African American Alumni Heritage Wall

The African American Alumni Heritage Wall is located in the East Lobby of the Templeton-Blackburn Alumni Memorial Auditorium on Ohio University’s historic College Green. The auditorium was named after John Newton Templeton (Class of 1828) and Martha Jane Hunley Blackburn (Class of 1916) who were the first African American man and woman to graduate from Ohio University.

From Templeton and Blackburn to current alumni to today’s students, coming to Athens has changed lives, transformed dreams, and inspired so many to honor the opportunities won through the sacrifices and struggles of those who came before them. Graduates are proud of who they became at Ohio University, and their lives and achievements continue to make a difference to all.

African American graduates will always be part of the Templeton and Blackburn legacy, but how can this legacy be linked with future generations?

The Heritage Wall will ensure that Templeton and Blackburn's legacy is preserved by listing all African American alumni who want to be recognized, along with those individuals who were instrumental in helping them achieve their goal of attending and graduating from Ohio University. Graduates can make the same kind of difference to future generations of African American students at Ohio University.

Take a moment to think about your “story.” Who helped make your dream of a college education come true? Was it a parent, a grandparent or an uncle, a neighbor, or a friend? Who are the people who made it possible to overcome? These are the people who helped write your story, and they deserve to be honored.

John Newton Templeton

John Newton Templeton was born into slavery in South Carolina. After his emancipation in 1813 by Thomas and Anne Newton Williamson of South Carolina, John was brought to Ohio and educated by the Williamsons’ son, Rev. William Williamson. In 1824, John Newton Templeton entered Ohio University through arrangements made by Rev. Williamson and Rev. Robert Wilson, president of Ohio University. Young John lived and worked in the home of President Wilson (the Silas Bingham House, now the University’s Visitors Center on Richland Avenue) until his graduation in 1828. When Templeton received his bachelor’s degree, he became the fourth African American college graduate in the nation, and the first in the Midwest.
Martha Jane Hunley Blackburn

Ohio University’s first female African American graduate, Martha Jane Hunley Blackburn received her bachelor’s degree in education summa cum laude in 1916. Martha’s family also holds important historical ties to Ohio University, since her father-in-law, John R. Blackburn of Cincinnati, served as the first African American member of the University’s Board of Trustees from 1885-1892. Ohio University awarded Martha Jane Hunley Blackburn the Medal of Merit, one of the Alumni Association’s highest honors, in 1979 for her contributions to education.

The Heritage Wall is a touchstone for every African American who passes through Ohio University.

To be recognized on Ohio University’s African American Alumni Heritage Wall, please make a minimum gift of $100 to have one name inscribed, as well as a minimum $100 gift for each additional name.

Add your name to the wall

Heritage Wall Dedication

In 1999, Templeton-Blackburn Memorial Auditorium was renamed to honor the legacy of John Templeton and Martha Jane Hunley Blackburn. This was the first building named to honor African Americans on the Athens campus. The dedication of the African American Alumni Heritage Wall took place during Homecoming 1999 in the East Lobby of the Memorial Auditorium to extend upon the re-naming and legacy of Templeton and Blackburn. Then Ohio University President Robert Glidden and Trustee Patricia Ackerman unveiled the Heritage Wall and the names of all charter members. Additional names are placed on the Heritage Wall annually, and our ultimate goal is to eventually include all African American graduates of Ohio University in this ongoing commemoration.

“Legacies of John Newton Templeton, John R. Blackburn, and Martha Jane Hunley Blackburn at Ohio University are manifest in the successful matriculation and graduation of African American students for nearly two centuries. Embracing this heritage with pride, African American alumni named here celebrate the triumph of their individual accomplishments and honor those who shared in making them reality. May all who follow be inspired by their collective stories of challenge and achievement.”
— Patricia A. Ackerman ’66

Dr. Patricia A. Ackerman, BA - Class of 1966

Dr. Patricia Ackerman has dedicated her life to education. Over the course of her 35-year career, she taught in the K-12 system and served as a principal and an administrator. A steadfast advocate for underserved students, Dr. Ackerman founded the Taylor Academy in Cleveland Hts. to meet the unique needs of this population and established Indeed.WeCode in 2015 to help young African American women learn more about computer coding. Today, she is the executive director of the Chalkdust Education Foundation, a nonprofit organization that provides a coding summer camp for African American girls, professional development for K-12 educators, and programs for parents

