|
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 thought the black and white photo showing a young Mike Darden relaxing in his Greylock dorm was an iconic image - representing everything 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 big 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. By then, Mike Darden was in medical 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 what Black Ephmen were. Within weeks, I realized several of those impressive brothers were also thoughtful, considerate, generous and compassionate, including two who were 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 many strong, tough brothers, but not many who possessed the dual strands of attributes I found so plentiful among the Brothers at Williams: smart and thoughtful. And, it wasn't only the Brothers. I was equally impressed with the Black women on campus. So many were really smart and together - and more than a few were absolutely gorgeous. Discretion requires me to keep the gorgeous women unnamed.
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 re-engage with members of that Community - a community that gave me an immediate and enduring grounding in positive Afro-culture. I am certain I would have had great difficulty experiencing that level of bonding elsewhere.
I found flashes of that extraordinary Community throughout AFR50. For me, "Community" was manifested in the layers of love, respect, encouragement and support that flowed from and between various participants in the celebration: the organizers, current and former administrators, alumni, family of alumni, and even some of the students.
I could spend a significant amount of time describing beautiful moments that occurred over the four-day-celebration, but for now, I will restrict my comments to noting the exemplary manifestations of "Blackness" I observed in Mike Darden.
Although, I didn't know him, Mike Darden became a prominent figure in my mind as a result of several thoughtful gestures I observed him performing over the four days. I believe gratitude is a manifestation of respect, and I strive to model my own behavior after respectful individuals. So, it isn't surprising that Mike Darden drew my attention long before I realized the distinguished doctor was the cool brother in the black-and-white photo.
He first popped up on my radar when I realized he was the driving force behind the plaque honoring the men whose courageous actions in 1969 resulted in the founding of what has become Africana Studies at Williams.
I quickly realized that Mike Darden came back to Williams, prepared to celebrate the 50th Anniversary. He didn't just show up.
Prior to the kickoff of the 50th Anniversary celebration, Mike Darden teamed up with his classmate, Suji Sutler '74, 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, which is where most of the visiting alumni stayed.
Suji must be commended for doing an excellent job interviewing the now retired professor and his wife. Kudos to Suji.
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.
I had been up for several hours, but morning is not my time of day. Still, I knew I needed to do something while observing Mike's chivalrous actions. I became his wingman, handing over 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 car, Mike shared several thoughts on the Town Hall session held the day before with BSU members. He concerns flowed from his many years caring for young people up, as a pediatrician. I listened, and was moved by how deeply he cared about the conditions currently challenging some of the students.
Over the course of our conversation, I shared my passion for Black 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 bound report which he handed to me. It was his original copy of the research he and two other Black students conducted in 1974 on Black Williams. One of the authors was Frank Richards '75. Frank was one of the Brothers that modeled "coolness" on campus. He was so cool, his nickname was "Cool Rick." I greatly admired Frank and studied aikido with him my freshman year.
Mike's benevolent gesture was far more meaningful than he could have imagined, and it is my pleasure to share excerpt from the Black Williams research paper throughout this website.
The consideration of the man was again evident at the close of the Send Off Brunch, Sunday morning. While the AFR50 organizers were thanking everyone for attending, Jacqueline Laughlin '75 stepped forward and spoke words of love and gratitude to the AFRO50 organizers: Rhon and James Manigault-Bryant, and Sharifa Wright '03. And, as Jackie spoke, Mike Darden arrived with flowers for each of the organizers.
Mike had taken up a collection the night before from those of us who were enjoying the late-night treats supplied by the College for our Reconciliation Session. The treats were lovingly delivered by Sharifa Wright, who did an absolutely amazing job of caring for those staying at Mount Hope.
The Send Off Brunch consisted of cascading moments of affirmation, love and solidarity. These moments will long live in my memory, as a sacred time, a time of Community at, and with, Williams.
Later, after all of the AFR50 participants had taken their last photos and said their farewells, Mike Darden got into his car and drove three fellow 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 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, that 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 at Williams.
Thank you Community; and thank you, Mike Darden, for continuing to be, for me, an iconic Black Ephman.
Dan Perkins ‘78 |
