Straight University

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Straight University
Established: 1868- 1934
Type: Private
President: American Missionary Association
Location: New Orleans, Louisiana, USA

Straight University, after 1915 Straight College, was a historically black college that operated between 1868 and 1934 in New Orleans, Louisiana. It was founded by the American Missionary Association. The campus faced Canal Street, New Orleans between Tonti and Rocheblave Streets.

It received its name as recognition for Seymour Straight's initial endowment gift. Straight was a wealthy cheese manufacturer from Hudson, Ohio. In 1915, the name "Straight University" was changed to Straight College which represented the scope of the school's work more accurately. Missionary work was a core concern, which extended from New Orleans to Africa.

Throughout its history, Straight offered courses of study ranging from elementary- to college-level courses in music, law, and theology. In 1886, Straight discontinued the Law Department and began to focus on the liberal arts, industrial arts, and teacher training. The Law department is historically notable because blacks and whites were trained side by side. "It is an interesting fact of our 50 law graduates, 35 have been white".[1] The school struggled to provide its law students a proper research library. The students typically met for classes in the law professors offices."[2]

Graduates had an important role in bringing education and medical care to African-Americans during the early part of the 20th Century. Physician James W. Ames, for example, founded the first hospital for blacks in Detroit in 1910. Dunbar Hospital was created for physicians and patients of color, unable to practise or be admitted to Detroit hospitals operated by whites.[3]

In 1934, after experiencing financial difficulties, Straight College was merged with New Orleans University to form Dillard University.

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[edit] Notes

  1. ^ Alexander, W. S, D.D., "Straight University, New Orleans". The American Missionary, vol. 36, issue 8 (Aug 1882) (Accessed 9 June 2007)
  2. ^ Alexander, W. S, D.D., "Straight University, New Orleans". The American Missionary, vol. 36, issue 8 (Aug 1882) 234-235. (Accessed 9 June 2007)
  3. ^ Baulch, Vivian M. Detroit News Rearview Mirror. "How Detroit got its first black hospital" (accessed 9 June 2007)
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