UMass Amherst Dean Visits CM for Black History Month Celebration

West Roxbury, Mass.— A dean from the University of Massachusetts Amherst presented a lecture to students at Catholic Memorial School last week as part of the school’s Black History Month celebration.

Over 80 students gathered to listen to Dr. Barbara Krauthamer, Dean of the College of Humanities & Fine Arts Graduate School at UMass Amherst, highlight the work of African American photographers during the Civil War Era.

In her lecture, she explained how photography served as an “important weapon” in the Civil War Era fight for abolition and freedom. She also encouraged students to ask critical questions about who took the photos and for what purpose.

“One of the questions you should always ask is, ‘Who is telling this person’s story,’” said Dr. Krauthamer.

“When the archivist or librarian recorded this story, they may have seen the African American as a servant. But that’s not how they would tell their own story.”

Dr. Krauthamer, who also teaches history at UMass, told students that African American photographers portrayed black subjects in a much different fashion than white photographers did.

“They know how they see themselves — as dignified and beautiful,” she said.

Before giving the student audience time to ask questions, Dr. Krauthamer examined how African American activists, such as Frederick Douglass, engaged the power of visual representation in their campaigns for freedom and civil rights.

Mr. Vincent Bradley, Chair of the History Department at CM, said Dr. Krauthamer’s lecture kept students engaged from beginning to end.

“I believe these events are a visible representation of the strength of our academic community,” said Mr. Bradley.

“[Dr. Krauthamer] complimented our students' participation. I think they asked a lot of good questions.”

The Organization of American Historians’ Distinguished Lectureship Program produced Dr. Krauthamer’s lecture. The program provides a bureau of over 600 historians dedicated to sharing American history.

Dr. Krauthamer’s lecture occurred a day after Mr. Denis Slaughter, Founding Director of the Boston Community Gospel Choir, visited CM to explain the role of black music in the American Civil Rights protests of the 1960s.

Mr. Bradley and Vice Principal Ms. Gloria Riley worked together to coordinate both events in preparation for Black History Month. When developing the programming for the month-long celebration, both educators focused on the intersection of the music and art with the Civil Rights Movement and African American history.

“They are designed to appeal to a broad range of student academic interests,” he said.

Close to 160 students participated in both events, according to Mr. Bradley.