History 10.04: Dartmouth Black Lives

In my interview with Wallace Ford, who attended Dartmouth from 1966-1970, we began by discussing details of his early childhood. Having completed part of his education overseas, he recounts fond memories of living in Japan and Puerto Rico. Excelling academically, Wallace entered Dartmouth at sixteen-years old, an age that made him the youngest of his class. He spoke of his time at the college, including his charge to lead the Afro-American Society and inspiration to write articles for The Dartmouth. Not only did I learn more about the camaraderie that formed between Black upperclassmen and underclassmen, but of the importance of Black brotherhood. He made it clear that students strove for institutional change; demanding all administrative efforts focused on and created space and opportunities for Black students, professors, and alumni. An activist, Mr. Ford recalls protesting George Wallace's second visit to campus, which received national attention and heated letters from alums. A senior fellow, Wallace is one of the first Black students to give a commencement speech at Dartmouth. Towards the end of the interview, Mr. Ford speaks of the inspiration that led him to attend Harvard Law School and of his transition into teaching. Since leaving the college, he's been named a member of the faculty of the Department of Public Administration in the School of Business at Medgar Evers College in the City University of New York. Having served as Department Chair for four years, the school appointed him an Associate Professor with tenure. Having also taught Masters of Public and Business Administration candidates, he's published two novels and writes for his own column, "Point of View."

Link to the Full Interview: Click here