Black Experience yearbook is published

April, 1988

A “Black Experience” yearbook was published by SYMBOL, a small group of African American students at Penn State. The yearbook included stories and photos of African American students, faculty, and staff; a history of African Americans at Penn State; art and poetry; and profiles of outstanding alumni. 

The group believed the yearbook would help promote Black unity and help the University’s recruitment efforts. According to Elizabeth A Lockett, president of SYMBOL, “Black people who know about the Black community at Penn State will be more likely to come here.” 

In addition to Lockett, the group was led by Christine Smith, Jennifer Mayo, Joyce Williams, Doug Wilson, and Maveta Thompson. 

SYMBOL (Strong Young Members of a Black Organized League) raised most of the money for the book through fundraisers.