BY DR. HILLIARD L. LACKEY III
“How We Got Over,” a recent book published by President Emeritus John A. Peoples Jr. (Jackson State University, 1967–84), is a stimulating compilation of selected speeches extending from his address as valedictorian of the Jackson State Class of 1950 to his Jackson State Founders’ Day masterpiece in October 2007. Each speech, artfully crafted in language and style reflecting high intellectual thought, addresses a well-defined concern to a particular audience. The work as a whole delves deeply into the past, present and future of historically black colleges and universities. However, the overall message has implications for the entire academic world. Most enlightening is Peoples’ perspective on academic excellence and HBCUs. He sees excellence as essential to the collective advancement of African Americans in our modern, complex society. Members of the Jackson State family can trace the chronology of events at their alma mater through these speeches given on various occasions before, during and after Peoples’ service as president. Indeed, he encapsulates the university’s struggle “to survive and thrive,” maintain “a will to excellence,” and persistently promote the concepts of truth and freedom in teaching and learning. Current and future HBCU educators can benefit from Peoples’ perspective on the role those colleges and universities have played
and will continue to play in impacting American society and the African-American community. Significantly, Jackson State alumni will be inspired by the vivid accounts of the struggles through which the university has gone to arrive at its current status. HBCU faculties are privileged to gain an insight into intricacies of the teaching-learning process as it relates to black students. HBCU stakeholders of all stripes are treated to a bird’s-eye view of what a higher education visionary has seen, sees and foresees for their institutions. Finally, “How We Got Over” has several speeches addressing the plight, if you will, and role of the African-American male. The HBCU, in the “gospel according to Peoples,” may not be the panacea for addressing all challenges affecting African Americans; nonetheless, these institutions have proved themselves equal to or better than their counterpart white institutions in providing the essential corps of professionals on the current scene in America. Most importantly, Jackson State has come to the forefront in providing education in a multitude of fields for students from all parts of this nation. This scholarly work maps the path that Jackson State University has taken to become the bastion for truth and freedom that it is today. Having personally known and worked with this revered educator throughout my student years and my professional career, I recommend this book as required reading for all
Jackson State alumni. Some of these speeches were made when I was in the audience as a student, colleague or alumnus. I can testify that throughout his academic career, Peoples’ leitmotif (recurrent theme), with regards to his affection for students, faculty and alumni, stems from “The Holy Bible” (John 8:32 KJV), “And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” Dr. Hilliard L. Lackey III is president of the Jackson State University National Alumni Association Inc.
Copies of “How We Got Over” can be purchased for $21 at the JSU Bookstore on campus or online at the www.jsunaa.com. An additional $4 should be added to cover shipping and handling costs for mailed copies. For more information, call 601-979-2281. Net proceeds will be contributed to the John A. Peoples Endowed Scholarship and the JSU National Alumni Association’s $1 million pledge to the Campaign for Jackson State.