Black History at Tabor

Black History of Tabor

by Shea Sutherland

Students, faculty and staff of varying backgrounds have come and gone since the founding of Tabor College in 1908.

“The first Black students at Tabor came from the North Carolina Mennonite Brethren District

Conference in 1944 and 1945,” said Peggy Goertzen, director and archivist of the Center of Mennonite

Brethren Studies. “Some of their names include

Wyoming Horton, Lily Mae Jackson and Leroy Hartso.” recruiting Black students by serving as the Minority Service coordinator, calling for their representation on Student Senate, and assisting Tabor’s first Multicultural Student Union in 1977.

“Donald and his wife, Helen, were dearly loved and influential,” said Goertzen.

Govan’s impact laid a path for future students and staff to have influence as well, for example, a student named Jim Elam.

In honor of Black History Month, there are several individuals of color that have had great influence throughout Tabor’s history.

Morris Hatton is one particular individual--a past music major and singer under the direction of Paul Wohlgemuth, Hatton graduated in 1972.

Goertzen said Hatton was later appointed to the Tabor College Board of Directors, serving from 2003 to 2007.

Five years after Hatton’s graduation, Donald Govan made history as the first Black faculty member in 1977. Govan played a large role in

Goertzen said Elam was originally recruited to play football and found the Lord his freshman year.

Elam later returned to Tabor, where he put his calling from God into action. He served as the assistant dean of students, men’s resident director, assistant football coach and MSU adviser.

“Jim encompassed a strong testimony that allowed him to relate well to others,” said Goertzen.

Jim Elam, Morris Hatton and Donald Govan have left a mark on Tabor’s history, along with so many others, shaping today’s students, faculty and staff.