Life and Times of Martin David Jenkins
This is a biography of Martin David Jenkins, President of Morgan State College, who spearheaded changes in the way that America historically viewed privilege as a benefit and responsibility of racial superiority. He honed research skills to lay out a pathway for educators, the US military, and American psychologists to debunk fallacious policies that excluded African Americans and others labeled as "biological races" of presumed inferior intelligence. As a descendant of enslaved persons and sharecroppers, a son of The Great Migration, and a benefactor of integrated experiences, he was consumed by the economic disparities and lack of opportunity between Black and White people. He learned early the importance of education in disrupting such differences. Using methods of research, he was able to influence decision-makers and leaders to try harder to level the playing field for every person in the American democracy. The book introduces his parents, grandparents, and life-long influencers in his future decision-making. Through them, he recognizes the importance of being literate, informed, and involved in the civil rights of everyone. His positions at various HBCUs not only sharpened his intuition for uplifting others but also prepared him to accept the presidency of Morgan State College when it was offered to him in 1948. For twenty-two years, he educated young adults, guided their emerging decision-making and leadership, and set them free to assume their places in an egalitarian society they would be challenged to structure. Thousands of today's senior citizens continue to pass down to their descendants the wisdom of instructors who were committed to Martin Jenkins' way of individual uplift, total integration, and solutions to problems based on data, analysis, and synthesis.
360 Seiten
Hardcover
Erscheinungsdatum 03.03.2025
ISBN 9780578944036
Edward Smith, Jr. was born in Newark, New Jersey as the nation was entering a period of calmness and prosperity following World War II. His large family, like many participants of The Great Migration, was not to benefit from the economic upturns. Like many youths raised in poverty, he became involved with the crime and confusion of street life. Edward credits his father and Dr. Jenkins for redirecting his behaviors and providing expectations and encouragement to move in more socially and morally acceptable directions. Using lessons learned from both perspectives, Edward became a successful criminal lawyer and liquor commissioner in Baltimore City for forty-eight years. In retirement, he serves in volunteer positions in the community and college he loves.Rosemunde Goode Smith was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania during World War II. She was educated and graduated from the Archdiocese of Philadelphia's Catholic School. She received a B.S. in Elementary Education from Morgan State College under the leadership of Dr. Martin D. Jenkins. She later returned and received an M.S. in Administration and Supervision and an M.A. in History. Rosemunde Smith worked in the field of education in the Baltimore City Public Schools for forty years. During that time, she served as a teacher, supervisor, curriculum writer, specialist, and principal. She joined fellow alumni, Edward Smith, in completing his tribute to the college president so fondly remembered by fellow bears.