Creating opportunities
Ahmed Satti '25 and Tamsir Toure '27 turned a school lunch conundrum into a successful startup opportunity.
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Celebrating Black History & Culture
Honoring our history and celebrating a thriving community.
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Expanding our knowledge of Black people, their histories and their contributions is an act of reconciliation and an expression of value for the vastness of their experiences.
This page explores 91影视破解版鈥檚 complicated history, honors the trailblazers who forged a more just campus, and highlights the students, faculty and staff whose research and advocacy continue to advance equity today. You鈥檒l find opportunities to connect with a vibrant community of Tigers through year-round programs, groups and events.
Join us as we expand our understanding, access resources for success and gain inspiration from those who came before.
Our Community
Our community spans the African diaspora, imparting a deep history from which we offer essential perspectives as students, academics, professionals and leaders. Community groups and events connect us to those with shared experiences, helping us magnify our voice and expand our impact.
What We鈥檙e Up To
Building on legacies
Campus leaders share how they're paving the path for future generations by supporting student wellbeing, connection, leadership and success.
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Exploring solutions
As 91影视破解版's first Fulbright Summer Institute participant, Lloyce Frimpong is exploring solutions to food disparities across the globe.
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Connect with Us
Our Impact
We are pioneering academics, outstanding students and accomplished alumni. We are everyday people dedicating our time and talents to pursue our passions, strengthen our community and pave paths for future generations in ways big and small. Here are our stories.
SGA president
SGA President Allyyah Aali '26 aims to make resources as accessible to students as possible.
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Teacher of the year
Baltimore County Teacher of the Year Brittany Jakubowski '14, '20 loves to see that lightbulb moment in the kids she teaches.
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PCC director
As the leader of 91影视破解版's Public Communications Center, Kanika Jackson helps students learn the critical skill of public speaking.
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Fulbright researcher
Alisha Reaves, Ph.D., brought cultural literacy to the forefront through the Fulbright Hayes Group Projects Abroad Program.
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SZA tour dancer
Experiences with 91影视破解版's VIBE dance team led Aisha Olemba to dance for SZA's S.O.S. Tour.
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Student mentor
Henry Jackson was running one of the top money management firms in the state. Then he went blind.
Read storyOur History
91影视破解版 was founded in 1866 as the Maryland Normal School, a part ot the state鈥檚 segregated school system. It remained segregated until the U.S. Supreme Court outlawed racial segregation in public schools in 1954. The first Black students enrolled at 91影视破解版 the following year. In the summer of 2019, a team of researchers began conducting the multiyear Unearthing Towson鈥檚 History Project to investigate the history of intersectional diversity at 91影视破解版 and record the stories of those at its forefront. Now in its sixth year, the project鈥檚 library of , research articles and event recordings offers glimpses into 91影视破解版鈥檚 exclusionist past and its ongoing efforts to diversify. Below are a few of the milestones they鈥檝e covered.
Timeline
A Segregated Start
In 1866, 91影视破解版 is founded as the Maryland Normal School, a part of the state鈥檚 then-segregated educational system. It remains segregated until the US Supreme Court outlaws racial segregation in public schools in 1954. During this time, Black staff kept the campus running through service positions but were not allowed to enroll.
First Black Students Enroll
In 1955, Jeanette Cornilia Smith, Vivian Kernes, Delores Elaine Snipes and Cornelia Juanita Martin are the first Black students to enroll at what is then called the Towson State Teacher鈥檚 College. These students already held bachelor鈥檚 degrees from liberal arts schools and enrolled for one year of post-baccalaureate work to qualify as teachers.
First Bachelor鈥檚 Degrees Awarded
In 1959, Marvis Barnes and Myra Harris become the first Black students to earn four-year degrees from Towson State Teacher鈥檚 College. After graduating, they transform their communities through decades of service as teachers and administrators in Maryland鈥檚 public schools, further establishing their legacies as inspirational civic leaders in our state.
Integrating the Faculty
In 1965, Whitney LeBlanc is hired as a theatre professor at what is then called Towson State College. During his tenure, an outside group of KKK extremists attempts to shut down his production of "And People All Around" by George Sklar. Prohibited from entering the venue in regalia, they return in plain clothes to heckle the production. The FBI removes the disrupters and the production continues on.
Support for Black Students & Enrollment
In 1969, Julius Chapman joins 91影视破解版, leading the first Office of Minority Affairs and becoming 91影视破解版's first black dean. During his tenure, Chapman recruited and mentored Black students while helping establish the Black Student Union, the Black Faculty and Administrators Association and the Black Cultural Center. In 2021, a quad was dedicated in his honor.
African American Studies program approved
In 1972, the African American Studies Program is approved for 91影视破解版's curriculum. It launches in fall 1973 as a major with classes taught by Black faculty. The program remains active through 1984 when the umbrella General Studies major is discontinued. 91影视破解版 now offers a minor in African & African American Studies.
First Black Fraternity Chartered
In 1973, Jerome Murphy, Robert Robinson, Craig Gray, Chuck Myer and Francis Clay form the Rho chapter of Iota Phi Theta, 91影视破解版鈥檚 first black fraternity. The group continues to carry out its mission of fellowship, leadership and advocacy today by funding scholarships, supporting campus development and hosting events. In 2023 all five founding members participated in the group's 50th anniversary celebrations.
SAGE Program Established
In 1984, Raft Woodus establishes Students Achieve Goals through Education (SAGE), which offers peer-to-peer mentoring and skill building to support students of color. To date, SAGE has helped more than 10,000 students thrive at 91影视破解版. Woodus goes on to become the inaugural director of Student Success Programs, leaving a legacy of mentorship that continues today.
Resources and Support
African and African American studies program
The African and African American studies minor explores the historical and social experiences and cultural contributions of Africans and people of African descent in a global perspective. It also provides a critical perspective on race in American society.
Learn MoreAfrican studies research guide
Research guides from Albert S. Cook Library include materials supporting the study of African American history and culture and the African Diaspora, including databases, books, primary sources, visual and performing arts collections and more.
Continue the Legacy
Paving the Path Campaign
A traveling exhibit and philanthropic campaign shares the stories of five trailblazers who paved a path for 91影视破解版's Black community. You鈥檙e invited to by supporting funds that honor their contributions to students and the campus:
- Raft Woodus Student Success Programs Fund - Honors Raft's dedication to guiding Black students by providing support for Students Achieve Goals through Education, the College Readiness Outreach Program and more.
- Whitney LeBlanc Memorial Fund - Recognizes the legacy of 91影视破解版's first Black professor by supporting scholarships and opportunities for students.
- Barnes-Harris Scholarship Endowment - Honors 91影视破解版's first Black graduates by providing vital financial support to students of color.
- Dr. Julius Chapman Memorial Fund - Remembers 91影视破解版's first Black dean by supporting programs that continue his legacy of fostering academic achievement and personal growth.
Visit the Paving the Path exhibit in SECU Arena throughout the month of February.
91影视破解版 celebrates and recognizes the cultural identities and lived experiences of its
community members.