Livingstone College's Andrew Carnegie Library hosts exhibits and student competitions

Jahmier Harris, a freshman Biology major from Los Angeles, California, said, “I am so grateful to have this opportunity to share with my peers. We were all nervous, but this experience helped us to build self-awareness and confidence, and the preparation increased my love and appreciation for Livingstone and the HBCU experience.””

Livingstone College
701 W. Monroe St.
Salisbury, NC 28144
Phone: 704.216.6001
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Under the leadership of director Laura Adair Johnson, the Andrew Carnegie Library at Livingstone College has been filled with learning fun and adventure for students and the Rowan-Salisbury community. Since February 1st, visitors have been able to enjoy two exhibits: The Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History traveling exhibit and Exploring Human Origins: What does it mean to be human, and We Built This: Profiles of Black Architects and Builders in North Carolina.

As Livingstone College is celebrating its 145th Founder’s Day, the library also hosted its annual oratorical contest on Wednesday, February 14th. In contrast, the exhibits have made a difference in the increase of traffic in the library and an increase of interest in library activities. This year, a dozen students signed up to participate in the oratorical contest with the prompt, Dr. Joseph Charles Price was an infamous orator who once stated, “No matter how dark the night, I believe in the coming of the morning.” Considering the plight of HBCUs in America, why would Price comment as such? How is this quote relevant today? Present a five-seven minute oration that demonstrates your knowledge of the history of Livingstone College and understanding of the plight of HBCUs through the years for their contributions to the American fabric and upward mobility.

The first-place winner was senior and SGA President Matthew Clinton, whereas freshman class president Andrew Foster placed second. Other contestants were Jacobee Dorn, Tyrese Fields, Leandra Ellison, Jahmier Harris, Mia Mason, Alyssa Merideth, and Kamari Scales. Jahmier Harris, a freshman Biology major from Los Angeles, California, said, “I am so grateful to have this opportunity to share with my peers. We were all nervous, but this experience helped us to build self-awareness and confidence, and the preparation increased my love and appreciation for Livingstone and the HBCU experience.”

The event was moderated by Faculty Assembly Vice President Damein Greatheart and judged by English instructors Donna Girouard and Vashti Cofer and Circulation Librarian Gregory Hill.
Other members of Andrew Carnegie Library’s staff include Kim Allman, Jeffrey Cockerl, Obadiah Johnson, and Kieran Mouritsen.