For the month of March, the library will be displaying a list of spaces within the state of Maryland that are markers of Black History, as well as related archival items. The display is located on the 1st floor of the library near the couches and public computers.
Our research team for this project consisted of student interns Keyshawn Morgan, Perla Bravo, Casper Kinzie, librarian Shane Moran, and Elisia Lewis. They worked to research the history and stories behind the monuments, spaces, museums, and archival items dedicated to African American heritage within the state of Maryland.
This year the library has refreshed our glass display cases on the first floor to feature items from the St. Mary’s College of Maryland Archives. Students (Perla Bravo & Casper Kinzie) and the College Archivist (Shane Moran) have specially curated items around people, places, and memories around Black and African American community members.
The archival items of display and their descriptions are the following:
Display Case #1 (near the sign)
Black History Month
Black History Month, c1989. SMCM Publications: Clippings, Subject Files, and Other Material, RG 08-16. Box 29, Folder 13. St. Mary’s College of Maryland Archives.
Africa for Americans Symposium Proposal Description: Conceived and directed by Michael Coy, Associate Professor of Anthropology at St. Mary’s, the series was supported by grants from the Maryland Humanities Council and the St. Mary’s College Foundation.
This series was divided into two weekends, on which there were different presentations designed to be digestible for the public of Southern Maryland and St. Mary’s College.
Black Student Union (BSU)
Black Student Union (BSU). VP Dean of Students: Student Development Office, RG 06-07. St. Mary’s College of Maryland Archives.
In the 1990s, the Black Student Union (BSU) created a newspaper used to connect students of all origins to the ongoing issues around the United States that affected the Black community. The BSU’s first newspaper, called “Crossroads,” was co-sponsored by the Office of Minority Affairs.
By the late 90s, the BSU launched their new newspaper, “Drum Talk.” “Crossroads” was converted to a communications board at the end of each “Drum Talk” issue.
Crossroads Newspaper
The first newspaper created by the Black Student Union and co-sponsored by the Office of Minority Affairs contained information mostly about on-campus issues, commentaries, and opinions.
The newspaper started with a section “From the Editor’s Desk.” This section provided an introduction to the newspaper and its purpose, plus messages from the Editor-in-Chief.
Lucille Clifton – Photographs
Photographs. Lucille Clifton papers, MSS-035. Box 5 Folder 7. St. Mary’s College of Maryland Archives.
Lucille Clifton was awarded a medal at the National Book Awards in 2000 for poetry for her book Blessing the Boats: New and Selected Poems 1988-2000. The book is seen as a compilation of her style and its development over time with many poems being of Clifton’s personal struggles and difficult topics presented.
(Photography, left to right Galway Kinnell, Lucille Clifton, Kinnell’s wife Barbara K. Bristol, and Dr. Michael Glaser, Professor Emeritus of English at St. Mary’s College of Maryland.)
Photograph 2 Description: Lucille Clifton visits Intensive Poetry Writing Workshop
Lucille Clifton was a distinguished Professor of the Humanities here at St. Mary’s College of Maryland from 1989 to 2005. She was a two time Pulitzer Prize finalist, second woman and first African American to be Poet Laureate of Maryland (1979-1985), and was the first African American to be awarded the Ruth Lily Poetry Prize.
As a professor at St. Mary’s, Clifton presented at multiple events on campus such as the “4 poets” (Oct. 1989) and “Women in Poetry” (March 1995) and was an honored speaker in the 2001 commencement ceremony alongside Dr. Edward T. Lewis, fourth President of SMCM.
Lucille Clifton – Poetry
“after the reading” and “february 11,1990 for Nelson Mandela and Winnie” signed by Lucille Clifton, 1990. Lucille Clifton papers, MSS-035. Box 1 Folder 9. St. Mary’s College of Maryland Archives.
The poem “february 11, 1990 for Nelson Mandela and Winnie,” published in Lucille Clifton’s collection Quilting: Poems 1987-1990 was written to honor the day of Nelson Mandela’s release from his 27 year imprisonment in South Africa.