Dr. Ackerman’s influence on the world of education extends to Ohio University, where her significant contributions of her time and expertise will have a far-reaching impact, forever. She was the first African American woman to serve on OHIO’s Board of Trustees and as its chair, and she was an influential member of the Presidential Search Committee that recommended the selection of Dr. Roderick McDavis as the university’s first African American president. Dr. Ackerman also completed terms on the Ohio Board of Regents and The Ohio University Foundation Board of Trustees. She co-founded the Ebony Bobcat Network, and her inspiration and dedication led to the creation of the African American Alumni Heritage Wall in the Memorial Auditorium and the Urban Scholars Program.

Members of the Wall Prior to 2023

Patricia A Ackerman, '66, honors Rev. Amos A. Ackerman, M. Ruth Ackerman, Ruth Y. Lewis, Chelise P. Lewis
Mrs. Yvonne M Adams
John E Addison, '63
Dawn Akua Ferdinand
Dr. Sashelle T Alexander, '96
Jean C Allen, '96, ‘98
Joseph T Allen, '69
Jeana C Allen
Joseph T Allen, '69
Jean H Allen-Jenkins, '68
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Delta Phi Chapter
Stacey J Anderson, BA '95, 1991-1995
Justin M Anderson, '98
Jay Anthony, '83
Stella L Antwine
Wilda R Arnold, '79
Althea P Artis, '84
Coach Bernita Ashford, '80
Stephanie G Ashford, '75
Charles D Atwater, '69
Ms. Jenean D Atwood Baynes
Bryant D Austin, '96, ‘99
Dexter A Bailey, Jr., '92, honors Dexter E. Bailey, Joan V. N. Bailey, Jannice M. Bailey, Kathy M. Bailey
Neal B Baker, '80, honors Robert Baker, Dorethia Baker
Huey L Ball, Jr., '67
Edwina Banks, '58
Lahugh Bankston, '69, ‘71, honors Leila B. Bankston, William Bankston, Sr.
Huley A Barnette, Jr., '74
Romaine B Bayless, '67
Sheila R Beale Jenkins, '70
Patricia Beavers, '68 CHSP
Patricia A Beavers, '68 BSHEc, "Thank you, Mother"
Charles S Beckwith, Jr., '71, honors C. Sterling Beckwith, Sr., Thelma Lee Beckwith
Alicia T Bell, '85
Johnny Benn, '65
Benita Bennett
Mrs. Janet K Benson
Linda R Bethel, '77
Rev. William J Blake, '75
Leslie K Blakemore, '70, honors Edward J. Blakemore, Anne H. Blakemore
Adonis J Bolden, 2001, 2005
Dr. Shawn A Bonner, '89
Aaron C Bonner, '90
Kecia S Bonner-Reeves, '89
William E Bowers, '85
Sandra J Boyd, '66
Renee Boykin, '87, honors The Ernst Boykin Sr. Family
Ms. Marsha L Bragg
Mr. Vincent L Briley
Stacey K Brinkley, '87, ‘92, honors Anthony "Tony" Singleton
Stacey K Brinkley, '87, ‘92, honors Daisey C. Brinkley, Donald Brinkley, Mildred Nixon, William Nixon
Laraunde N Brinkley, 2005 honors deceased parents: Michael L. Brinkley, Sherry L. Brinkley
Roberta Brown Rhodes, '67
Althea Brown, '75
John R Browne, '65, honors Helen C. Browne, William A. Browne
Vicki L Brown-Turner
Stephanie H Bryant, '75
Mrs. Claudette A Butcher
Mr. Alijah L Butcher, Jr.
Leon D Butler, '82
Cynthia C Calhoun, '88, Bertha Rasberry Calhoun
Vanessa B Calloway, '79
Monica Y Cannon, '90
Deborah S Carroll, '68
Charles P. Chambers, '66
Miles D Chapman, '87
Burell T Charity, '77
Dr. Francine C Childs, '97
