Author Description

"This book chronicles, contextualizes and organizes the underexplored history of African American memory at TCU. This work makes a new contribution by focusing specifically upon the understudied role of Blacks generally within TCU lore, whether it be through the student, staff, faculty, administrator or alumni perspective. TCU in Purple, White and Black investigates the meaning of image, the symbology of inclusion and the function of shared memory. Using the lens of Black interiority, this manuscript challenges collective assumptions about who and what is valued and venerated in a shared university setting by exploring the academic, athletic, artistic and cultural impact of a group of people that was not formally included for nearly the first century of TCU's existence. Anyone interested in in race relations, memory and North Texas history will find both the text and its layered analytical approach appealing. Readers can immediately relate to the historical and social significance of African Americans based upon the following distinct points: 1) the collective African American presence has steadily grown in significance and size, 2) chronicling the African American experience at TCU provides an opportunity to analyze and assess whether TCU is fulfilling its Vision in Action, and 3) charting TCU's growth in diversity reverberates greatly locally and regionally given TCU's established position in North Texas and its overall potential for influence"--