Trouble At Tuskegee University Getting Worse

September 2, 2016 Off By Michael
In the Beginning Tuskegee University had sound leadership. Photo: Tuskegee University Archives

In the Beginning Tuskegee University had sound and caring leadership.
Photo: Tuskegee University Archives

I feel so sad for what is happening at Tuskegee University and to the Pride that once defined the swift growing south. If I say anymore, my fellow alumni will accuse me of hating on the school that educated me. But I need to say more, do more, scream more; or go onto the campus and turn over a few tables like Christ did in the temple.

I feel like “John the Baptist,” crying in the wildness. It hurts to see the decline of this great institution, that is important to the entire community of color in this country. Indeed, it is important to people of colored around the globe.

It hurts!

It is depressing to watch her slowly drift away. Very few seem to care enough to speak up or to support those who dare to speak out. There are far too many sons and daughters of Tuskegee University who would criticize the critic rather than investigate what is happening on Booker T. Washington’s plantation.

The winds of collapse are blowing at TU, you know it and I know it, we all know it. Money is much needed, this is true, but money in the hands of a bad manager is like throwing dollar bills into  the wind. Surely, money will pay a multitude of bills, but money will not solve what ails Tuskegee.

Once, again, I have to be the person who breaks this sad news to my Tuskegee family. My Tuskegee friends, what the Institute lacks is leadership. Leadership that will raise money and not cut jobs. Leadership that will honor the service of employees who have given their entire adult life to preserving Tuskegee as a leader in the world of industry and trade.

It hurts to say, I no longer have faith in the sons and daughters of Booker T. Washington, to organize and wrestle their school away from the destructive grip of the Board of Trustees and the President.

I will not ask the alumni to rise up. So, Lewis Adams, Booker T. Washington and George Washington Carver, I hate to disturb your rest, but your school needs you to visit it today. Rise up, old dreamers of the legacy move through the campus today. Make your presence known. Rise up!

Harold Michael Harvey is an American novelist and essayist, the author of Paper puzzle and Justice in the Round; and the host of Beyond the Law with Harold Michael Harvey. He can be contacted at haroldmichaelharvey.com.