Elizabeth Barber Interview
The Mulberry Tree, Spring 2001. SMCM Publications: The Mulberry Tree, RG 08-01. Box 3. St. Mary’s College of Maryland Archives.
An interview with Elizabeth Barber Walker, the first Black student to attend St. Mary’s College of Maryland (then St. Mary’s Junior College).
Elizabeth Barber was admitted to St. Mary’s Junior College in 1962. To avoid a rejection based on race, she submitted her application without listing her race, including the name of her high school, or sending a photograph.
Display case #2
Charles Ball Autobiography
Charles Ball, “Slavery in the United States; a narrative of the life and adventures of Charles Ball, a black man, who lived forty years in Maryland, South Carolina and Georgia, as a slave under various masters, and was one year in the Navy with Commodore Barney, during the Late War (Lewistown, Pa. : J. W. Shugert), 1836. Charles Ball Autobiography, MSS-098. St. Mary’s College of Maryland Archives.
The first edition of “Slavery in the United States; a narrative of the life and adventures of Charles Ball, a black man, who lived forty years in Maryland, South Carolina and Georgia, as a slave under various masters, and was one year in the Navy with Commodore Barney, during the Late War.”
Charles Ball was born in Charles County around 1780. His narrative details his experience as an enslaved person, as well as his service during the War of 1812. He is also one of three sailors depicted on the monument to the Battle of Bladensburg in Bladensburg, Maryland.
Genealogy Research: Lois Davis Genealogy Research
Lois Davis Genealogy Research. Lois Waters Davis Genealogy Papers, MSS-108. St. Mary’s College of Maryland Archives.
An extensive genealogical account of Black families in Charles County, Maryland. This binder contains decades of research done by the author to trace her roots and confirm the oral accounts of her family’s history given to her by her elder family members. It also reveals the history of Black education in Charles County; the author’s grandfather was responsible for the establishment of the first Black high school in the county.
An oral history of the author’s life and recollections will be available soon through the St. Mary’s College of Maryland Archives.
Regina Hammett Research
Regina Hammett – Black Schools, 1892-2002. Regina Hammett papers, MSS-015. Box 2 Folder 22. St. Mary’s College of Maryland Archives.
Regina Hammett, a two-time graduate of SMCM, conducted extensive research on Southern Maryland history. These are some of her raw research materials pertaining to Black schools and one-room schoolhouses. The data she found has been instrumental in the understanding and preservation of SoMD history. Her research shows evidence of the discrimination Black schools faced, including underfunding, overcrowding, and underpaid teachers. Hammett’s research, including her book, History of St. Mary’s County, Maryland, is the authoritative account of our local history.
“In relentless pursuit of an education : African American stories from a century of segregation (1865-1967)”
Unified Committee for Afro-American Contributions of St. Mary’s County, “In relentless pursuit of an education : African American stories from a century of segregation (1865-1967)” (Lexington Park, Md.), 2006. Collection on the Landscape of Slavery in Maryland, MSS-052. Box 1 Folder 11. St. Mary’s College of Maryland Archives.
Education opens many opportunities that would not otherwise be available, but was denied to Black Americans for many years. Even when schools were established to educate Black Americans, the segregated system led to schools that were underfunded compared to their white counterparts. This left the staff of these schools unable to provide a proper education for their students and the students struggling to retain the information due to poor conditions like excessive heat or excessive cold, or damaged materials. This book is filled with written oral accounts from students, staff, and parents who were involved in the education within these underfunded Black schools.
Education in St. Mary’s County
Citation: “Education in St. Mary’s County.” Dr. Robert E. King, Jr. St. Mary’s County Superintendent of Public Schools, 1973 March 1. Community Studies Conference: St. Mary’s County in the Year 2000 speeches, MSS-031. Box 1, Folder 5. St. Mary’s College of Maryland Archives.
Dr. Robert E. King, Jr. was the Superintendent of Public Schools for St. Mary’s County starting in 1958. During his tenure as Superintendent of Public Schools, St. Mary’s County fully integrated its school system. The first Black student to attend a St. Mary’s County public high school was Joan Elaine Groves, who attended Great Mills High School starting in 1958. Full integration of the St. Mary’s County public school system did not occur until 1967.
