David Johnson

Exile and trial of the Campus Echo

A 1973 federal appeals court reinstated student paper after a two-year hiatus

The September 1971 memo from then-Chancellor Albert N. Whiting was clear enough: "I am here announcing that all funds for the publication of the Campus Echo have been temporarily suspended …"

Origins explored

Documents reveal NCCU’s early struggles

Both the struggle and character of N.C. Central University's founding days are revealed in recent archival documents provided to the Campus Echo. The documents, courtesy of the Rockefeller Archive Center in Sleepy Hollow, N.Y., provide a fascinating account of NCCU's first two decades ....

Family affairs, NCCU shares

Thinking of the “roaring 20s” conjures mental images of jazz legends like Duke Ellington and Louis Armstrong. As the good times came to an end and the Great Depression loomed just around the corner, at the North Carolina College for Negroes, a family tradition was  being born. The Williams’ clan boasts eleven NCCU alumni including aunts, cousins, and great-aunts.  2 comments

Echoes of NCCU, Durham history

As centennial approaches 1945 alumna shares her memories of University's past

Try to imagine N. C. Central University and Durham on a June spring day about 65 years ago. World War II is in its last days, Durham is considered the Black Wall Street and the North Carolina College for Negroes is holding its 20th commencement. The school’s motto: “I serve.” 1 comment

‘sha TAW kwa’

NCCU’s first name drawn from populist education movement

When you read that N.C. Central University was instituted in 1910 as the National Religious Training School Chautauqua, you've got to ask yourself: "What exactly does this ‘Chautauqua' refer to?"  "It translates into ‘meeting place,'" said Terry Huff, coordinator of University dimensions of learning.

54 years later, an Echo editor reflects

Shirley Temple James-Holliday pushed students, faculty to take activist stance

Shirley Temple James-Holliday, the 1956 editor of the Campus Echo newspaper, recently dusted off her memories of Chuck Berry, B. B. King and Billie Holiday to share with present-day Eagles.

Resurrecting black history

John Hope Franklin’s ‘From Slavery to Freedom’ stirs once again

As we come upon the one year anniversary of historian John Hope Franklin’s death, the recent release of the 9th edition of his epic book “From Slavery to Freedom: A History of African Americans” continues to fascinate scholars.

A pioneer of history in images

NCCU alumnus Alex Rivera’s photography now on display at art museum

The name Alex Rivera is synonymous with photojournalism. Well known for portraying the civil rights movement through his camera lens, he told stories the country would never forget.

'Fly high'

1959 alum brings past and present into focus

June 2, 1959 was the 45th annual commencement of the N.C. College at Durham, now N.C. Central University.

Shepard's dream lives for 'tweens

NCCU alums carry Shepard legacy at local middle school

It's not just our library that bears the name of N.C. Central University founder James E. Shepard. There's also a nearby middle school that carries his name.

Golden Eagles soar through 50 years

Class of 1959 inducted on University's 100th Centennial

N. C. Central University's 2009 Founder's Day Convocation saw the induction of the latest batch of alumni into the Golden Eagles Society.

William Becton Interview, Part 1 and Part 2

J. William Becton, a self-described "Durhamite," has been in the media mix for decades. From his early beginnings as the Campus Echo sports editor at N.C. Central University to serving as the "godfather" of the WTVD Minority Advisory Committee, Becton has been involved.

Calling all Real Eagles

Just 18 percent of faculty, staff on monthly deduction plan

 "Real Eagles Give Back," says the logo of the N.C. Central University Foundation. And the foundation sees the NCCU's centennial celebration as an opportunity to find a few more real Eagles. As part of its centennial initiative the foundation is turning to faculty and staff with an automatic payroll deduction plan entitled "Make it Maroon." "