Jerald Christian, '60
Naima R. Clarke
Lt. Col. Charles H Clarke, Jr., '33, honors Alpha Phi Alpha, Cassandra Hill, Dean Edwin C. Chubb, President Elmer Burritt Bryan
Gregory F Clifford, '71
Alan S Coleman, '72
Virgil E Collins, '70
Lillard Combs Jr.
David R Conway, '76
David W Cousins, '90
David W Cousins, '90
James M Crawford, '68
Garron L Croston, '94
Dr. Sylvester E Davis
Joseph E Davis, '89, honors Mr. and Mrs. Joe Sykes, Harold & Leah Davis
Lee Davis Willis
Chrystal D Denmark, '96
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Epsilon Iota Chapter, Chartered October 5, 1963
Robert E Diez, '68
Linda J Dobbs, '70
Lori E Donaldson, '95
Honorable Theresa Doss, '61
Dr. Gifford B Doxsee
Mrs. Mary C Doxsee
Heather M Dulaney, '96
Keith P Early, '77
Lt. Col., Jr. Albert G Elam, '77, honors
Mr., II John W. Euill
Ronda L Evans, '79
Sybil Olivia Felton & Mary Edwards
Jacqueline Ann G Fields, '75
Ed Fitzpatrick, '64
Reynell J Frazier, BSED '74
Terrence L Frazier, '99
Gregory S George
Amiso M George, '83
Mildred L Gilham Burns, '62
Faith F Gillon, '88
Pamela C Gipson, '74
Mrs. Ayanna A Glanton
Pamela Glason Thornton, '87, honors Anna Ely Glason, Earnie Glason, Sr., Herman Raymond Thornton, Jr.
Mr. Joseph B Gothard, II
Mr. Kevin W Grahn
Mrs. Carmella L Grahn
Sue C Greene-Buckner, '76
Mr. Eddie Gunn, III
Melinda A. Gyi, '91, honors Patricia Gyi, Maung Gyi
Ricardo D Hall, '91, ‘92
Andrea R Hall, '92, 94
Honoring Hairston, Allen, Robinson Family, Dr. John & Mrs. Rebecca Hairston
Patricia Hamilton Gyi, '89
Kitwana Mwamini Eshe Hankins, '97
Adrian Harpool
Leon M Harris, Jr., '83
Dawn T Harris, '83
Karyn Harris, '85, honors Nicole Harris, Janielle Harris
Jamaria A Harris-Frederick, '92
Natalie M Hatcher James, '99
Donald B Henley, Jr., '79, honors Donald B. Henley Sr., Joan T. Henley, Rosie Henley, William L. Martin
Gregory Hill, D.O., '86
Dr. Gregory and Judi C. Hill
Althea K Hill, '89
T Glenn Hill, '70
Mr. James H Hill, Jr.
Barbara E Hines-Smith, Ph.D., '92
Leon R Hogg, Sr., '68
Lawrence W Holbert, '75
Sherrill E Holbert, '78
Margaret P Hooker, '85, honors Odessa W. Hooker
Schylbea J Hopkins, '66
Roberta L Hopkins, Jr., '93
Ralph J Hopper, Jr., '63
Cornelius L Hopper, M.D., '56
Miss Faye A Houston
Paul L Hubbard, '65
Sharon Hubbard-McKinsey, '69
Christopher D Hunt, '84
Ms. Serena J Hunter
Samuel B Hunter, Jr., '98
Cleo Patricia I Jackson, '65
Jerry L Jackson, '85
Mr. Jerry Jackson, Mrs. Lenora Jackson, Dr. Anita Jackson, Mr. and Mrs. Arthur and Doris Grant
Terri L James, '80
The JB's, '75-'80, The Jefferson Brothers
Rashid Jelani, '79
Richard E Jenkins, '70
Mrs. Patricia Johnson Wainwright
Joyce C Johnson-Anderson, '89
Renette Johnson-Jobst, '89
Brian A Johnson-Jobst, '77, honors Portia L. Johnson
Melinda Jones
Erika C Jones, '98
Shelly L Jones, M.D., '84
Cecil Jones, Executive Masters, Business Administration
Monica S Jones, '91
Anthony J Jones, '90
Delbert W Jones, '68
Monica S Jones, '91
Alice Jones Rush, '57
Michael Keels, '94, honors Rosetta Keels, Paul Keels
Edwin Kelly, '70
Alice F Kennedy, '70 BSE
