A collection of essays written by Black alumni of Marquette University is being sold to benefit the Black Alumni Association Ralph H. Metcalfe, Sr. Scholarship Fund through Friday, May 14.
“Black Marquette — In Their Own Words: Overcoming Obstacles and Achieving Success,” edited by Valerie Wilson Reed with George Lowery, tells the story of Black alumni of Marquette. It chronicles the unique experience of Black students at Marquette and highlights their lives, struggles and successes over the years.
“This book is a labor of love—a love of Marquette and the love of the students who proudly attended the university,” Reed said in a statement. “‘Black Marquette’ is about Marquette pride. The pride of all African American alumni of Marquette University who have passed through the doors of Marquette Hall in search of an education; walking the campus blocks of Wisconsin Avenue and Wells Street seeking to find out who they are and who they strive to be.
“For many of the Black alumni, their successes have gone unnoticed and overlooked,” she added. “Their accomplishments, often hidden in the shadows, can now be celebrated in the light by all Marquette alumni. It is a reminder to all students that you can overcome any obstacles and achieve success.”
All proceeds of books sales made through the Marquette Office of University Advancement will benefit the Ralph H. Metcalfe, Sr. Scholarship Fund, according to a press release from Marquette University, and the intent of the scholarship is to provide two Marquette students of color with gifts of up to $2,500 each for the next academic year. The scholarship is designed to aid Black students who demonstrate financial need and Marquette values. One scholarship will be awarded to an Educational Opportunity Program student and one to a non-EOP student.
