Special Collections and Archives

06/25/2026

02/23/2026

Today, we at the John Hope and Aurelia E. Franklin Library join the University in celebrating the birthday of Dr. W. E. B. Du Bois, known on campus as Du Bois Day.

A proud Fisk alumnus, Dr. Du Bois served the University both as a student and throughout his life as an engaged and dedicated alum. His scholarship, activism, and literary contributions continue to shape conversations around race, justice, and higher education across the globe.

We are honored to serve as stewards of the W. E. B. Du Bois Collection here in Special Collections. Currently on display in our reading room is an exhibit dedicated to his invaluable legacy, including original printing plates from The Souls of Black Folk—a monumental work that remains foundational in American intellectual history.
We invite you to visit and reflect on the enduring impact of Dr. Du Bois.
 
Special Collections is open Tuesday–Friday, 9:00 AM–4:00 PM.

Photos:
- DuBois Class Photo (1888)
- Centennial Edition of the Crisis (1968)
- DuBois’ Initiation into Phi Beta Kappa (1958)
- Announcement of DuBois’ speaking engagement
- Dr. Brandon Byrd, speaker for the 5th Annual DuBois Day (2026)
- DuBois Hall
💙💛 #1866

02/17/2026

The John hope and Aurelia E. Franklin Library join the nation in mourning the passing of the Rev. Jesse Jackson (October 8 1941- February 17 2026).

Rev. Jackson’s lifelong commitment to equality, voting rights, economic empowerment, and educational access left an indelible mark on our country and inspired generations of leaders, scholars, and activists. The Franklin Library recognizes the profound historical significance of Rev. Jackson’s life and legacy. His work intersects with many of the movements, individuals, and records preserved in our holdings, reminding us of the vital role we play in documenting struggles for freedom and the ongoing pursuit of equity. We honor Rev. Jackson’s enduring contributions and extend our deepest condolences to his family, colleagues, and all who were touched by his ministry and leadership. May his legacy continue to inspire reflection, scholarship, and action.

Here at Fisk, we remember Rev. Jackson for his steadfast support of the University, especially his powerful address at the 1971 Black Community Conference, where he spoke to more than 2,000 people gathered in the gymnasium.

02/13/2026

In 1930, when Arturo Schomburg came to Fisk University to curate and strengthen its Negro Collection, he helped lay the foundation for one of the nation’s most significant repositories of Black history. His work affirmed something powerful: our stories matter, and they deserve preservation.
Today, the John Hope and Aurelia E. Franklin Library continues that legacy. For nearly a century, we have safeguarded and shared the intellectual, cultural, and social history of people of African descent—serving Nashville and a global community of scholars and visitors.
As we celebrate 100 years of Black History Month, we honor more than 260 archival collections that hold generations of voices—brilliance, resilience, creativity, and community.
Want to explore Fisk’s Black history and beyond?
📍 Special Collections Reading Room
Second Floor, Franklin Library
Tuesday–Friday | 9 AM – 4 PM
Join us in celebrating a century of history—and the many chapters still being written. ❤️🖤💚

01/21/2026

Register Today!

Join the Fisk University John Hope and Aurelia E. Franklin Library for an upcoming transcribe-a-thon! This is a great opportunity to engage with primary source documents and contribute to make these records more accessible for future students and researchers!

10/21/2024

Join us for an inspiring Book Talk with Dr. Aisha Johnson on October 31st, 3-5 PM in the Appleton Room! Dr. Johnson will discuss her book, The African American Struggle for Library Equality, exploring the legacy of the Julius Rosenwald Fund. This event connects to our "Forging Future Pathways" project at Fisk, as we digitize the Julius Rosenwald Fund Archives, to preserve and share this important history. Don’t miss out!

02/14/2024

A campus friendship, built on a foundation of mutual respect and shared experiences, blossomed into love and marriage. Aurelia Elizabeth Whittington and John Hope Franklin, both Fisk Class of 1935.

Portrait of the couple by artist, Simmie Knox.

01/16/2024

Join us for a Transcribe-a-thon on January 24th at the Franklin Library as we celebrate the 150th Birthday of curator, bibliophile, and scholar Arturo Schomburg. Volunteers will have the unique opportunity to transcribe archival documents from the Fisk archives, shedding light on Schomburg's impactful tenure as the Curator of the Archives at Fisk. Students can register individually and as a team, earning Professional Development hours for their participation.
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