HBCU Grambling College 1964 Yearbook Showcasing Black Collegiate Life and Future NFL Players

HBCU Grambling College

Non-Paper Memorabilia

The Tiger, the official 1964 yearbook of Grambling College (now Grambling State University), a historically Black institution in Grambling, Louisiana. The yearbook is a hardcover volume measuring approximately 12 x 9 inches, bound in textured black cloth with the title and year embossed in gold on the front cover. The spine shows minor wear, but the binding remains tight. The interior pages are crisp, featuring black-and-white photographs and text on glossy paper.​

The yearbook belonged to a young woman named Pat and the inside front cover contains several handwritten inscriptions in blue ink, penned by roommates and friends, reflecting the camaraderie and aspirations of the ascendant group. One note reads, "To a friend who will always be remembered. Best wishes for a successful future." Another states, "May you bear in mine [sic], that studying for that education isn't all, you must have basic understanding of knowledge, patient, and most of all a pleasing personality. You have all of this but use it and you are bond to reach the "Top."" One woman signs her name as "Shirley (Kappa)", suggesting that Pat and her may have been sorority sisters in Alpha Kappa Alpha (AKA), a well established Black sorority at Grambling.

The yearbook is organized into sections highlighting various aspects of campus life, including academics, student organizations, athletics, and social events. The opening pages feature a formal portrait of President Ralph Waldo Emerson Jones, who led the college from 1936 to 1977, overseeing significant growth and development. Accompanying the portrait is a message from President Jones emphasizing the importance of education and leadership.​ The academic section showcases faculty portraits and departmental overviews, reflecting the institution's commitment to providing a diverse and comprehensive education. Notably, the education department is prominently featured, aligning with the college's historical focus on teacher training since awarding its first baccalaureate degree in elementary education in 1944. ​
Grambling State University. Student organizations are well-represented, with photographs and descriptions of groups such as the Student Government Association, the College Choir, and various fraternities and sororities. These images capture students engaged in meetings, performances, and community service projects, illustrating a vibrant campus life.​ The athletics section is particularly robust, reflecting Grambling's storied sports legacy. The football team, under the leadership of Coach Eddie Robinson, is prominently featured. Coach Robinson, who began his tenure in 1941, would become one of the most celebrated figures in college football history, leading the Tigers to numerous championships and mentoring players who would go on to professional careers. Photographs depict action shots from games, team portraits, and candid moments of players during practice sessions.​ The yearbook also documents social events such as the annual homecoming celebration, with images of the parade featuring elaborate floats, the coronation of the homecoming queen, and festive gatherings of alumni and students. These photographs convey the strong traditions and communal spirit that characterized Grambling College during this period.​

In 1960, Grambling College was the sole institution of higher learning available to African Americans in northern Louisiana, playing a crucial role in the education and advancement of Black students in the region. The college's emphasis on teacher education, as well as its expansion into sciences, liberal arts, and business, transformed it into a multipurpose institution, reflecting its commitment to addressing the diverse needs of its student body. Spine separating, minmal rubbing and fraying to covers, interior clean and sharp. Very good condition overall.

Item #21742

Price: $285.00