Medgar Evers College

Medgar Evers College
source
Name	Medgar Evers College
Established	1970
Type	Public
Parent	City University of New York
President	Dr. Patricia Ramsey
City	Brooklyn
State	New York
Country	United States
Campus	Urban
Website	www.mec.cuny.edu

Medgar Evers College. Medgar Evers College is a senior college of the City University of New York (CUNY) system located in the Crown Heights neighborhood of Brooklyn, New York City. Founded in 1970, it is named for Medgar Evers, the famed NAACP field secretary and civil rights activist who was assassinated in 1963. The college was established with a mission to provide accessible, high-quality education with a focus on social justice, community engagement, and serving a predominantly African American and Caribbean student body, embodying the values of the movement for which its namesake fought.

History and Founding

The establishment of Medgar Evers College was a direct result of community activism in Central Brooklyn during the late 1960s. Local leaders, including Shirley Chisholm, the first African American woman elected to the United States Congress, and other community organizations, demanded a public institution of higher learning to serve the educational needs of the area's largely Black and working-class residents. In 1968, the New York State Legislature passed legislation authorizing the creation of a new college within the City University of New York system. The college opened its doors to students in 1971, initially operating out of rented spaces before moving to its permanent campus. Its naming for Medgar Evers was a powerful symbolic act, linking the institution's identity to the struggle for racial equality and voting rights in the United States.

Academic Programs and Mission

Medgar Evers College offers a range of bachelor's degree and associate degree programs through its schools: the School of Business, the School of Liberal Arts and Education, and the School of Science, Health and Technology. Its academic mission emphasizes career preparation, critical thinking, and a commitment to addressing societal inequities. Notable programs include Nursing, Biology, Business Administration, Education, and Public Administration. The college's core curriculum is designed to foster an understanding of the African diaspora and social justice issues. It also hosts several specialized centers, such as the Center for Black Literature, which promotes the work of Black writers and scholars. The institution maintains an open admissions policy as part of the CUNY system, aligning with its founding principle of expanding educational access.

Role in the Civil Rights Movement

While founded after the peak of the 1960s Civil Rights Movement, Medgar Evers College is intrinsically a product and perpetuator of its ideals. The college serves as a living memorial to Medgar Evers and his work for desegregation and political empowerment. Academically, it integrates the study of civil rights history, African-American studies, and social policy into its coursework. The campus frequently serves as a forum for activism and dialogue on contemporary issues of racial justice, police brutality, and economic inequality, continuing the tradition of community mobilization that led to its creation. It functions as an anchor institution in Central Brooklyn, providing educational pathways as a tool for social mobility and community development, directly addressing systemic barriers highlighted by the movement.

Campus and Student Life

The college's main campus is situated on a compact, urban site at 1650 Bedford Avenue in Crown Heights. The campus includes modern facilities such as the School of Science, Health and Technology building, the Academic Building, and the Medgar Evers College Preparatory School, a highly regarded public secondary school located on site. Student life is active with numerous clubs, organizations, and student government associations. Cultural and political events are central, featuring speakers, artists, and activists connected to the African diaspora and social justice causes. The student body is diverse, with a high percentage of first-generation college students, reflecting the college's commitment to serving underrepresented populations.

Notable People and Legacy

Medgar Evers College has been associated with many notable individuals who reflect its mission. Distinguished faculty have included scholars like Dr. Brenda M. Greene, founder of the Center for Black Literature. Alumni have gone on to significant careers in public service, law, education, and the arts, contributing to their communities in the spirit of the college's namesake. The legacy of Medgar Evers is actively curated on campus through events, scholarships, and the college's overarching ethos. The institution stands as a testament to the power of community advocacy in the post-civil rights era, providing transformative education while honoring the sacrifice of Medgar Evers and the ongoing fight for civil and political rights in America.

Category:City University of New York Category:Universities and colleges in Brooklyn Category:Educational institutions established in 1970 Category:Medgar Evers