In addition to the archival items, we’ve updated the places within Maryland map. This map showcases places within the state of Maryland that have been built, curated, and highlight Black History:
Full list of spaces are at the end of this post with additional links and information.
Our monument and spaces research team is composed of our student intern Keyshawn Morgan and Library team member Elisia Lewis, they selected and researched 3 spaces out of the list to highlight:
African-American Monument and Freedom Park:
Location Lexington Park, Maryland
The African-American Monument and Freedom Park is dedicated to African-Americans and their contributions to the county from both past and present. It serves as a reminder for the citizens to know of such work that is to be recognized. A pyramid comprised of the oldest architectural structures built of stone and mortar, with four flags standing in front. The pyramid itself is surrounded by six pedestals with bronze plaques. At the top of the pyramid is a metal sculpture representing a flame.
Members of the UCAC made a proposal out to the St. Mary’s County Commissioners, with the intention to erect a monument that was dedicated to African-Americans. With the success of the agreement by the commission, the monument was to be placed alongside Tulagi Place, where there would also be a parking lot and a bus stop. Come July 29, 2000, the founders of UCAC rejoiced as the dream was made. Taking meetings into account to discuss the material that would used to create the structure of the monument we see today. The decision to be made, brought forth the outcome, which was to build the monument in the shape of a pyramid, similar to that of ones found in Egypt. Egypt is an African country, one that is known for its strength and endurance, being able to build pyramids using said strength, a symbol of eternal power.
The plaques: The monument is surrounded by six pedestals with bronze plaques inviting you into the monument to read and reflect on the monumental contributions of African-Americans to the county.
“Welcome to the African-American Monument of St. Mary’s County. This tribute to the unique contributions of African Americans in St. Mary’s County spans the following areas: religion, farming, trades domestic service, education, business, industry, community service, arts, entertainment, health, sports, government, politics, law enforcement, military service, and technology. It is fitting that monuments be build to solidify dignity and self-esteem… monuments that sing praises of love and encouragement to African-Americans and others. Embrace the strength and unity of the African American community! Build! Build monuments within and monuments without that reflect heritage, that create vision.”
- Purpose: It serves as an external reminder to citizens of the county of the contributions of African Americans, which helped the growth and development of St. Mary’s County.
- Depiction: A pyramid comprised of the oldest architectural structures built of stone and mortar, with four flags standing in front. The pyramid itself is surrounded by six pedestals with bronze plaques. At the top of the pyramid is a metal sculpture representing a flame.
- Dedicated: July 29, 2000
- Founders: Elmer J. Brown and the Unified Committee for Afro-American Contributions (UCAC)
- Funding: By the Unified Committee for Afro-American Contributions (UCAC) and the St. Mary’s County Commissioners
- Important Historical Figures: Elmer J. Brown, Richard Holly, Calvin Green, Tony Porter, Bob Lewis, Spencer Scriber, Joseph Stover, Philip Scriber, Melvin Endy, and many more!
Sources: Southern Maryland Equity in History Coalition -The African American Monument – Lexington Park; Unified Committee for Afro-American Contributions
Commemorative to Enslaved People of Southern Maryland:
Location: Lexington Park, Maryland
The Commemorative to Enslaved People of Southern Maryland is to honor the story of strength and resilience of the lives of the enslaved individuals that once lived in St. Mary’s City. These lives are defined by creative problem solving, strength of character, and louds that echoed in freedom. Its depiction is a one-room cabin with a lighting system, which serves as a beacon of light. It was constructed with a steel framework clad with panels of polished mirror stainless steel and tropical hardwood. With the structure in mind, it stood against the test of time, and proudly stands before us to this day. The result is a stencil of light beams that portray and project the poetry on all sides of the monument.
Through the works of historical documents, archaeological research, and slave folklore, the Commemorative is an acknowledgement to the past while it honors enslaved people who once walked on the land in which we share. It re-contextualizes how we are to view our shared history. With the inclusion of erasure poetry to be displayed on the structure that uses a ghost frame as inspiration for its architecture, Historic St. Mary’s City provides an opportunity to change the dialogue around slavery in Southern Maryland.
