Classical Languages 2nd Floor - Room 34, D’Ooge.

Title

Classical Languages 2nd Floor - Room 34, D’Ooge.

Description

This image depicts a Classical Languages class being taught by Benjamin D’Ooge, the head of the Latin and Greek Languages Department. In the second row, to the far left, a young Black woman can be seen looking directly into the camera. While the identity of the woman is not confirmed, she may be the granddaughter of H.P. Jacobs, a man who escaped from slavery and worked as a janitor at the Normal school before returning to the newly-free South and becoming one of the most influential Black Baptist preachers of the late 19th century. Jacobs’ children were the first Black students to attend the Michigan State Normal School, and when this photo was taken Jacobs’ granddaughter, Allie Louise DeHazen, was a student at the school.

Publisher

Gibson Studio

Subject

Black-and-white photography, College students, Women, Men, Professor, Classical languages, Books

Location

Michigan State Normal School, Ypsilanti, MI