This page includes a selection of Northern Review (ONU's student newspaper since 1915) articles, letters to the editor, and editorials that document the voices of Black students, staff, and faculty from the ONU community. Their fist hand accounts can be both inspiring and difficult to read, and ultimately they all offer important insights into Ohio Northern and Black history. The digitized articles included here are not intended to represent the complete run of Black voices that have appeared in the newspaper. The Northern Review and other historic materials that document the history of ONU are publicly available though the ONU Archives located in Heterick Memorial Library.
Richard Carter, 1955
- Richard Carter, letter to the editor, Northern Review, November 8, 1955.
In response to a racist joke published in the October 24, 1955 Northern Review, sophomore student Richard Carter challenges the inclusion of the joke and its role in propagating racial stereotypes to the largely white ONU community.
Deborah Adrine, 1964
- Deborah Adrine, letter to the editor, Northern Review, January 14, 1964
Reflecting on a question raised in chapel about the 1964 Philadelphia Mummers Parade, freshman student Deborah Adrine explains her evolving thoughts on the role of blackface performances, civil demonstrations, and racial tolerance.
Willie Longshore, 1964
- "ONU Art Professor Runs for Office in Democratic Primary," Northern Review, January 28, 1964.
ONU Professor of Art (and former ONU student/future ONU Assistant to the President) Willie Longshore talks about his time as a student at college student, his involvement in politics, and his campaign for the Ohio House of Representatives.
Arthur D. Jackson Jr., 1964
- "Segregation Policy Fouls Choir Southern Concert," Northern Review, February 18, 1964.
ONU senior and Chorus-Choir member Arthur Jackson details the cancellation of a 1964 ONU Chorus-Choir concert in Florida due a church’s refusal to allow him to perform with the white choir members due to the color of his skin.
Sam Brewer, Ted Coleman, and Bill (Hopie) Cotten, 1968
- "Frank Interview With Three ONU Students Reveals Race Problems," Northern Review, January 23, 1968.A week after MLK Jr.’s historic visit to campus, three ONU students agreed to an interview with the Northern Review to share their perspectives on race relations in America and at ONU, as well as their own experiences of dealing with racism.
Union of Black Students (Pictured, Arthur D. Jackson, Jr. - An UBS Spokesperson), 1968
- "ONU President Replies to Union's Requests," Northern Review, May 28, 1968.
In the aftermath of MLK Jr.’s assassination, and “in an attempt to better the racial situation on campus,” a group of Black students formed the Union of Black Students. One of the group’s first actions was to present a list of seven requests to President Meyer.
Flori Brooks, Dianne Harrison, Gail Hodge, and Renee Phifer (Pictured, Gail Hodge, UBS President), 1969
- Flori Brooks, Dianne Harrison, Gail Hodge, and Renee Phifer, "Black Awareness," Northern Review, November 25, 1969.
Four female members of the Union of Black Students, including UBS President Gail Hodge, wrote an op-ed for the Northern Review touching on Black pride and their perspectives on campus life as Black students.
Aldonis Grimes, 1970
- "A Progress Report: U.B.S. Makes New Request; Center Tops List," Northern Review, October 6, 1970.
Not satisfied with the lack of progress on a University funded Cultural Center, the UBS continued to push for a center that would serve as a gathering place for Black students and as an educational resource for the larger ONU community (1970).
Sandy Washington, 1971
- "Shots fired; UBS house damaged," Northern Review,, January 25, 1971.
During the 1970 Thanksgiving Break, three windows of the not yet opened Black Culture Center were shot through by a small caliber weapon. In late January, Sandy Washington expressed UBS’s frustration with the lack of progress in the investigation.
John Gwinn, 1972
- "Gwinn receives degree after 26 years of study," Northern Review, September 18, 1972.
After earning his bachelor’s degree after 26 years of study in 1972, Director of Financial Aid John Gwinn reflects on his Lima roots, his academic journey, and his desire to help working class and Black students attend college.
- John Gwinn, 1987Read more of John Gwinn's words from the 1987 Northern Review article "King's visit remembered."
Bill Orr, 1977
- "CBS works to improve black-white relations," Northern Review, October 17, 1977.
In 1977, a key focus of ONU’s Concerned Black Students (CBS) group was to provide increased opportunities for black and white students to interact “and get to know each other through campus and community activities.”
Howard Ward, 1978
- "Consistency: Goal of Residence Life," Northern Review, September 18, 1978.
As the new Asst Director of Residence Life, Howard Ward shared his thoughts on his role in the Office of Student Life, his perspective on being a Black administrator at ONU, and his desire to see an increase in minority student enrollment.
Robin Daniell, 1985
- Robin Q. Daniell, Letter to the editor, Northern Review, December 17, 1985.
In response to a publicity campaign for a 1985 performance of The Foreigner that involved the public display of a life-size model in KKK robes, Robin Daniell expressed her anger at the lack of respect shown towards Black members of campus.
Kevin Lamarr Jones, 1986
- Kevin Lamarr Jones, "MLK -- What He Means to Me," Northern Review, January 14, 1986.
One week prior to the observance of the first MLK Jr. Day (January 20, 1986), Northern Review report Kevin Lamarr Jones reflected on what MLK Jr. meant to him, and how he should inspire all Americans to work for equality.
Premala Wilson and J. Lindsay Florence (Pictured, Premala Wilson, former BSU President/Student Senate Vice-President elect), 1986
- "This Week is Black Awareness," Northern Review, February 4, 1986.
In anticipation of ONU’s 1986 Black Awareness Week, Black Student Union members J. Lindsey Florence and Premala Wilson discuss the value of the week, scheduled events, and what equality means to them.
John Gwinn, 1987
- "King's Visit Remembered," Northern Review, January 20, 1987.
Nearly 20 years after MLK Jr.’s visit to ONU, Director of Minority Affairs John Gwinn (who was a student at the time) reflected on King’s vision and legacy, local reaction to King, and his own life’s journey.
- John Gwinn, 1972Read more of John Gwinn's words from the 1972 Northern Review article "Gwinn receives degree after 26 years of study."