Historical context: After the War of 1812, Americans were able to request reimbursement for any losses that occurred during the war. The archives at St. Mary’s College of Maryland include a deposition from the Brome Plantation, the land that is now St. Mary’s College, which was written by Robert Lilburn in 1821. Lilburn had written the piece about seven years after the war had ended. In the deposition, we can study more about former enslaved people of the plantation who self-emancipated by joining the British. The document says that in August 1814, “Admiral Cockburn landed at the home of Robert Lilburn with his men. And among them were two slaves, the property of John Mackall, named Harry Hammet and little Harry. The deponent asked them, ‘How did they like their new master?’ And they turned their backs on him and gave him no answer.” In another, the neighbors of Dr. Brome had a list of slaves, and among them are Harry Hammet and Harry Fox. This deposition says that about a few weeks after the slaves disappeared, British soldiers had arrived to the home of Benjamin Clocker and Susanna Bain, accompanied by the two former slaves Fox and Hammet. Harry Hammet raided and inspected the home under the authorization of Admiral Cockburn. These among bold acts of resistance are only a few examples of how the formerly enslaved had found redemption in their freedom, breaking free with a loud voice in society.
“A commemorative can be a reflective piece, but it can call you to action and make you think about something that is positive there. It can affect how you live your life going forward.”
-Former President Emerita Tuajuanda C. Jordan
- Purpose: It is to honor the story of resilience and creative problem-solving that defined the lives of the enslaved individuals that once lived in St. Mary’s City.
- Depiction: A one-room cabin with a lighting system that serves as a beacon of light. With the intention of standing the test of time, it was constructed with a steel framework clad with panels of polished mirror stainless steel and tropical hardwood. Its result is a stencil of light beams that portray and project the poetry on all sides of the monument.
- Dedicated: October 31, 2020
- Founders/Creators: Shane Allbritton and Norman Lee of RE:site studio and poet Quenton Baker.
- Funding: By the State of Maryland, private donors, the Maryland Heritage Areas Authority, Maryland State Arts Council, and Dr. and Mrs. Jeffrey J. Byrd.
- Important Historical Figures: John Mackall, Harry Hammet, Robert Lilburn, Harry Fox, Benjamin Clocker, Susanna Bain.
Sources: Maryland Office of Tourism; SMCM – Discovery of Slave Quarters; SMCM – About the Commemorative ; Atlas Obscura
Cardinal Gibbons Institute Marker
Location: Ridge MD 20680
Residing inside of the Cardinal Gibbons Memorial Park, the Cardinal Gibbons Institute Marker memorializes St. Mary’s County’s first Black high school which opened in 1924 in Ridge, MD. The marker features an inscribed pyramid detailing the school’s history which sits inside the school’s original, exposed cupola.
Named after donor Catholic Archbishop James Cardinal Gibbons of Baltimore, the Cardinal Gibbons Institute blended religious teachings with vocational education, and its early curriculum was modeled after the Tuskeegee Institute’s as its first two teachers were Tuskeegee graduates. The school operated from 1924-1967, with temporary closure from 1933-1936, but it ultimately closed due to financial difficulties after desegregation. The Cardinal Gibbons Institute was demolished in 1972.
- Depiction: A brick cupola originally from the structure (1924) labelled “C.G.I. Memorial” with a black, inscribed pyramid sitting on a brick post inside of the cupola.
- Dedicated: September 1, 1990
- Founders: Cardinal Gibbons Institute Memorial Committee, St. Peter Claver Church
- Important Historical Figures: Archbishop James Cardinal Gibbons of Baltimore
- Inscriptions:
“In November 1916, three Catholic priests, Fathers LaFarge, Emerick, and Matthews met with blacks from St. Mary’s county to discuss their plans to have a national industrial school. In May 1917, land was acquired for this school. Archbishop James Cardinal Gibbons of Baltimore, Maryland donated $8,000 towards the purchase of this land. Consequently, the new school was named after the Archbishop – Cardinal Gibbons Institute. The Knights of Columbus National Board of Directors donated $38,000 towards the erection of the school building in February 1922. Archbishop Michael J. Curley of Baltimore, Maryland approved the general plans for the institute. Cardinal Gibbons Institute was opened in September 1924 and dedicated in October 1924. Victor H. Daniel was hired as the institute’s first principal and his wife, Constance, was hired as its assistant principal. The institute’s first graduating class held its commencement in June 1929.”
