African American History Class

by Destiny Cooper

Assistant Professor of History Garrett Looney is teaching the African American History class at Tabor this spring. He is currently pursuing a doctorate in history from Oklahoma State University. He has a master’s in Biblical Studies—New Testament and a

bachelor’s in geography.

Many aspects of history inspired Looney to become a history professor, with the main reason being his ever-increasing curiosity for history and missionary work. Back when Looney attended Denver Seminary in pursuit of his master’s, he found himself asking his professor many questions that were mind-boggling to him. He asked questions such as “Why are white Christians mainly Republican, while Black Christians are

Democratic?” It was as if

Looney was trying to find the meaning and understanding behind why certain people were what they were.

Looney also took part in missionary work. Yet again he found himself questioning how his missionary experience really impacted his ideas and beliefs. It was these questions that led him to study African American history.

Looney stated that one of his favorite Black historical figures is Martin Luther King Jr. because Dr. King represented a peaceful and nonviolent America. What Looney respects the most about him is how Dr. King carried himself in the face of discrimination, persecution, and racial differences.

Looney plans to have an extra credit project for all his students to partake in Black History Month. The project is to make a poster of any Black historical figure or event and explain the who, what, when, where and why it is important. A link for more information must be included

within the poster. For any further questions about the project, contact Prof. Looney at garrettlooney@tabor.edu.