Evelyn L Kirby, '65
Robert L Knox, '79, honors Mr. & Mrs. Valma T. Knox
Kellie LaRae Armstead, '98
Grant F Latimore D.M.D, '59
Meritt M Latimore, '99
Grant F Latimore M.D., '59
Kevin Lawrence Donaldson, 2000
Theodore F Laws, Jr., '71
Constance Lawson-Davis, '67, honors Dr. J. Ranaldo Lawson '65, James R. Lawson, Cora P. Lawson
Dameka (Nickerson) Lee '00
Sherman D Lee, '98
Michael E Leonard, '73, ‘75
Ms. Denise Lester
Howard L Lewis, '77
Audrey Lewis
Valerie A Linson, '86
Mrs. Deborah C Long
David F Lowe, M.D., '93, honors C. Nina Lowe, John D. Lowe
Terry E Mann, '80, honors Marie Holt Robinson, Arthur L Manns
Doreen Martin Banks, '74, honors Presley Martin, Dorothy M Martin
Eustace P Matthews, '87, 90
Adrienne Y McCray, D.O., '92
Alfonso McCullough, '84
Ruth McDade-Walker, '78
Dr. Roderick J McDavis, '70, Deborah McDavis
Yvette McGee Brown, '82
Brian C McIntyre, '91, honors Genevieve H. McIntyre
Mrs. LaWanna S McKinley White
Shirley McWorter Moss, '57
Armana Milbry
Alisha Milbry
Mr. Paul Miller
Marilyn Miller, Jake Miller & Bessie Miller
Grace Miller Bergeron, '82, honors Juanita S. Miller
Grace Miller Bergeron, '82
Alvin G Mims, '75
Ms. Tanya M Mitchell, '91 B.B.A, honors Jerry J. and Myrtle L. Mitchell
Ms. Andrea M Montgomery
Genetta H Moore, '81
Cynthia R Moore, '86
Jennifer A Moore, 2007 BSJ
Victor R Moore, 2015 BSA
Dr. Donna Moore Ramsey
Lynn F Morgan, '69 BSE
Warren S Morris, '76
Lisa E Morris, '76
Pastor Walter S Moss, '77
Michelle Munn Bivins, '80, honors Janice Munn
Maurice Murrell, '89
Russel C Neal, Jr., '84
Paula T Newman, '94, honors The Boyd/ Moore Families
Everett L Overstreet, '67, honors Jo Ann Gregory Overstreet, Lorie Danielle Overstreet, Piper Sabrina Overstreet
Bea G Parker, '73
Darlene Patterson Spencer, '69
Paul N Patton, '80
Charles L Patton, Jr., '72, honors Lillian Ward-Ramos
Darryl A Peal, '91
Connie Perdreau, '72
Erek Perry, '95, honors Ay Perry
Norma L Pierson, '97
Sharon D Pittman Groves
Tinalouise Polite, '84
Michael D Price, '80
Amelia B Prillerman Phillips, '78, honors Roland L. Phillips
Marlon Primes, ‘86 & Kathi Howard-Primes, '86
Karen T Pruitt, '77, honors John Taylor, Arletha H. Taylor, Michael V. Taylor
Roland D Pruitt, '80
Dr. Regina Randall Peal, '88, ‘90, ‘98
Dr. Regina Randall Peal, '88, ‘90, ‘98, honors Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Delta Phi Chapter- Chartered 1965
Lieutenant Randle, II, '76
Deborah L Rather, '73
Mr. Johnny M Reid, Jr.
Danette A Render, '77, honors Mr. & Mrs. Daniel Render
Brian V Rhodes, '75 BSEE
Dana P Richard, D.O., '84, 1st African American Graduate, College of Osteopathic Medicine
Lorraine Richardson, '68
Mrs. Sharon S Richardson
Dr. Georgenna Riley
Dr. Shirley T Robinson
Dr. Darlene L Robinson Haymon Currie, '72
Dr. Vattel T Rose
Veanise R Ruffin Moore, '79 BSJ
Yolanda Salter, '89, Yvonne Salter honors father, Mr. Elliot Salter
Mr. Michael E Samuels
Mr. Lee A Saunders
William C Shaffer, '82
William I Shelton, Jr., '82
Taraja K Shephard, 2006
Brenda A Shepherd, '76
Richard K Shields, '96