Sources: The Historical Marker Database; Southern Maryland Equity in History Coalition;
Full list of spaces notated on the image of the map:
- Charles Albert Tindley Memorial Bruder Hill Building
- Location: Berlin, MD
- Further information: Beach, Bays, & Water Ways: Dr. Charles Albert Tindley
- Edythe M. Jolley Museum and Cultural Center
- Location: Cambridge, MD
- Further information: The Mace’s Lane Community Center, Inc. (MLCC)
- Doleman Black Heritage Museum
- Location: Hagerstown, MD
- Further information: Doleman Black Heritage Museum
- United States Colored Troops Memorial Monument
- Location: Lexington Park, MD
- Further information: Visit St. Mary’s, SoMD News, SoMD Equity in History Coalition, Historical Marker Database
- African-American Monument and Freedom Park
- Location: Lexington Park, MD
- Further information: SoMD Equity in History, Unified Committee for Afro-American Contributions
- Commemorative to Enslaved People of Southern Maryland
- Lexington Park, MD
- Further information: SMCM: About the Commemorative
- Historic Sotterley:
- Location: Hollywood, MD
- Further information: Historic Sotterley: Common Ground
- Reginald F. Lewis Museum
- Baltimore, MD
- Further information: Reginald F. Lewis Museum
- Kunta Kinte-Alex Haley Memorial
- Location: Annapolis, MD
- Further information: Kunta Kinte-Alex Haley Foundation; Kunta Kinte-Alex Haley Memorial Annapolis; Alex Haley
- Banneker-Douglass-Tubman Museum
- Location: Annapolis, MD
- Further information: https://bdmuseum.maryland.gov/ https://www.eyeonannapolis.net/2024/10/banneker-douglass-museum-to-be-renamed-in-honor-of-harriet-tubman-on-november-1/
- Frederick Douglass bronze statue & Frederick Douglass-Isaac Myers Maritime Park
- Location: Baltimore, MD
- Further information: Frederick Douglass (Baltimore, Maryland), Frederick Douglass-Isaac Myers Maritime Park — Living Classrooms Foundation
- Lillie Carroll Jackson Civil Rights Museum
- Location: Baltimore, MD
- Further information: Official Website, Maryland State Archives, Baltimore Heritage
- Josiah Henson Museum & Park
- Location: North Bethesda, MD
- Further information: National Park Service-Josiah Henson, Washington Post- Uncle Tom’s Cabin, ZigerSnead Architects- The Planning of Josiah Henson Park, Josiah Henson Museum Park Official Site, Montgomery County Planning Board- Josiah Henson Park
- Black Arts District
- Location: Baltimore, MD
- Further information: Black Arts District
- Camp Stanton
- Location: Hughesville, MD
- Further information: Camp Stanton | VisitMaryland.org, Camp Stanton | Charles County Tourism
- Columbia Air Center
- Location: Croom, MD
- Further information: Columbia Air Center
- Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad State Park and Visitor Center
- Location: Church Creek, MD
- Further information: Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Historical Park (U.S. National Park Service)
- Sugarland – historic Sugarland church
- Location: Poolesville, MD
- Further information: Sugarland Ethno-History Project
- Pomonkey High School
- Location: Indian Head, MD
- Further information: The Historical Marker Database – Pomonkey High School, Charles County Public Schools: Pomonkey High School Alumni Association holds centennial celebration
- Battle of Bladensburg Monument
- Location: Bladensburg, MD
- Further information: Charles Ball Autobiography (see display cabinet), The Historical Marker Database
- Cardinal Gibbons Institute Marker
- Location: Saint Inigoes, MD
- Further information: Visit St. Mary’s, MD Website; Southern Maryland Equity in History Coalition
- Drayden African American Schoolhouse
- Location: Drayden, MD
- Further information: St. Mary’s County Government – Museum Division