Explore Mercyhurst University's Involvement in the American Civil Rights Era of the 1960's
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The Merciad
The Mercyhurst newspaper, the Merciad, played an important role in spreading the word on Civil Rights movement in the 1960s-1970s. Student writers both Black and White discussed local and national events occurring at the time. The articles influenced conversations about structural racism among Mercyhurst students, faculty, and staff. They also highlighted activists within the Mercyhurst community, and inspired others to join the movement. The Merciad helped create a community that was aware and united in the fight for racial justice.
Significant Articles: 1960's & 1970's
April 1965: "All Can Support Civil Rights," Page 2
Outlined the numerous ways to support Civil Rights besides direct protests. Advocated for people to tutor young Black kids in Erie and do similar things to positively impact the surrounding Black community.
April 1965: "Faculty, Students Support Rights Cause; Active Commitment Emphasized By All," Page 5
Highlighted the students and faculty who travelled from Erie to partake in the Selma to Montgomery march. Mercyhurst philosophy instructor John Lincourt commented on the magnitude of the march, "It brought to the world an awareness that a problem in one place affects people everywhere,"
November 1965: "Mercyhurst Students, Faculty Stage Campus-Wide Fast For Freedom," Page 1
Thursday November 18th, 1965 the campus fasted from lunch and sent the money they would have spent on lunch to the National Student Association,. The NSA then provided economic aid to impoverished Black families in Mississippi. This article also acknowledges the negative effects of a segregated economy on Black Americans.
February 1969: "The Problems," Page 2
Question column titled "Identity in Black and White, The Racial Problem." It posed questions concerning the Black and White identities, White supremacy, racism in Erie, and more. These questions allowed readers to consider these issues as deep effects of systemic racism.
February 1969: "Black and White," Page 2
Written by Black student Alicia King. This advertised the Exposure '69 Event, a public discussion on the Black Revolution. Led by prominent Black leaders, the event was open to all people willing to engage in civil discourse. on the topic.
October 1969: "Black Awareness...Invisible, No Black, Yes!" Page 4
Written by Black student Alicia King. Argued against a colorblind society, or a society that refuses to see Blackness in a positive light. The goal was to acknowledge and celebrate Blackness and to eradicate racist stereotypes.
May 1970: "Black Panthers in Amerikkka," Page 2
Written by Claudia Weeks, on the true objective of The Black Panther Party and Black Power. Encouraged people to take pride in their Black heritage. and understand the more radical side of the Civil Rights movement.
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