Marilyn L Shropshire-Seward, '74, honors Mr. and Mrs. Robert Shropshire, Jr.
Sigma Gamma Rhomeo Club
Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. Eta Psi Chapter
Mrs. Erica L Silas
Misty D Singer, '94, honors Enos L. Singer
Anthony J Singleton, '86
Joyce (Cookie) Sizemore James, '74, honors William and Dorothy Sizemore
Marc V Smith, '80, honors Mrs. Berta L. Smith, Mr. Richard "Red Boy" Smith
Colonel, USA Ret. John W Smith, '56
Gilbert Smith, '85, honors Era Smith
Wayman R Smith, '77
Gerald K Smith, '66, Ed.D.
Ronald E Smith, M.D., '67
Carl R. Smith III '92
Lillian Spears-Hall, '61
Donna R Stafford, '67
Daniella M Stevens, '73
Jennifer L Stevens, '97
Anne Stover Brabson, '61
Michael A Strickland, '80
Wilfred Stubbs, Jr., '71
Rev. Dr. Jack Sullivan, Jr., '83 B.S. Interpersonal Communication
Michael B Swain, '87, honors The Sigma Gamma Rhomeo Club, "To Whom Much Is Given, Much Is Required"
Andre R Tang, '84
Thomas N Tang, Jr., '80
Dr. Gwendolyn C Taylor, '89, ‘97, honors Dollie Taylor, Standard Bearer; Daniel Taylor, Provider; Agnes Galbreath, Way Maker; Constance R. Taylor, Visionary
Gail D Taylor, '89
Michael E Taylor
Dr. Temujin TJ Taylor, '91
Thomas J. Teague Jr. '91 & '93
Shannon D. Teague '92 & '94
David A Terry, '90
Shelley E Tims, '91, honors Madeline J. Tims-Harris, Joe D. Tims
Lola Tubi, '97
Hélène V. Tyler, '75, Mariama Y. Tyler ‘96
Dr. Martin T Tyler, '64
Col. Frank E Underwood, '54
Cecile Vaughters-Johnson, '75, honors Alans H. Vaughters, '50, Vivian Stevens Vaughters, '50
Ann Wagner Hill, '68
Gail C Walker, '77
Gwendolyn M Walker, '74
Lon G Walls, '72, honors Luna M. Walls
Brian D Walton, '82
Frederick S Walton, '73, ‘78
Derek C Warner
Susan Watson Turner, '79
Barbara L Watson Turner, '74
Phyllis D Weaver Cummings, '71
Johnny S Webb, '80, honors Anthony Webb
Anthony Webb, '76 & Johnny Webb, ’80 honors James Rushin
West Palm Beach Family Doctors
Dr. Jason B. White, '01, '02 & '11
Linda P White, '80
Melinda White, '91 & Clarence White
Charles Whitman Jones, '42, honors Jesse Milton Jones
Melvin F Williams, '80
Sheila Y Williams, '78, honors Daniel Williams
Miss Thelma D Williams
Andre M Williams, '98
Kenneth G Williams, '78
Melissa R Wilson, '96
Mrs. Jacqueline Wyant Harris
William Young, Jr., '90, honors William Young, Sr., Silda Young

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Info for:

Log In

Locations

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John Newton Templeton

Martha Jane Hunley Blackburn

The Heritage Wall is a touchstone for every African American who passes through Ohio University.

Heritage Wall Dedication

Dr. Patricia A. Ackerman, BA - Class of 1966

Members of the Wall Prior to 2023

African American Alumni Heritage Wall

John Newton Templeton

Martha Jane Hunley Blackburn

The Heritage Wall is a touchstone for every African American who passes through Ohio University.

Heritage Wall Dedication

Dr. Patricia A. Ackerman, BA - Class of 1966

Heritage Wall

Historical

Excellence

Relationships

Inspiration

Talent

Aspiration

Guidance

Education

Members of the Wall Prior to 2023