Hope, DuBois & Friendship in Historically Black Education

May 31, 2021

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During the COVID-19 shutdown, Moore’s dissertation research on the role of rituals in historically Black education led them to a reflection on friendship, prompted by the cancellation of planned observations at Morehouse College's ceremonies. Adapting to the circumstances, they turned to digital archives, particularly the Maroon Tiger newspaper, uncovering the institutional life through students' perspectives. Through this research, Moore discovered the significance of the friendship between Morehouse's first African American president, John Hope, and W.E.B. DuBois, shedding light on an overlooked aspect of Black education history. He contends that Hope's legacy was overshadowed by the debate between Booker T. Washington and DuBois, emphasizing the importance of honoring their contributions independently. By focusing on friendship, Moore seeks to broaden the narrative on historically Black education, highlighting its ensouling elements of meaning, hope, and love, inviting deeper appreciation and conversation in the post-pandemic era.

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