Andrew Feiler, Without Regard to Sex, Race or Color: The Past, Present and Future of One Historically Black College

September 7, 2016

A large bell hangs in the clock tower overlooking the now quiet campus of Morris Brown College. Its inscription reads, in part, Dedicated to the Education of Youth, Without Regard to Sex, Race or Color. Founded by African Americans in 1881, Morris Brown lost its accreditation to financial pressures and scandal in 2002. Today its campus is largely abandoned. Andrew Feiler is a 1984 Penn Graduate who was granted unique access to Morris Brown’s hauntingly silent campus. A book of his work was recently published by the University of Georgia Press.

Feiler, whose photographs will be on display in the University Club’s Burrison Gallery, will speak about the proud past, challenging present and uncertain future for Morris Brown and for all of America’s historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs). His work offers a new way into the debate raging in our society about the essential role education has played as the foundation of the American Dream. That tradition and legacy are now at risk. Too many Americans cannot afford to go to college. Too many Americans are being crushed by college debt. Too many of these American dreams cannot be fully realized.

Feiler’s talk is sponsored by PASEF, The Department of Africana Studies, The Center for Africana Studies, and the Office of the Vice Provost for Faculty Affairs.

The lecture will be held from 12:00-1:30 p.m. in the Hourglass Room in the University Club in the Inn at Penn and is open to the public. Lunch is available for a modest cost.

Signed copies of his book will be available for purchase following the talk.