Digging in an archive is sort of like entering a waking dream. There’s something about physically holding an object from another moment in time—something with meaning, with history, an object worth saving. It sets off the imagination. And when you come back from the past, you can feel the object resonate in the present. Throughout this piece, I invite you to look at these archival images I’ve selected as you read. As you read the narrative that I’ve brought together in my research, it can be just as powerful for you to view the images and documents yourself- to see the physicality of protest, to read the demands of those who fought for change, and put yourself in the year 1969.
I have been learning so much from this series! This nicely comes together as a visual and written narrative. Can’t wait for the next article.
Great name!
This article offers a wealth of information. The way your findings in the archives are involved into the narrative of your article is fascinating. I found myself slowing down to view each photo and going off in all different directions myself! Thank you for inviting me to do that. The questions offered at the end are provocative. Specifically, are colleges “truly institutions of learning and free thought?” The events you have uncovered that took place at QC is a testament to how deeply complex an answer to such a question is. The method of using history and the archives to ask broader questions is important. Looking forward to reading more.
Interesting reading. I was in my junior year during the events of 1969. There were 60,000 total students enrolled, day and night. Majority watched this occur, passively.
Where is part 2?
While I was not arrested, my leadership in the demonstration led to the pre-medicL advisor’s refusal to give me the letter of support required to complete an application to medical school thereby effectively ending an aspiration I had since I was 5 years old. Professor of English Henry Lesnick was arrested ih the protests and was subsequently terminated, ostensibly not on account of his participating in the protest but because his arrest constituted
moral turpitude. He currently teaches at Hostos Community College. Dr Delaney was ultimately rehired.