In January of 1866, with the devastation of the Civil War far fromassuaged in the slowly recuperating South, Fisk University made its homein abandoned Federal barracks near Nashville, Tennessee. The entireregion faced hardships after the conflict, but Southern blacks stillencountered what seemed to be insurmountable obstacles, even after theemancipation of slaves. Within five years of its opening, Fisk was in sucha dire financial situation, many expected its closure; however, in aneffort to raise funds for the university, Professor George L. White and ninestudents traveled the country performing in a musical ensemble knownas the Jubilee Singers. Their hard-won rise to fame led them to the WhiteHouse where they performed for President Ulysses S. Grant, and themoney they earned touring the country literally saved Fisk.The spirit of the first Jubilee Singers lives on at Fisk today, but it is auniversity much different than the one that opened in 1866. Today Fiskis an institution fully equipped for the challenges of the future, notedfor its excellence in academics, and celebrated for the achievements ofits distinguished alumni. Whether in the classroom, on the playing field,or on stage, Fisk students and faculty are torchbearers of achievementin all areas of life. It is their unyielding determination that is celebratedwithin these pages, as the university's history comes to life in vintagephotographs. Early classrooms, beloved professors, civic and socialorganizations, sporting events, famed alumni, and the Jubilee Singers areall included in this retrospective.
Author Rodney T. Cohen serves on the administrative staff of Fisk University, and his first title in the College History series was The Black Colleges of Atlanta. Cohen's keen interest in historically black colleges and universities, coupled with a deep appreciation for the people who work and study in them, make this, his second volume, a must-have for Fiskites past, present, and future.