History Reimagined at Next Leon County Lecture Series
Lecture Explores Radical and Historic Views on HBCUs
WHO: Leon CountyWHAT: Library Lecture Series WHEN: Monday, May 8 at 7 p.m.WHERE: Dr. B.L. Perry Branch Library, 2817 S. Adams St. On Monday, May 8 at 7 p.m., Leon County’s Library Lecture Series continues with a look at the early beginnings of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). The lecture, which is a part of the Annual Festival of Freedom honoring the first reading of the Emancipation Proclamation in Tallahassee, will be held at the Dr. B.L. Perry, Jr. Branch Library, 2817 S. Adams St. Titled “Thomas DeSaille Tucker and His Radical Approach to Black Higher Education”, the lecture will analyze the role of Florida A&M University’s first president, Thomas DeSaille Tucker, an attorney from Pensacola, Florida. The discussion of HBCUs at the dawn of the twentieth century was centered on the famous question of liberal arts versus vocational education for African Americans. The lecture will reveal tactics that Tucker used to ensure funding and other forms of support for the young institution and give a clear definition of his strategies.The second lecture in the Leon County Series will be given by Dr. Reginald Ellis, Assistant Professor of History, Florida A&M University. Dr. Ellis specializes in the history of HBCUs and African American leaders during the Jim Crow Era. Dr. Ellis’ research also concentrates on African Americans in U.S. History since 1887, contemporary African American history and oral history. Leon County has selected speakers and topics that engage and inspire, appealing to the interests of all citizens. Over the course of the year, citizens will have the opportunity to attend lectures on topics ranging from history and culture to sports and science. At each lecture books and materials will be displayed and available for check out. All lectures are free and open to the public. Light refreshments will be served.For more information, contact Cay Hohmeister, Director, LeRoy Collins Leon County Public Library System at 606-2665 / HohmeisterC@LeonCountyFL.gov or Mathieu Cavell, Leon County Community and Media Relations, at (850) 606-5300 / cmr@LeonCountyFL.gov .
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