Explore Mercyhurst University's Involvement in the American Civil Rights Era of the 1960's
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About Our Project
During our class Global Civil Rights, taught by professor Dr. Averill Earls, we were tasked with creating a project involving Mercyhurst University and the Civil Rights Movement that occurred in the United States during the 1960's. As three Public History students, we decided to create a blog style website to help inform a wider audience on how Mercyhurst students were involved with fighting inequality at their own school.
We wanted to include the real voices of those that participated in this fight as well as those who continue to do so today. We hope you find this site both informative and interesting as we explore Mercyhurst's past.
One of the main goals of public history is to inform and entertain. We wanted to create a space that had the abilities to do both.
We have included archival images as well as documents that are important to understanding Mercyhurst's role in the Civil Rights Movement. We have also included interviews with past alumni who graciously shared their stories from this time.
To bring this piece of history back into the context of today, we have also included an interview with Mercyhurst's Black Students for Unity President who tells us about her experience as a Black woman at this school. ​
McGinty. Victoria. Mercyhurst BSU President Janiece (left) and Social Media Manager Alana (right) at 2021 March. September 2021. Victoria G Photography.