New Campus Exhibit Honors Legacy of African American Alumni

We are proud to present Black, Blue, & Gold, an exhibit designed to celebrate and preserve the impact and legacy of our many African American alumni. The exhibit, located in the lobby of Knott Hall was formally launched during the 2021 Frank P. Fischer Fund Benefit Luncheon on Sunday, Dec. 5.

“The seeds of this concept were planted over a year ago with the goal to thoughtfully and collaboratively showcase the contributions of our Black alumni,” said Bernie Bowers ’78, Director of Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion. “Their experiences are inspiring, and we are proud to share their unique history.”

The exhibit commences with the first four Black students to attend Loyola: Kenneth C. Montague ’60, civil servant and attorney; Timothy L. Porter ’64, attorney and musician; Clifford J. Pugh ’66, political campaigner and financier; and Carl F. Stokes ’68, elected official and school administrator. Portrait photography was provided by Donovan Eaton ’09. A portion is also devoted to Frank Fischer, who took bold steps toward recruiting and preparing students to attend Loyola via the Higher Achievement Program. Frank was also instrumental in identifying funding opportunities to ensure that those who might not otherwise have access to a Loyola education were fully supported.

Also featured in the exhibit is an artistic recreation of an iconic 1970 yearbook photo by Trez Fowlkes '21. In 2008, the photo appeared in The Baltimore Sun along with an article titled “4 Loyola Teens Found Identities,” which commemorated the 40th anniversary of the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

“The exhibit is a tremendous salute to the legacy of the African-American men who have matriculated at Loyola, “said Carl Stokes ’68. “From the first student and throughout the decades that have followed, we have seen the strength and steadfastness of the men who have become a part of an ongoing legacy, both on campus and in the larger world community. Current and future Dons will be inspired by those who have come before them and will indeed carry forward honoring the embodiment of men for others.”

As a living history exhibit, Black, Blue, & Gold will continue to grow and develop in size and scope over the years, showcasing the extraordinary and enduring contributions made by Loyola’s Black alumni, thus enriching our school community through the lens of their shared experience and impact on the institution.

We would like to thank all who supported and shared in the collaborative effort to conceive and execute this exhibit. We would also like to formally recognize the members of the committee whose vision inspired this project: Bernie Bowers ’78, Brandon Floyd ’09, Brant Hall ’98, Bernard Justis ’80, Carl Stokes ’68, and Wesley Wood ’88.