A Walk to Remember

New Tour Explores African-American History on Campus

From its antebellum founding through the present day, the University of Maryland has been shaped by more than just those who wrote the official version of history. There was a time when students and visitors of color were outsiders here, but through the sacrifices of earlier pioneers—reflected in our campus fabric—each brick and blade of glass belongs to them as well.

That’s the message of "African-American History and the University of Maryland: A Campus Landmark Tour." Commissioned by the Office of Diversity and Inclusion, the new self-guided walking tour highlights campus landmarks associated with the impact of African Americans at the university and throughout history. It expands on a presentation that Kim Nickerson, assistant dean, equity administrator and diversity officer in the College of Behavioral and Social Sciences, has shared on campus, and draws from other campus reports; University Libraries; and other sources. The goal is to educate and inform the community, Nickerson says.

“I envision someone seeing this and feeling like they’re not alone or out of place,” he says.

Take the tour at umd.edu/blackhistorytour.