Temple University’s Charles L. Blockson Afro-American Collection recently celebrated 40 years of honoring African and Black American history.
Commemorated through an exclusive event held on Dec. 11 at the university’s Charles Library, the collection’s 40-year milestone was celebrated with visits from state Sen. Sharif Street, chair of the Mayor’s Commission on African and Caribbean Immigrant Affairs, Jannie Blackwell and curator of the collection, Diane Turner.
Blockson’s own daughter, Noelle P. Blockson, was also there to celebrate the collection’s anniversary.
“We are enthusiastically committed to continuing Mr. Blockson’s legacy,” said Turner in a statement. “Mr. Blockson used to say all the time that it’s not about him. It’s not about any of us. It’s about generations to come who will have access to a record of the global Black experience.”
Blockson first began the university’s collection in 1984 when he donated nearly 20,000 artifacts he had collected to honor Black history.
Celebrate the 40th Anniversary of the
— Charles L. Blockson Afro-American Collection (@BlocksonTU) November 26, 2024
Charles L. Blockson Afro-American Collection on Giving Tuesdayhttps://t.co/Ir6EOGt5TA pic.twitter.com/JQeIg1wMgd
The late author and historian initially began compiling a collection of items and research as a child when a substitute teacher told him that Black Americans “had no history and were born to serve white people.”
Beginning initially with books found at antique shops, the Salvation Army and church bazaars, Blockson’s collection expanded to include items owned by abolitionist Harriet Tubman, first edition copies of W.E.B. Dubois’ writings, a first edition copy of William Still’s “The Underground Railroad Records” and jazz recordings of the late musician, saxophonist Grover Washinton Jr.
Over the years, the collection has expanded to include over 700,000 artifacts on display.
Alongside the Charles L. Blockson Afro-American Collection at Temple University, Blockson has also helped preserve African and Black American history by creating the Charles L. Blockson Collection of African-Americana and the African Diaspora at Pennsylvania State University.
With artifacts dating all the way back to 1632, the collection includes items to commemorate activist Pauline A. Young, newspapers curated by Black Panther, musician Lena Horne and Black historical sites across the nation.
“It has been an incredible honor to watch it augment in recognition and volume over the years,” said Blockson’s daughter, Noelle, in an interview with Temple University. “It’s just been a beautiful, full-circle moment to see where it is today. Having people come from around the world to see it is amazing. I’m beyond proud and honored.”
