Overshadowed, but Not Devalued: Harpur College, A Hidden Gem of Political Activism

Authors: Arly Massene, Giada Rosario, Tolulope Diyaolu

Field of Study: Social Sciences

Program Affiliation: Source Project Research Program

Faculty Mentors: Wendy Wall

Easel: 43

Timeslot: Midday

Abstract: The 1960s and 70s were a time of socio-political turmoil with the Civil Rights Movement and the Vietnam War, sparking demonstrations across the nation. Accounts of these movements generally highlight demonstrations in the South or at a handful of high-profile universities in the Northeast and West. This podcast analyzes the political engagement of students at Harpur College (now Binghamton University) during the 1960s and 1970s, introducing the political voices of students at smaller universities to national conversations. Objectives of this podcast include research on the difference in advocacy for both causes, as Harpur students supported the Civil Rights Movement both on and off campus, but anti-war protests drew many more participants. Utilizing local and university newspapers, oral histories, student records in Special Collections, and documents from the Broome County Historical Society, this project illuminates student voices and seeks to remind local residents and students of their history of political advocacy.