tire, I knew I needed to do something. So, I became Mike's wingman, handing him various tools, and such, from the trunk of Bobette's car.  Mike did the real work: jacking up the car, unscrewing the bolts, pulling off the tire and replacing it with the spare; and then putting everything away, neatly and in order.

While servicing Bobette's tire, Mike shared several thoughts he had on the Town Hall session, held the day before, with members of the Black Student Union.  He expressed concerns were rooted in his many years of practice, as a pediatrician, caring for young people.  As I listened, I was moved by how deeply he cared about the conditions challenging some of the students. 

Over the course of our conversation, I shared my passion for history, and my desire to pursue my interests at a higher level. Mike listened and after the tire was changed, he went over to his car and retrieved a book which he handed to me. It was his original copy of a research paper he and two other Black students completed in 1974.  The document was titled, Black Williams.  One of the co-authors was Frank Richards '75,  who was so "cool," he was often called "Cool Rick."

Mike's generous gesture was far more meaningful than he could have imagined; but the generous spirit of the man was about to shine even brighter, during the close of the Send Off Brunch. 

While the AFR50 organizers were thanking everyone for attending, Mike Darden arrived with flowers for each of them.  It was in that moment that I recalled that Mike Mike had taken up a collection, the night before, from those of us who were snacking on the late-night treats supplied by the College.  Those treats were delivered, lovingly, by Sharifa Wright '03.  Thank you, Sharifa!

I now know that getting flowers, from someplace in town, was next on Mike's list of things to do, after changing Bobette's tire and handing me his tome.

Later, when all the participants had taken their last photos and said their farewells, Mike Darden got into his car and drove three other Ephs back to the Maryland-DC area.

In the picture above, Mike Darden '74 is seen under the EXIT sign with bouquets of flowers ready to be presented to the organizers of AFR50.  Standing in the foreground is Jackie Laughlin '75, as she celebrated the generosity of spirit that went into planning, coordinating and managing the phenomenal four-day event.

As I reflect upon AFR50, I am reminded of a comment made by the niece of Preston Washington '70, one of the occupiers of Hopkins Hall.  She said, and I paraphrase, it was a blessing to see so many good, strong Black men gathered together, loving and supporting one another, and the community as a whole.  I couldn't agree more.  I am, and always will be, an Ephman because of the Community's love and support.

Thank you Community; and thank you, Mike Darden, for continuing to be, for me, an iconic Black Ephman.

Dan Perkins ‘78