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Presentation on Early African-American History in Monrovia Featured at Museum
Education Apr 01, 2015
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Susie Ling at her lecture. – Photo by Ralph Walker
By Ralph Walker
Monrovia Historical Museum was transformed into a college lecture hall with Professor Susie Ling from Pasadena City College as the guest speaker last Sunday.
The diverse crowd had just under 100 people, some of whom were members of Professor Ling’s oral history research project on the early history of African-Americans in Monrovia.
The pain, challenges, and the triumphs of the people who left various parts of the South and headed West to Monrovia to seek new opportunities were featured.
Professor Ling’s lecture and slide presentation created a stir as people recalled faces, places, and events. For some, it brought joy and for others, pain (the early pioneers–the Fishers, John B. Adams, and others).
The story of Huntington Elementary and its role of segregation created some debate on the role of Almera Romney, principal of Huntington Elementary School. Did she hinder or help progress in the role of integration?
A very moving moment for me and the very attentive crowd was the story of the death of African-American Mark Edward Allen, who was 13 years old at the time (Nov. 16, 1971), who was arrested for suspicion of shoplifting, Police said Allen hanged himself in Monrovia City jail shortly after his arrest. Monrovia High School was closed for several days due to racial tension.
NAACP demanded a grand jury probe into the jail death. The American Nazi Party from El Monte held a rally in Library Park in Monrovia.
The death of Mark Edward Allen prompted 400 parents to meet at Monrovia High School and demand more Black policemen and Black counselors at Monrovia High school. Monthly seminars for teachers on racial problems were also on the agenda.
Professor Ling fielded various questions from the audience. She had created a thirst in the audience for more information. Time seemed to move at a rapid pace.
Professor Ling put a final challenge to the audience. This is just one chapter–who will document the next chapter? Will it be you?
