African-American History at Ferris State

The transcript details the speaker's journey in uncovering the history of African-American students at Ferris State University. Initially unaware of the full extent of this history, the speaker embarks on a research project that reveals the significant contributions of these students, particularly those from Hampton, Virginia, who attended Ferris during the Jim Crow era. The narrative highlights the achievements of notable figures like Belford B. Lawson and Percival L. Credits, and emphasizes the role of education and art in understanding and preserving history. The speaker reflects on the legacy of Woodbridge Nathan Ferris and the importance of education for all.

What was the speaker's initial knowledge about African-American history at Ferris State University?

• Extensive and detailed

• Limited and sometimes incorrect

• Based on personal experiences

• Non-existent

Who was Gideon Smith in the context of Ferris State University?

• The first African-American student at Ferris

• A famous artist

• A sociology professor

• A civil rights leader

What role did art play according to the speaker?

• It was a distraction from education

• It was only for decoration

• It reflected the community's attitudes and values

• It was irrelevant to the community

What was Franklin Hughes' role in the project?

• He was the artist painting Gideon Smith

• He conducted research to find photographs of Gideon Smith

• He wrote a book about Ferris

• He was a student at Ferris

Why did students from Hampton, Virginia, travel to Ferris Institute?

• To participate in sports

• To escape the cold weather

• To find better job opportunities

• To enroll in college programs due to Jim Crow laws in the South

What is the significance of the book 'Pace to Rise'?

• It is a collection of poems

• It is a guidebook for new students

• It documents the achievements of Jim Crow era students at Ferris

• It is a novel about Ferris State University

Who was Belford B. Lawson?

• A famous artist

• The first African-American to win a case before the U.S. Supreme Court

• A sociology professor

• A student at Ferris

What was Percival L. Credits known for?

• Being the first African-American professor at Ferris

• Leading a student protest

• Being a pioneering journalist and newspaper executive

• Writing a novel about Ferris

What was Woodbridge Nathan Ferris' vision for education?

• Education only for local residents

• Education only for the elite

• Education for international students only

• Education for all children, men, and women

What did the speaker emphasize about historical truths?

• They should be ignored

• They must be uncovered and presented

• They are irrelevant to education

• They should be kept secret