Shippensburg University’s African American Organization is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. But the real cause for celebration comes from each student participant who succeeded, in college and in life, and has changed our world as capable leaders and bridge-builders.
1971
Afro-American Student Organization forms
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SHIPPENSBURG UNIVERSITY MAGAZINE
African American Organization
CELEBRATES BY KATIE (PAXSON) HAMMAKER ‘93
The organization, originally known as Afro Am, provides a vital source of social, academic, and cultural support for African American students on campus. “We should celebrate African-Americans and all people of color,” said Diane L. Jefferson ’76, director of the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs. “We’ve been here and contributing to campus. We’ve added to the history of this mighty Ship.” African American students have been part of the Shippensburg community since its inception. A rise in activism on campus in the 1960s, reflecting societal changes of the time, led to dialogue between students and administration about race relations. From this, the African American Organization was created in 1971. “Afro Am was one of the biggest bridges on campus for students of color,” said Jerome Dean ’82. “You could talk, relax, and just be yourself with no pressure.” Dean, a first-generation college student, entered through Shippensburg’s ACT 101 Program, now the Academic Success Summer Bridge Program, to help underprepared students transition to college life. The rural, predominantly white institution was quite a shift from his suburban
Philadelphia hometown. At the time, there were about 250 students of color on the campus of 4,600. Dean said that he acclimated well to campus but admits that he encountered subtle forms of racism throughout his four years. Usually in the way of inappropriate comments in class or students who refused to share the dormitory restroom with him. That’s what led Dean to the African American Organization where he found strength and comfort. He attended monthly meetings and social events held by the organization. They would talk about relevant racial and other news issues of the day, campus events, classes, professors, or any other topics of choice. “It was really more or less just a family sitting down together to dinner and discussing things,” Dean said. “The lessons and mentors this group provided was so important. I looked up to the upperclassmen and learned from them.” Dean also credits the late Dr. Elnetta Jones, a campus administrator, and the professors who fought hard for students of color. “They wanted us to
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