The Black Student Union (BSU) at the College of the Holy Cross will celebrate the 45th anniversary of its founding this year with a conversation about the BSU’s beginnings which led to the book “Fraternity,” written by Diane Brady, on Feb. 18 at 7 p.m. in the Hogan Campus Center Ballroom. The event titled “Fraternity...the beginning” will feature a conversation with several of the BSU’s founders whose stories were the basis of the book including Theodore Wells ’72, one of the nation’s most successful defense attorneys; Eddie Jenkins ’72, former Miami Dolphins player; Arthur Martin ’70, first BSU president; and Malcolm Joseph ’71, medical director of CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield. The event, which will be moderated by BSU co-chairs Jonathan Casseus ’14 and Quinesha Tillman ’14, will be followed by a book signing. There will also be a book signing in the campus book store from 3 – 4 p.m.
“Fraternity” is a non-fiction account of the extraordinary group of black students who began their studies at the College in 1968, the book reveals the vision and determination of former president Rev. John Brooks, S.J., ’49, who recruited and mentored the 20 young men at a time when racial integration was sparking controversy on many campuses. He changed their lives, and the course of history.
Featured on the Today Show; named among the top 10 best non-fiction books of 2012 by The Plain Dealer newspaper in Cleveland, Ohio; and among the top 100 books of the year by the San Francisco Chronicle; “Fraternity” was also selected by Amazon Books’ editorial team as one of the top 100 overall best reads this year, and was nominated for an NAACP Image Award in the category of “Literary Work – Non-Fiction.”
Founded in 1968, following the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr., the BSU is committed to educating the Holy Cross community about the importance of heritage, the affirmation of identity and the legacy of achievement. Emphasizing the academic, cultural, social, and political development of its members, BSU aims to provide a support system for African American students and all members of the Holy Cross community by creating an environment that promotes leadership, embraces identity and encourages diversity.
Related Information
- Learn more about Fraternity
- Telegram & Gazette, Feb. 10: Black student unions evolve
