John Newton Templeton 200th Year Anniversary

�� is celebrating the 200th year anniversary of John Newton Templeton's enrollment and graduation from ��. by commemorating the past, present, and future of his influence. John Newton Templeton (1807–1851) was born into slavery on the cotton plantation of Thomas and Anne Newton Williamson in South Carolina circa 1807. The family was emancipated in 1813 in accordance with Thomas’ will upon his death. Arriving in 1824, John Newton Templeton was the first Black graduate at �� in 1828.

Learn More about Key Dates and Milestones in Templeton's Life

John Newton Templeton: A Trailblazer

A Message from Governor DeWine

Tell Your Story

OHIO will honor John Newton Templeton's legacy through opportunities where we:

highlight the history of Black culture at OHIO
recognize contributions to and accomplishments of OHIO's Black community
build on the foundations created to leave a legacy for future generations

Spotlights

As we celebrate John Newton Templeton as the first Black graduate in ��, we recognize that "First" accomplishments are still being made. Tell us about your "First".

Are you the first in your family or in your OHIO program to reach a specific milestone?
What is your best memory from OHIO?
What legacy did you or do you want to leave at OHIO, in your community, or beyond?

These stories will be collected and shared on our website.

Quilt Project

Quilts have a long history in Appalachian and Black culture. Each one of us has a story to tell...about where we've been and where we plan to go. �� is asking for your help to create a community quilt (both physical and digital) to connect our stories. To help create the physical quilt, pick up your Story Packet at upcoming events or by visiting the Office of Diversity and Inclusion. The packet will contain a story card and a muslin cloth square that you can decorate in whatever way you want to represent your past, present, or future. Designed quilt squares will be turned in and assembled in a large community quilt. You can also submit a picture of your completed quilt square to be included in the digital quilt.

See Ideas for Design

Download Digital Quilt Square Template [PDF]

Don't Miss these Featured Events!

Look for the JNT table at these events to get your Story Packet

Black History at OHIO

Learn more about the important contributions of the Black community at OHIO.

Black History in Athens

Templeton-Blackburn Memorial Auditorium

Templeton-Blackburn Memorial Auditorium is named in honor of ��'s first Black graduates: John Newton Templeton (1828) and Martha Jane Hunley Blackburn (1916).
Check Out Templeton-Blackburn Alumni Memorial Auditorium
African American Alumni Heritage Wall

The African American Alumni Heritage Wall is located in the East Lobby of the Templeton-Blackburn Alumni Memorial Auditorium on ��’s historic College Green.
Learn More About the Wall
In the mid- to late 19th century, Athens was known for being part of the Underground Railroad as well as having its own prominent Black-owned schools and businesses, including the Berry Hotel.
Black History Month in the U.S.

In 1926, American historian Carter G. Woodson established "Negro History Week" during the second week of February. President Gerald Ford expanded the weeklong celebration to what is now Black History Month in 1976.
Explore Black History in Athens and Southeast ��
The Berry Hotel, owned and operated by Black entrepreneurs Edward Cornelius Berry and Martha (Mattie) Jane Berry, stood on Court Street in Athens from 1892-1974, and contained a restaurant, barbershop, coffee shop and ballroom.
The Dedication of Mt. Zion Baptist Church

The dedication of Mt. Zion Baptist Church in September 1909 was the culmination of four years of hard work by its freeborn and formerly enslaved Black congregants, many of whom literally provided the building labor.
Read More About the History of Mt. Zion Baptist Church
Athens and the Underground Railroad

White's Mill, then known as Herrold's Mill, was a station in Athens on the Underground Railroad, which served as a safe place for recently enslaved persons to rest and hide on their journey toward freedom.
Learn More About the Underground Railroad in Athens
African American Studies Begins at OHIO

On Dec. 1, 1968, a group presented then OHIO President Vernon Alden with a list of six demands, including that a Black curriculum with full University accreditation be created, administered and directed by Black professors and students.
Learn the History of African American Studies at OHIO

Explore Black History

�� Black History Pinterest Board

Peruse materials related to Black history & African-American student life at �� from collections of University Archives, Mahn Center for Archives & Special Collections, �� Libraries.
Black History Tour of Athens

This virtual tour focuses on achievements of African Americans in Athens, many of which emplaced the foundations for future successes of African Americans in and outside of our community.
Reading List from Alden Library

Alden Library offers a collection of general and subject-specific materials on anti-racism.

Committee Members

The Division of Diversity and Inclusion would like to thank JNT200 committee members for their contributions — including their time and energy — that ensure a meaningful commemoration. If you have ideas for events or resources, please reach out to a committee member.

Russell Morrow, Interim Vice President for Diversity and Inclusion, Office of Diversity and Inclusion
Caryn Bailey, Senior Director of Development, Major Giving, Development
Jenn Bowie, BSJ '94, MSC '99, Alumni Relations and Annual Giving
Tracy Carter, '93, John Newton Templeton Outstanding Senior Leader
Joshua Cosper, '11, Russ College of Engineering and Technology
Lisa Flowers-Clements, BS '92 and MEd '03, Director, Multicultural Center, Office of Diversity and Inclusion, John Newton Templeton Scholarship Recipient '88
Seth Flynn, Senior Director, Advancement Communications and Marketing, University Communications and Marketing
Courtney Kessel, MFA '12, Assistant Director for Experiential Learning - Provost Office
William Kimok, University Archivist And Records Manager, Library

Teresa McKenzie, '22, Accessibility and Veterans Services Coordinator at OHIO Southern
Seana Mcneal, Alumni
Shelli Minton, Web CMS Specialist and Training Supervisor, University Communications and Marketing
Robin Oliver, Vice President for University Communications and Marketing
Marcquis Parham, Assistant Director, Career and Employer Engagement, Provost Office
Rebecca Prater, Senior Director, Alumni Engagement, Alumni Relations
Lacey Rogers, BSVC '11, BA '11, M.Ed. '14, MPA '16, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility (DEIA) Coordinator, City of Athens
Megan Vogel, Chief of Staff, VP For Student Affairs
Byron Ward, '89 John Newton Templeton Outstanding Senior Leader. Current COB Executive Advisory Board, President's Advisory Council

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